
Well it’s been windy, hot, cold and everything in between and it’s at this time of year that we have plenty of our vocal students turning up to their lessons with crackly and sore throats, although for most of our young students it more than likely this has occurred from all the screaming at a one direction concert, rather than the weather. However, whatever the reason, here are some helpful tips for dealing with a sore, dry throat.
Getting plenty of sleep is important, not just for singing but for day-to-day life. If you’re feeling tired then your body will be exhausted and if your body is exhausted this means your diaphragm will be knackered. Coming to singing lessons tired will impact on how you sing during your lesson. You will not be using your diaphragm to its full potential and you will be ‘chest pulling,’ meaning to pull through the chest rather then push with the diaphragm. This is a BIG NO, NO. By ‘Chest Pulling’ not only are you preventing your throat from healing at all, you are straining and pulling the vocal folds which can lead to vocal damage. So, if you have had a late night the night before your lesson it is important to let your teacher know.
The next most important thing to remember is to drink plenty of fluids. I’m sure you have heard both Kalinda and myself talk about Pineapple Juice before. Pineapple Juice washes away all of the horrible mucus that shouldn’t be in your throat and it reduces muscle swelling. It is also great for people that suffer with sinus and is an excellent source of Vitamin C. Your pineapple juice should have NO ADDED SUGAR!
There is no such thing as too much water when it comes to a singer and their vocal health. However, drinking too much water that is too cold can constrict the vocal chords and contribute to damage within the vocal folds. Room temperature water is the key.
And thirdly, Honey. Honey has always been known as a natural remedy for vocal health and care. Manuka honey has amazing healing properties and can be used to treat cuts, boils, warts, eczema and a myriad of other injuries or diseases. It has even shown amazing results in the healing of Melanoma.
Manuka honey is harvested in New Zealand and is rated based on its quality. It is important to purchase the Manuka Honey in its rawest form, with a rating of at least 8+. Manuka honey can be found in a refined form at your local woolies but you are better off popping down to your local health food store to get the purest form with the highest quality rating.
Manuka honey helps to lubricate the mouth and throat; it provides a soothing affect on the muscles and the repairs damage to vocal folds.. It also allows the voice to recover when it has been damaged from strain. (Cough, Cough) – like one might receive at a One Direction concert.
Emma :)