What to Do When You Lose Your Voice: Effective Vocal Remedies
OK. we’ve all been there. Whether you overdid it at your rehearsal, screamed at a concert, or straight up got sick, your voice is not good and you’re probably very frustrated. So what do you do?
The first time this happened to me was from a virus that went straight for my voice- Ursula the Sea Witch style. I went down the research rabbit hole learning how to get it back. Every herb, steamer, tea, honey, enzyme, and massage technique, I was trying it.
So with the proper hydration, vocal rest, and herbal protocol, I was good to go by gig 1, and with some trial and error over the years, I found effective remedies that have been my go-to ever since. (Note: If your vocal issues are chronic and severe, please make an appointment with a professional laryngologist to get a vocal scope in addition to the steps listed here.)
Step 1: Vocal Rest
Yes, I know. The thing no singer wants to hear is to go on vocal rest. And yes, that means no talking either. The duration of your vocal rest is proportional to how tired the voice is. Use your judgment and make the sacrifice so you can heal your precious instrument. Do not whisper because excessive air can dry out your folds more. Text your friends, coworkers, or teachers that you are on voice rest and can only communicate in writing.
Step 2: Hydration
Proper hydration is crucial. Opt for room temperature or warm filtered water with electrolytes and drink consistently throughout the day. Aim for at least half your body weight in ounces per day to keep your vocal cords hydrated and healthy. Electrolytes play a crucial role in facilitating proper hydration by aiding the absorption of water into your cells, so don’t skip this step!
Here is my favorite that has the best ingredients and no sugar! REDMOND Re-Lyte Hydration Electrolyte Mix
Step 3: Steam Therapy
Steamers are invaluable tools for singers seeking optimal vocal health. By producing warm, humid steam, steamers effectively hydrate and soothe the vocal cords, reduce inflammation, clear phlegm and congestion, and alleviate vocal strain. Incorporating steam therapy into your vocal care routine can promote vocal relaxation and improve vocal quality, making it an essential practice for singers looking to maintain peak performance.
Here are the best steamers that I love.
Step 4: Natural Tinctures, Sprays, and Lozenges
Opt for natural remedies like herbal sprays and propolis to heal your voice. Be sure to check the ingredients and avoid products with harsh chemicals. For lozenges, choose options without menthol or artificial ingredients to maintain moisture in your throat. Two of nature’s anti-inflammatories can actually be found in papaya and pineapple! Papaya enzyme and Bromelain are quite effective when trying to reduce swelling in your vocal folds! Here are the most effective sprays and lozenges I love.
Step 5: Anti-Inflammatory Teas
Soothe your vocal cords with herbal teas specially formulated to reduce swelling and cut through phlegm. Look for teas containing licorice root, slippery elm, or marshmallow root. Avoid caffeinated teas, as they can dry out your throat.
Here is the tea that has it all and needs to be in every singer’s cabinet!
Add some ginger crystals to help the taste and boost the anti-inflammatory magic
Step 6: Raw Honey
Raw natural honey is a powerhouse ingredient renowned for its exceptional benefits for vocal health. Packed with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, raw honey soothes and moisturizes the vocal cords, providing relief from irritation and inflammation. Its sticky consistency forms a protective barrier, coating the throat and alleviating discomfort caused by overuse or strain.
Additionally, honey's natural sweetness can help to naturally lubricate the vocal cords, enhancing vocal clarity and reducing vocal fatigue. Here are some healing and delicious honey I love:
Step 7: Laryngeal Massage
Release tension in your throat, tongue, and jaw with gentle massage techniques. Use lotion or massage oil to slowly rub around your throat and neck, focusing on tight spots. You can find demonstrations on Instagram or YouTube to guide you through the process.
Step 8: Gentle Vocal Exercises
As your voice starts to recover, reintroduce gentle vocal exercises to bring it back to life. Humming or straw phonation are excellent choices to ease your vocal cords back into action. Investing in a therapeutic vocal straw to have with you everywhere you go is an amazing vocal health hack.
Check out this warm-up course that outlines all of my favorite warm-ups!
