remedies for the throat

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: Alice
Date: 31 Jan 12 - 11:29 PM

When this question has been asked in the past on Mudcat, I've recommended

Entertainer's Secret throat spray

That is what many speaking and singing professionals use. It works.

Just google it... you can buy it online.



Alice

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Jan 12 - 06:08 PM

Emmanuel, did you mean "okra" - the vegetable? I imagine the slippery consistency might soothe the throat (but gross out the tongue, if you're not used to it!)

SRS

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: Jack Campin
Date: 31 Jan 12 - 02:16 PM

The problem may be somewhere else.

I had a persistent sore throat last year. Turned out it was caused by postnasal drip from allergic rhitis. Fixed by antihistamines and a steroid nasal spray.

The same condition was blocking up my ears causing a steady hiss in one and sporadic diesel engine noises in the other. I never made the connection.

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,Emmanuel nwokocha.Nigeria
Date: 31 Jan 12 - 10:12 AM

I think okro mixed with egg,or ginger tea and honey,it works well.L.O.L

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,brooko
Date: 03 Jan 12 - 10:38 AM

thanks leeneia,i think i am trying to sing to loud will try to tone it down a bit and see what happens.hope you have a happy new year
brooko

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: KHNic
Date: 16 Dec 11 - 04:50 PM

For a dry throat, I'm in the rum and shrub camp.

For a SORE throat, the best recommendation is don't sing. You can cause a lot of damage by trying to use a throat that is most probably sore for a reason. Have patience.

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: gnu
Date: 16 Dec 11 - 01:14 PM

I tiny bit of ground ginger sprinkled on a tbsp of honey. Let it melt in your mouth. Gramma taught me that. She couldn't sing worth a darn but when the temps get to -30 and below, everyone has a dry throat.

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 16 Dec 11 - 11:04 AM

Thanks for the images, Julia. "like a fountain, or an eagle riding a thermal."

Brooko, julia is right. If you try to sound hard, tough and loud, you will produce tension and strain. Your poor throat will soon be in trouble.

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Dec 11 - 01:53 AM

Don't know if you can get it where you are, but Osha Root is my medicine of choice. I have been using it since 1989, it has never failed me.

I buy the root by the pound from Frontier Herb Company in Iowa. You can chew it, which is how the Lakota people do, or make tea from it, or use an alcohol tincture (I make the tincture usually because it is very portable. There are a few herb companies in the states who sell the tincture.

At the Sun Dance ceremonies it is common for the singers to chew it to save their voices, as they are singing all day every day for four days.
It will also knock out any kind of respiratory infection, whether in the sinuses, throat or lungs. It is antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral. I have seen it cure a very severe flu with complications when a young friend of mine who was a heavy smoker got so ill she was bedridden.In 24 hours she was up and functional, though still coughing some and bringing up gunk.

A number of times, I have given it to friends who got sick before a big performance and they were able to sing well. The secret there is to take the straight tincture on the back of the tongue and let it be absorbed as you slowly swallow it. It will numb the pain of a burning hot sore throat, and kill the pathogens. It also dries out mucous.

So it works on a stressed voice as well as a sick body.

more info here:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_g2603/is_0005/ai_2603000564/

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: Cats
Date: 15 Dec 11 - 04:50 PM

Rum and shrub for the throat, Brandy and lovage for the stomach. You would find them in the medicine cupboard of any good Cornish methodists. our local chemuist shop used to sell all 4, in brown paper bags!

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 15 Dec 11 - 04:18 AM

People who've heard me sing recommended a sharp cutthroat razor.

RtS

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,julia L
Date: 14 Dec 11 - 11:35 PM

The problem with anything alcoholic or astringent is that it ultimately dries the throat and can cause damage. Lubrication is the goal, so anything with glycerine or other slimey stuff- slipper elm, mallow, honey... and warm but not hot liquid.
Even as a shanty singer, remember to be judicious with the key so it's in your best range. Support your voice with good cushion of air and let it "fly" out of your forehead rather than pushing from your throat. Some people use images like a fountain, or an eagle riding a thermal. You can sing all night with proper technique

good luck- Julia

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: Bert
Date: 14 Dec 11 - 06:51 PM

I must agree with Suegorgeous. Ginger tea is great, just don't make it too strong.

Although for the sake of convenience I often use beer, a good microbrew or homemade, not the commercial crap. No more than two though or your performance may deteriorate.

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,brooko
Date: 14 Dec 11 - 03:42 PM

Thanks every one i will try some of these ideas. I sing in a shanty crew and i am the main singer so some times it is hard work.once again thank you all
tony

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: Allan C.
Date: 09 Dec 11 - 06:10 AM

I prefer Drambuie. Nothing scientific about the choice, but it has always worked for me.

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: Suegorgeous
Date: 08 Dec 11 - 02:26 PM

I find Fishermen's Friends and Vocalzones great for kind of numbing the throat (so use them for getting to sleep with a troublesome cough, or performing with a sore throat). But I don't think they lubricate a dry throat.

I often take a flask of ginger tea with honey with me when singing, seems to work well.

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Dec 11 - 01:45 PM

Just plain water works for me . also honey and tea are supposed to be great.

@ catspaw49: LOL

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: catspaw49
Date: 08 Dec 11 - 01:33 PM

I thought Fisherman's Friend was something that treated the clap.............or gave it to you....................


Spaw

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 08 Dec 11 - 01:26 PM

Peregrina's got the right idea. Entertainer's Secret is also good stuff. It was developed for opera singers and replicates the mucus in your throat to keep your throat lubricated. Pleasant mild apple flavor. Only available online, I think.

I find Vocalzones to be too harsh unless I've a full-blown cold or sore throat. Only available in the UK (or online) but I get supplied through friends.

Avoid ice water while you're singing. I sing mostly in pubs, so I keep my voice lubricated with Guinness or Smuttynose's Robust Porter, but sipping warm water with some honey in it works a charm, too.

Linn

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: The Sandman
Date: 08 Dec 11 - 11:04 AM

Carragheen makes an excellent jelly and is very good for putting in stews.

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 08 Dec 11 - 09:10 AM

While it is fun enough to go to the shore and collect carrageen, I must admit you need a good reason to use it. It does help but it's not exactly a pleasure to drink.

Terrier had a point, althoug hI imagine it was as much tongue in cheek as my own mention of Blaise's Blessing of the Throats on feb 3 was in the first place. Holy Wells provide a traditional cure and there are many within spitting distance from where I am. St Blaise has no associations with any in the area and the only one I can think of providing a throat cure is one near Tulla.

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: Don Firth
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 11:40 PM

Fisherman's Friend seem to work well for me, Julia, but I think that tickle I spoke up is caused by phlegm (congestion). I'll try the Ricola and see how they work for me.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,julia L
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 07:50 PM

Fisherman's Friend are okay for congestion but are NOT okay for sore throats. They are extremely harsh and contain capsicum which can irritate your vocal cords.
I do know a certain Cornish singing group that swears by Rum & Shrub.... but generally alcohol is a bad idea as well.

Ricola herbal drops or black currant gels are good, as is black currant herbal tea. I also use tonic water (with quinine) or candied ginger

Drink lots of water before you sing- hydrating is really important.

And relax & breathe- don't push your voice

Good luck

Julia

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: Don Firth
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 03:15 PM

So I'm sitting in a coffee shop in the University District with a friend of mine. The friend is black. It's a mighty chilly day and we're both bundled up pretty good. My friend is wearing a fur-lined cap with ear flaps. Very Russian looking. All it lacked was the red star with the hammer and sickle in it.

Full of envy because of the cozy warmth it embodied, I commented on it, mentioning the Russian soldier look of it.

Completely dead-pan, he says, "You've heard of a Black Russian, haven't you?"

Here, more or less, is the look, but the model is even closer than I expected to find on Google's image search:    CLICKY.

Anyway. Back to our regular broadcast. . . .

Yeah, Leeneia's right. I don't generally have that problem, but when I do, it's usually when I've consumed quantities of these substances (and I've been singing since the mid-1950s).

Don Firth

P. S. When I get an annoying tickle in my throat, Fisherman's Friend usually manages to take care of it.

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: The Sandman
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 12:56 PM

In this part of Ireland its called Carragheen.
how are things under the bridge, Troll?

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 09:25 AM

Carrageen is used locally.

Recipe for carrageen drink

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: RTim
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 09:15 AM

I too use - Vocalzones, but they seem only to be available in the UK.
They saved me at a recent concert in England.

I bought 2 packets on my recent visit, and they are also available in Superdrug.
I believe you can buy them in bulk via the Internet.

Tim Radford

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 08:27 AM

And here is the exchange in question, in the unlikely event anyone want to form an opinion of this particular dead horse.

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 08:24 AM

Where's the joke Dick?

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: peregrina
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 08:04 AM

icelandic moss cough drops or tea

slippery elm cough lozenges or tea

both make a soothing coating on throat

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: The Sandman
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 07:51 AM

no. I made a joke , terrier made a joke and you come back with your pathetic response, you managed to troll and wind me up and flame me on concertina net, I am not falling for that crap again.

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 03:43 AM

Pot, meet kettle..

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: The Sandman
Date: 06 Dec 11 - 06:28 PM

TERRIER It is impossible to talk or joke with peter laban, he is a humourless, Peter, intent on scoring childish points.

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 06 Dec 11 - 05:43 PM

Good one, terrier. That interpretation had never occurred to me.

Would it disappoint you if I celebrated instead with a dashing Czech? Because I did.

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: terrier
Date: 06 Dec 11 - 02:49 PM

.. or maybe take of the waters of St. Blaise's Well In Bromley, Kent.

"After the concert, I celebrated with a Black Russian"
What was his name, Leeneia?
Sorry, couldn't resist ;)

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 06 Dec 11 - 02:40 PM

You were not

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: The Sandman
Date: 06 Dec 11 - 02:37 PM

LEENIA is correct.

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 06 Dec 11 - 02:31 PM

"Leeneia's avoidances, though doubtless kindly meant, are really quite unrealistic."

No, they aren't. One Christmas season I avoided them all for several weeks so I could sing in the Christmas concert despite a cold. After the concert, I celebrated with a Black Russian.

It depends on how dedicated one is to singing, I guess.
======================
Brooko, is your dry mouth caused by fear? That is a whole nother ball game.

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: The Sandman
Date: 06 Dec 11 - 02:09 PM

St. Blaise (1880–1909) was a British Thoroughbred racehorse and sire. In a career that lasted from 1882 to 1884 he ran twelve time and won seven races, although three of these wins were walk-overs. His most important success came in 1883 when he won the Epsom Derby. At the end of the season he was sold and exported to the United States to stand as a stallion where he had some success. St. Blaise was killed in a fire in 1909.
You will be waiting a long time, unless you hold a seance

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,Bryony
Date: 06 Dec 11 - 01:54 PM

A weird one that seems to work is gargling with lemonade heated up a bit in the microwave!! A cleaner when I was at uni recommended it. I don't know if it's a placebo, but it has worked for me in the past.....very horrible though!!

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 06 Dec 11 - 01:38 PM

Wait for St Blaise, February 3d

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: My guru always said
Date: 06 Dec 11 - 01:02 PM

Sip port & brandy....

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: Elmore
Date: 06 Dec 11 - 12:59 PM

Try Fisherman's Friend Lozenges.

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: lefthanded guitar
Date: 06 Dec 11 - 12:49 PM

Have a cup of water or tea nearby and try some honey losenges. I also use Ludens cough drops.

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: Leslie Butler
Date: 06 Dec 11 - 12:26 PM

Boots used (I'm haven't been in recently) to sell something called Vocalzone, which was pretty soothing. If that ain't available, a pharmacist might be able to advise an alternative.

Leeneia's avoidances, though doubtless kindly meant, are really quite unrealistic.

Unless you're in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, of course!

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 06 Dec 11 - 11:13 AM

drink lukewarm water
avoid alcohol, caffeine and chocolate, all of which dry the throat

how dry is the place in which you are singing? Central heat can be very dry.

Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: Jack Campin
Date: 06 Dec 11 - 10:41 AM

http://www.oldtimeremedies.co.uk/labels/sore%20throat.html

One they don't mention, from an Anglo-Saxon text: get a big fat slug. Tie a string round one end. Dangle it down your throat so the slime coats your tonsils, lift it out, repeat...

Subject: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,brooko
Date: 06 Dec 11 - 08:50 AM

does anybody know of any thing for the throat when your singing .i keep getting a dry throat when i sing,it drives me mad and also i dont sing so well after a while
brooko