Singer's Vocal health - throat spray

Subject: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: Alice
Date: 03 Aug 99 - 12:08 PM

Just want to pass on this link to a product that I am going to try. It is hard to find a throat spray that does not contain anesthetic, decongestant, or something else that hurts or doesn't really help singing. Here is a formula that is used by singers and public speakers that can help keep those sinus passages and throat in better shape.

Entertainer's Secret

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: Alice
Date: 03 Aug 99 - 12:11 PM

Max, by the way, it would be nice to buy this product through the Mudcat, so the Mudcat could get some support.

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: Jeri
Date: 03 Aug 99 - 12:22 PM

There's an herbal one called "Singers' Saving Grace" that works pretty well for me.

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: Margo
Date: 03 Aug 99 - 03:00 PM

I don't get it. If it doesn't help, why use it? I'm not trying to be smart alec-y, I guess I'm missing something.

Margartia

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: Alice
Date: 03 Aug 99 - 03:11 PM

thanks Jeri, that's great you found one that works for you. A word of caution for others, some herbs can cause allergies over prolonged use, such as chamomile causing an allergy to ragweed. Here is a page on Taking Herbal Medicine - What a Singer Should Know, on the University of Pittsburgh's Voice Center website. click here Also, for those that don't know this, avoid throat sprays that contain anesthetic or decongestants when you sing.

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: Alice
Date: 03 Aug 99 - 03:15 PM

Margarita, some throat sprays are made to relieve the pain of a sore throat by deadening the tissue with an anesthetic or provide a drying effect on the sinuses. Singers should avoid those types of sprays. (Different throat sprays for different reasons.) The kind of throat spray a singer can use to help the vocal health is one that helps to keep the membranes hydrated and to thin out any sinus mucous that may be causing a problem. (yuk)

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: Jeri
Date: 03 Aug 99 - 03:36 PM

Both of the above sprays have ingredients that sort of thin out the mucous. They prevent thick goo and also help your vocal cords and throat lining stay wet, so there's less irritation.

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: Bert
Date: 03 Aug 99 - 04:11 PM

If you have a frequent or continuous sore throat you need to get along to see your quack.

Mine told me I had reflux disease and I should cut back on alcohol, coffee and spicy foods and not eat after 6pm.

It works when I stick to it.

Bert

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: Margo
Date: 03 Aug 99 - 11:11 PM

Gotcha. Thanks.

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: Craig
Date: 03 Aug 99 - 11:20 PM

Sounds like what I need on Sunday mornings to get me started for choir. I'm usually clogged up in themornings. Thanks for the information.
Craig

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: WyoWoman
Date: 03 Aug 99 - 11:22 PM

Also -- one of the side effects of adrenalin coursing through your system is that your throat and mouth get dry. So when you perform, if you're nervous and your fight-or-flight reflex gets activated, your mouth and throat get dry and some soreness can present itself at the woist possible moment. A lot of singers grab for the Chloraseptic or some similar stuff, and that might make you feel better for just a little while, but it really does exacerbate the problem.

I usually try to have a glass of water with lemon in it right beside me so I can take a sip between songs. Having a drink of some kind (alcohol) quells the anxiety a bit, but is a bad idea because it, too, is drying. And, of course, more than a glass or so of wine and, lightweight that I am, I start getting too fuzzy to have a good edge in my performance.

I'm happy to hear of these two sprays and I'll certainly check them out. I wonder if I can buy them in my local health food store?

WW

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: Jeri
Date: 03 Aug 99 - 11:43 PM

I've found the Singer's Saving Grace at several health food stores. It's made by Herbs, etc, and is in a little brown bottle with a mustard colored label. And it ain't cheap!

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: WyoWoman
Date: 03 Aug 99 - 11:46 PM

Thanks, Jeri. I'll check this week. WW

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: Alice
Date: 04 Aug 99 - 12:35 AM

KC, the Entertainer's Secret is sold in a two ounce bottle. The minimum order at the link above is two bottles, for $15. It is sold in some music stores and carried in drug stores such as the McKesson chain. I called the 800 number at the website and ordered it directly from them.

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: black walnut
Date: 16 Aug 99 - 11:56 AM

has anyone here tried 'slippery elm'? the local health food store recommends it for singers. i wonder if there might be any problems with it. i sing a lot, for fun, and for money. (but not a lot of money!).

~black walnut

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: Alice
Date: 16 Aug 99 - 12:20 PM

There are slippery elm throat disks that have been on the market for a long time. They are sold in an old fashioned looking yellow box - aimed at use by speakers and singers. I have gotten them at the health food co-op store. They are mild and soothing, another alternative to the lozenges sold mostly for colds and sore throats.

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: Roger the zimmer
Date: 17 Aug 99 - 04:02 AM

I find it helps if I suck a Fisherman's Friend (but that's enough of my private life!)

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: black walnut
Date: 17 Aug 99 - 08:45 AM

i've been warned that f.f. is too strong for singers. some remedies, it seems, are good for the short term, but can be harmful in the long run. i think some things strip lubrication, while others add lubrication, the latter being more beneficial.

see, i've kept continuity here, while avoiding roger's private life. i think.

~black walnut

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: Alan of Australia
Date: 18 Aug 99 - 02:30 AM

G'day,
I've been told that the following will tend to clog up a singer: alcohol, cola, coffee, citrus fruit including orange juice, milk. My own experience vaguely supports this.

The worst: smoky atmosphere.

Good things: apples before the performance, apple juice seems OK between songs, chewing gum (don't ask me where you put it when you start singing).

Cheers,
Alan

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: Alice
Date: 26 Sep 99 - 10:42 AM

I've also started using a mixture I make of pure balsam of peru from El Salvador and honey. The balsam is used in the manufacture of sore throat remedies, and I have a bottle of the pure stuff from the tree. (I'm not sure how you can get this in the US.) It is very potent, so mix just a little balsam with alot of honey. A cotton swab of it on the roof of the mouth, and your throat gets cleaned out. The honey helps to relieve dryness.
Now that the nights are getting colder up north, the vaporizer with eucalyptus oil running at night will help keep your sinuses clear and your throat healthier. Singers need that extra humidity if the furnace is drying your house out at night.

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: bbelle
Date: 26 Sep 99 - 11:57 AM

Hot tea with lemon or hot water with lemon and honey. And never, never, never, never any type of dairy. It causes the mucuous membranes to go haywire. There are some throat discs called, I think, Throat Discs, that I used to use when I was making my living singing, and they worked very well. And, if you are not a trained vocalist, a few voice lessons to teach you to breathe and support properly will help tremendously. And, if you are a trained vocalist, utilizing what you've learned will help tremendously. Actually, I've never had any problems with my voice (I used the Throat Discs when I had a cold and scratchy throat) so I must have he-man vocal cords. When I think of those individuals who I know have had problems with throat polyps, they were untrained vocalists and were using their vocal cords to do all the work. One more thing, I've been sneered at when I've mentioned being a "trained" vocalist, as if, in being trained one does not have a "natural" voice. That is wrong and snobbish. Anyone who is singing on a regular basis should have "some" training, if for no other reason than to learn to breathe properly and support your vocal cords, so they don't have to do "all" the work. Here's a funny story ...

I started vocal training at 16 y/o and the most used phrase was "use your diaphragm." Physiologically speaking, I knew what my diaphragm was. At about 19 (1967) and becoming sexually active (remember this was the 60's) I went to my doctor to discuss birth control. He asked me if I had ever used a diaphragm, and I said "Yes, everyday." Luckily for me, he knew me quite well and questioned me further about the "diaphragm," and I left his office with a Rx for "the pill." moonchild

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: Frank Hamilton
Date: 26 Sep 99 - 12:14 PM

When you go hoarse, nature is trying to tell you something. Rest the voice. Vocal training by a reliable teacher really helps save your voice. Physical fitness is crucial for a singing career. Dance, Yoga, weight-training, aerobics may bring your voice back over time. Your voice in connected to the rest of your body.

Watch how you hold your head. There's a bad habit of throwing your head back when you sing that can cause problems.

Coax your voice gently and don't force it. The worst thing you can do when you panic because the voice "isn't there" is to beat it up. Lifestyle is crucial. Relax when you sing because pushing and tenseness works against you. Music flows like a river and is not blown out of a cannon.

Been there many times.

Frank Hamilton

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: Alice
Date: 26 Sep 99 - 12:21 PM

Frank, Moonchild, and others, go to the

Threads on the Singing Voice click here

You will find many links I have posted to sources of information on vocal health and technique. The thread links many of the discussions we have had here regarding singing, technique, breathing, definitions, etc. This throat spray thread is probably not the best thread to add to those technical discussions, but you will find many on the link above.

alice flynn

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From:
Date: 27 Sep 99 - 11:49 AM

Max -

One of our customers pointed us to Mudcat and has suggested, as (we discovered when we found you) has another correspondent on this thread, that we make our product avialble via Mudcat. We would be honored to do that; please inform us how to proceed.

Entertainer's Secret Throat Relief KLI Corp Carmel IN 46032 http://www.entertainers-secret.com

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: ella james
Date: 27 Sep 99 - 06:38 PM

i have found a combination of a lozenger called megazone and a tablet called dodo chestease is ideal if you smoke and drink to prevent drying or clogging of the throat or vocal cords but i would be intrested if any one can tell me if any of the product that have been mentioned in the previous messages can be purchased in the u.k

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: ella james
Date: 27 Sep 99 - 06:38 PM

i have found a combination of a lozenger called megazone and a tablet called dodo chestease is ideal if you smoke and drink to prevent drying or clogging of the throat or vocal cords but i would be intrested if any one can tell me if any of the product that have been mentioned in the previous messages can be purchased in the u.k

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: Alice
Date: 27 Sep 99 - 09:04 PM

ella james, if you go to the first message in this thread and click on the blue link 'Entertainer's Secret', it will take you to a website for ordering. You can order online from Europe and they will ship it to you from the US. Instructions and price of shipping is on their website. -alice

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: Genie
Date: 29 Nov 05 - 01:21 PM

Does anyone know of a healthfood or pharmacy chain in the Pacific Northwest (especially Portland or Seattle) that carries Entertainer's Secret? I plan to order some online, but I really need to get hold of some very soon, if that's possible.

Genie

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 29 Nov 05 - 04:34 PM

Genie

The first post (03 Aug 99 - 12:08 PM) has a link where you can check it out. I looked at the "Ingredients" and also at the "Order" links. At the "Order" you can click on an order form, web page or printable, where there are instructions for ordering expedited shipment - as in next day or 2d day delivery - if you don't find a local retailer.

The ingredients listed - to my totally nonmedical eye - do look like this Singers Secret product should be free of things that would mask problems and encourage one to cause further insult to their vocal aparati.

As others have pointed out, poor (i.e. unusual for the individual) performance demands attention to the underlying causes before one relies excessively on "fixes" that may only mask the signs and symptoms of vocal abuse.

John

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: rich-joy
Date: 29 Nov 05 - 07:39 PM

any OZ catters know the best things available Down Under???
(coz I'm not sure if we'd get any of the above through Customs anymore, thanks to our "liberal" govt ...)

Cheers! R-J

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: Genie
Date: 29 Nov 05 - 08:38 PM

John, in this case the "abuse" that brought on the laryingitis was some sort of bronchial viral menace that caused my throat and maybe lungs to be filling up with thick mucus, which contained some blood). I tried my best to avoid coughing, but at times I couldn't help it, and the occasional bouts of violent coughing obviously didn't do my vocal folds any good.   Not sure how much of the voice loss -- which for about 3 days was almost total -- was due to the coughing and how much was due to the virus itself, since the laryngitis pretty much happened overnight. (A week ago last Tuesday I did sing for a couple hours, though I noticed my voice seemed a bit husky. I used a mic and did not feel like I was straining, but I canceled an evening gig (with the intent to reschedule) because I felt like my voice needed to rest. I hardly talked the rest of the evening, but during the night the heavy phlegm (and post-nasal drip) thing started in earnest, and by morning I could scarcely make a sound.

I went to the Urgent Care clinic the next afternoon, since I was concerned about possible strep or pneumonia. The doc said it was viral and gave me cough syrup with guiafenasine (sp?) -- which I normally take to loosen phlegm that's hard to clear -- and codeine (which was supposed to quiet the cough reflex). Basically, I stayed in bed for most of the week, hardly talking at all.   Eventually, the nasal and chest congestion subsided almost entirely, and the coughing stopped pretty much by Friday evening.   But, though my lower speaking voice came back by Sat., and I still refrained from talking or singing, I still can't sing.

It's easy to say "Just don't talk or sing until your voice is completely healed," but for me to refrain from talking and singing for several more weeks means no income for December and possibly losing half my income for 2006 as well.   Obviously, I'll take that huge loss if the alternative is losing my voice permanently, but it's not a choice I can afford to make if I don't have to.   

In any event, I'd like to have something like Entertainer's Secret handy.   But I'd prefer not to wait 2 days to get it, if I can find it in Portland today or tomorrow.

Wildoats market in Portland has a spray they call "Singer's Aid" or something like that, but it seems to be herbal -- echinacea, ginger, and stuff like that -- and I'm not sure how good some of those things (especially the echinacea) are for the throat and vocal folds.   If anyone knows anything about that spray, please let me know.

Genie

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: Liath
Date: 30 Nov 05 - 04:03 AM

I know what you mean - it's no joke when you are losing income from illness. It's so frustrating. With something that sounds so serious though, I'd stick with the advice of trained doctors. Using a spray to ease a dry throat is one thing...

Generally, I also avoid dairy when I'm singing, and that includes chocolate. It clags up your entire throat! I don't usually drink much alcohol either - it doesn't take many for me to start singing off key ;-)

Liath

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: ossonflags
Date: 30 Nov 05 - 07:04 AM

It would be good if someone could tell us were these two products could be purchased in the UK?

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: GUEST,Billy
Date: 30 Nov 05 - 10:39 AM

There is a spray available at my local U.K. music shop called 'Vocal Eze'. Is this similar to the spray recommended I wonder ----anyone know?

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: sharyn
Date: 30 Nov 05 - 01:57 PM

I've said it before and I'll say it again, after a nod to those who have mentioned attention to general health, drinking good old plain room temperature water in large quantities will help take care of your voice, ease congestion, etc. If you are sick with a cold or flu you need to drink extra water anyway, as well as rest. I also find that prolonged periods of silence and basic (Zen or Vipassana) meditation do wonders for the voice, sick or well -- I sing my absolute best when I've returned from a weeklong silent retreat.

Cheers!

Sharyn

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 30 Nov 05 - 03:09 PM

Genie, if you were that sick, you should not be trying to sing for income. Let your voice heal. If you really need the money, get a temp job in an office.

I for one am skeptical about all these untested herbal remedies. I'd be willing to bet that the helpful element in these "cures" is the water.

My sister-in-law sings with a symphony chorus and has many years experience as a beautiful soprano. When her throat is not at its best, she drinks lukewarm water.

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: Genie
Date: 01 Dec 05 - 04:18 AM

leeneia, the real dilemma is that talking is probably worse for my voice than softly singing is. (Fortunately, most -- though not all -- of my gigs don't require stellar vocal performances. Lots of them are sing-alongs, and all I need do is sing audibly enough to lead the group. With a good PA system, I don't have to try for much volume. Today I did two, but I supplemented my live singing with tapes of myself and even some CDs of other people.) Most office jobs require talking -- and a lot of that is required even to GET the temp job!

Billy, I think that Vocal-EZE is the spray I found today at Wildoats market in Portland. They had that one, as well as Singers Saving Grace and another that was similar to Vocal-EZE.   I bought the one that was on sale for $10, since I had insufficient knowledge to know which had the best ingredients. They all had licorice root, something called osha (I think), and ginger.   The SSG also had glycerine (which I think I have an old bottle of somewhere), and maybe they all had echinacea.   One had some ETOH in it, so I didn't buy that one.

Yes, folks, warm water is important.   Kind of wondering about salt water. It's often recommended as a gargle for sore throats -- but wouldn't salt tend to dry out the vocal cords? (Or does it make them retain water?)

Is licorice supposed to be good for the throat?

Liath, please don't tell me to stay away from chocolate!   I mean, if I'm gonna go broke, chocolate might be the only thing that'd keep me going! ;-D

Seriously, folks.   I'd like to know as much as I can about how various herbs, OTC meds, and even prescription meds affect the vocal folds.

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: Genie
Date: 01 Dec 05 - 04:50 AM

I just checked and Vocal-EZE is the throat spray I bought.   I'll let you know how it works out.

One main dilemma I'm running into, meds-wise, has to do with controlling post-nasal drip and nasal congestion without drying out my vocal cords.    Persistent or frequent rhinitis seems to be a major contributor to excessive coughing and throat clearing -- both of which are contraindicated for vocal cord health.   But antihistamines, epinephrine, and decongestants are said to be harmful to the vocal cords.   What to do?

Anyone know if guaifenesin (the stuff that loosens mucus and makes it a lot easier to clear the crud out of your throat and lungs without violent coughing) has any harmful effects on vocal cords?

I'm also wondering if I could make my own version of Entertainer's Secret at home. Two of the main ingredients -- glycerine and aloe vera gel -- are easy to come by. (In fact, I'd use fresh aloe vera, from my plant, which should be more effective than bottled, preserved gel.)   Anyone every try this?

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: Liath
Date: 01 Dec 05 - 04:57 AM

I see - so it's coating and soothing the throat. Sounds like it would be easy enough to make something similar. Personally, I'd stick with the Aloe Vera gel, as the consistency is good, rather than faff about trying to make it from the plant. In the UK at least, you can get the gel for a couple of quid.

Honey might be a good addition, as its mildly antiseptic. (Warm water and honey is also a great thing to try).

However, do bear in mind that I'm not a qualified doctor, so take my advice with a pinch of salt. Also, this spray is only going to mask your symptoms, not cure them...

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 01 Dec 05 - 05:39 AM

I suffer regularly from allergic mucosis (normally without any vocal cord inflammation), and if I plan ahead to sing then taking some pseudofed or similar a few hours before assists me gaining full range.

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: GUEST,Geoff Wright
Date: 01 Dec 05 - 07:48 AM

The best aid to vocal health is sleep/rest. If you are tired, so is your voice.

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: Genie
Date: 01 Dec 05 - 08:45 PM

Foolestroupe, I also rely a lot on pseudoephedrine -- and generally I find it helps a lot. When my nose and sinuses are clear my range, breathing, and volume improve immensely.   But if decongestants dry the vocal folds, I wonder if that may be 'robbing Peter to pay Paul'.
A further complication is that here in Oregon and Washington, OTC pseudoephedrine has been banned (because people use it to make meth). The new "Sudafed" and its generic clones use something else -- something I know even less about.

Geoff W., I agree. But you wouldn't BELIEVE how much I've been sleeping over the past 10 days!   Good thing I work for myself -- I guess. But, as the kid in A Thousand Clowns said to his "self-employed" dad, "the problem is [when] you don't PAY yourself anything!"   

Sigh.

BTW, that Vocal-Eze stuff doesn't so much "spray" as "squirt." I have to swish it around afterwards to spread it around my throat.
It tastes OK at first, but the aftertaste is pretty bad.

Liath, from my research, I actually do believe that the main medicinal properties of aloe vera are available only when you use a fresh cutting from the plant. (Fortunately, that's far cheaper than the gel, as long as you water your plant often and provide proper pot space and drainage. The plants grow like weeds when they get regular, drained, water.)   But turning the plant pulp into a sprayable gel may present a challenge. On the other hand, if all you need is the moisturing properties of the gel, "canned" gel probably works fine. :-)

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: AggieD
Date: 02 Dec 05 - 12:43 PM

In the UK you can buy a pastille called 'Vocalzones' most pharmacies sell them & lots of singers, speakers etc. use them. But I find that I do need to drink a lot of water with them, as they can dry the mouth a bit, but that helps the throat anyway.

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 03 Dec 05 - 06:36 AM

Anyone know of a spray that will make me sing in tune?
RtS

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: GUEST,Rachael
Date: 10 Dec 05 - 06:39 PM

I live in London England and perform both in the UK and US, I found a throat spray called Vocal-eze in the UK and it's also sold in the US which is great for me while traveling.
I tried it because it is used by Pro Singers here in the UK as well as the US. That's the thing about so many products on the market, I have to say that I chose this product because it works and has weight behind it. I got a bad cold and was loosing my voice and it helped. I use it at all my shows for the lubricating and soothing factor

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: GUEST,Rachael
Date: 10 Dec 05 - 06:46 PM

Oh I forgot to mention it was a music store in the Theater District is where I found Vocal-eze.

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: GUEST,Ocea Developer of Vocal-eze
Date: 26 Feb 06 - 01:07 PM

I developed vocal-eze with national recording artist due to the fact that I know alot about herbs but dont sing. Vocal eze was developed to help the lungs and throat.If you have any questions please contact me [e-mail]
I have just come out with a new acid reflux formula , it too was developed with National recording artist who sing and get reflux alot.
Vocal-eze is sold in the US as well as the UK.
We like "healing the healers"

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: rich-joy
Date: 26 Feb 06 - 04:48 PM

any outlets Down Under in Oz, Guest Ocea???


Cheers! R-J

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: samirich
Date: 26 Feb 06 - 06:54 PM

Having sang all of my life for fun I would have to say that much good advice has been past. A regular amount of sleep is the trick for my rest requirements between 6-7 hours a night. Less and I sing better low notes and more and I can't hit the really low notes even some that aren't so low.

The Main ingredients in Entertainer's Secret are Water, Glycerine, Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose(what ever that is), Aloe Vera Gel, and then Methylparaben, Propylparaben, and Potassium Chloride.

Does it work? I honestly can't tell if it is one bit better than a drink of water. I bought half a dozen bottles! They are designed real clever, you can not refill them with your own tonic or water.

I definitely do not believe it will help anyone recover from laryngitis irregardless how much you use. My voice teacher taught me no dairy, before you sing particularly milk, no chocolate, just stay hydrated with plenty of water.

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Feb 11 - 08:05 AM

That spray is simply glcerides and purified water. If you want healing and restorative all natural organic and kosher certified products made for singers by a singer,
go to Superiorvocalhealth.com

Throat Saver, Vocal Rescue and Sinus Clear Out are all outstanding for the voice and totally safe.

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Feb 11 - 11:36 AM

Water, water, water.

Drink it before singing. Drink it after singing. Maybe best to avoid drinking it while singing.

Laryngitis is an infection. If bacterial, antibiotics may help. If viral, they won't.

Some "Herbs" like garlic are proven to have anti-bacterial properties. Don't be fooled into thinking that "herbs" are automatically safer than "chemicals" (whatever they are !)

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: Bernard
Date: 14 Feb 11 - 12:02 PM

Water... but NEVER cold or chilled, as it acts as an anaesthetic. Room temperature or lukewarm.

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: GUEST,pete from seven stars link
Date: 14 Feb 11 - 04:47 PM

i asked in a music shop and they had vocal-eze in the bargain bucket!.i think it has helped, though i only sing a few songs at open mics/folk clubs.i might like to drink room temp water but i dont suppose the pub proprieters would be very happy if we did,nt buy a drink.
my worst problem is mucus in the throat.i dont know if there is anything better than vocal-eze.any recommendations?.i think the throat and breathing exercises i follow from eric arsenaux site have also helped.

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 14 Feb 11 - 05:55 PM

too much mucus? try lemon juice in water. ought to help, if only temporarily.

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: Clontarf83
Date: 15 Feb 11 - 01:41 PM

I have used the juice of one lemon, mixed with a little bit of Olive Oil. Seems to relax my throat, and the the lemon cuts through the mucus build up. Room temp water also a must, especially if you suffer from stage fright as I do.

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Feb 11 - 12:46 AM

Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa (ninjiom-hk.cwahi.net) may be another solution to hoarse and sore throat. i know a lot of people use it, its also non alcoholic, though it's effectiveness is not as good as alcohol based cough medicine, but it's still good to use on not so serious sore or hoarse throat. Hope you are getting well soon!!!

---

Please note that anonymous posting is no longer allowed at Mudcat. Use a consistent name [in the 'from' box] when you post, or your messages risk being deleted.
Thanks.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 16 Feb 11 - 07:08 AM

"the lemon cuts through the mucus build up"

The acid may help, but only certain lemon species contain ephedrine-like compounds - Aussie 'Bush Lemons' (and at least one ex-commercial species which I cannot remember) for example, most modern commercial lemons have been bred to exclude this chemical content. The 'ephedrine-like' chemical has a noticeable nasal drying effect, which I notice is missing from modern commercial lemon juices. Modern 'lemon juice' may in fact have no actual lemon in it, the flavoring even coming from an 'essence of lemon', which may be obtained from lemon grass!

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: tritoneman
Date: 16 Feb 11 - 07:53 AM

The best thing I know for too much mucus in the throat is rosemary tea. It's very simple and quick to make - just leave a small sprig of rosemary in a mug of hot water for a couple of minutes. It works a treat but be careful not to drink too many cups of it because it'll completely dry your throat out.

Graham

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Feb 11 - 10:02 PM

Pei pa koa is pretty decent cough medicine (from herbal as I remembered), great non alcoholic medicine, some western cough medicine are more effective, but this is non drowsy.

You can access info online @
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nin_Jiom_Pei_Pa_Koa
ninjiom.50webs.com

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: paula t
Date: 17 Feb 11 - 06:45 PM

I drink pints of tapwater. If possible I order a few pints early so it warms to room temperature, because most bar staff insist on running the tap to get the water really cold before filling the glass. I never accept the ice offered.I've never met with any objection from bar staff when asking for tapwater.This was not the case twenty years ago. Perhaps they are more enlightened nowadays.

I also make sure I always have Vocalzone on hand. They really help when I've got a gig after a hard day on the chalk face!I've heard about the benefits of eating apples before. I might try it next time!I'll let you know if it works!

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: GUEST,pete from seven stars link
Date: 18 Feb 11 - 04:23 PM

i found some rosemary in our old herb box and i,m drinking it now at this moment.too early to ascertain its efficacy ,but i like the taste-thanks graham

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: GUEST,Timothy
Date: 04 May 11 - 04:01 AM

I've gone through the whole list of suggestions. I'm going to try the ones I've formulated into a list. I hope something works. I've been doing an hour and a half's worth of sinus and throat cleansing.

I oil pull, do eucalyptus oil aromatherapy, have ginger root tea with a pinch of slippery elm powder, take a mullein tablet, gargle warm saltwater, and use the Sinus Rinse. It used to work, but now it's become unreliable. What the hell, man? My vocals are based off of open throat technique. It's vital. Still, I haven't wanted to just use Mucinex. Yet. I'm starting natural. Good luck to everyone in my shoes

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: GUEST,Desi C
Date: 04 May 11 - 08:47 AM

Seceral pints of Guinness or a good strong real Ale, it won't help your throat any but you won't care any more ;) hot water with lemon is as good as anything

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: Bert
Date: 04 May 11 - 01:15 PM

Well Desi C, Beer will help your throat because hops are a good antiseptic and it is cool. A high hopped light beer would be best. Sip it, and don't drink too much.

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: GUEST,Timothy
Date: 05 May 11 - 01:38 AM

How does anyone feel about Wellness's brand of Zinc Throat Spray. It has vitamin c and...well, zinc. Also, does anyone report good results from using Olive Leaf Extract in either the liquid or capsule forms? I've started taking the extract and it certainly gives a boost of well-being. Time will tell for me if it expels any mucus.

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: GUEST,dolce voce throat spray
Date: 10 Jun 11 - 04:25 PM

Theres an all natural throat spray out there called "Dolcevoce" that really helps my voice. Its all natural , an tastes great. No chemicals or un pronounceable ingredients. Every singer should check it out.

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: GUEST,Barrydraw1
Date: 14 Aug 11 - 04:53 PM

Has anyone tried "Clear Voice" singer's throat spray?

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: GUEST,Just Gotta Sing!
Date: 24 May 12 - 09:45 AM

All the best throat sprays for singers and cheerleaders can be found at http://JUSTGOTTASING.COM. Vocal Health Articles are found at http://a2zvocalhealth.com.

Subject: RE: Singer's Vocal health - throat spray
From: PoppaGator
Date: 24 May 12 - 03:36 PM

When viewing the recently-released documentary series about Geaorge Harrison, I learned that, during a relatively debauched period of his life when he abused his throat badly enought to affect his singing, George regularly gargled with a honey-and-vinegar solution before going on stage. Start with enough hot water to dilute the honey so that the vinegar can be easily stirred in. Tastes sorta like salad dressing.

When I discussed this with friends, more than one person was already familiar with this remedy, and several noted that they added red pepper (e.g., Tabasco or a similar cayenne-pepper sauce like Crystal or Louisiana brand). Tastes like extra-spicy salad dressing...

I also heartily endorse Thayer's Slippery Elm lozenges, in the old-fashioned-looking package, as mentioned above. When my local health-food store was out of stock, I looked it up on the internet and bought a case which has lasted me for a while.

I might add that my usual vocal problem is not illness-related, not mucous buildup or anything like that, but simply the effects of singing much too loud and at too great a length when performing with our local punk-rock sea-shanty ensemble: the Valparasiso Men's Chorus, Destroying Vocal Chords Since Twenty-Aught-Whenever...