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remedies for the throat

06 Dec 11 - 08:50 AM (#3269235)
Subject: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,brooko

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


06 Dec 11 - 10:41 AM (#3269287)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: Jack Campin

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...


06 Dec 11 - 11:13 AM (#3269298)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,leeneia

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.


06 Dec 11 - 12:26 PM (#3269333)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: Leslie Butler

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!


06 Dec 11 - 12:49 PM (#3269346)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: lefthanded guitar

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


06 Dec 11 - 12:59 PM (#3269352)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: Elmore

Try Fisherman's Friend Lozenges.


06 Dec 11 - 01:02 PM (#3269354)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: My guru always said

Sip port & brandy....


06 Dec 11 - 01:38 PM (#3269373)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,Peter Laban

Wait for St Blaise, February 3d


06 Dec 11 - 01:54 PM (#3269381)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,Bryony

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!!


06 Dec 11 - 02:09 PM (#3269385)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: The Sandman

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


06 Dec 11 - 02:31 PM (#3269407)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,leeneia

"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.


06 Dec 11 - 02:37 PM (#3269417)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: The Sandman

LEENIA is correct.


06 Dec 11 - 02:40 PM (#3269420)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,Peter Laban

You were not


06 Dec 11 - 02:49 PM (#3269424)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: terrier

.. 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 ;)


06 Dec 11 - 05:43 PM (#3269484)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,leeneia

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.


06 Dec 11 - 06:28 PM (#3269501)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: The Sandman

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


07 Dec 11 - 03:43 AM (#3269681)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,Peter Laban

Pot, meet kettle..


07 Dec 11 - 07:51 AM (#3269755)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: The Sandman

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.


07 Dec 11 - 08:04 AM (#3269762)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: peregrina

icelandic moss cough drops or tea

slippery elm cough lozenges or tea

both make a soothing coating on throat


07 Dec 11 - 08:24 AM (#3269768)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,Peter Laban

Where's the joke Dick?


07 Dec 11 - 08:27 AM (#3269770)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,Peter Laban

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


07 Dec 11 - 09:15 AM (#3269798)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: RTim

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


07 Dec 11 - 09:25 AM (#3269803)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,Peter Laban

Carrageen is used locally.

Recipe for carrageen drink


07 Dec 11 - 12:56 PM (#3269907)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: The Sandman

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


07 Dec 11 - 03:15 PM (#3269981)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: Don Firth

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.


07 Dec 11 - 07:50 PM (#3270168)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,julia L

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


07 Dec 11 - 11:40 PM (#3270234)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: Don Firth

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


08 Dec 11 - 09:10 AM (#3270423)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,Peter Laban

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.


08 Dec 11 - 11:04 AM (#3270504)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: The Sandman

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


08 Dec 11 - 01:26 PM (#3270568)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: Bat Goddess

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


08 Dec 11 - 01:33 PM (#3270573)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: catspaw49

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


Spaw


08 Dec 11 - 01:45 PM (#3270576)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST

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

@ catspaw49: LOL


08 Dec 11 - 02:26 PM (#3270589)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: Suegorgeous

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.


09 Dec 11 - 06:10 AM (#3270947)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: Allan C.

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


14 Dec 11 - 03:42 PM (#3273812)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,brooko

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


14 Dec 11 - 06:51 PM (#3273898)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: Bert

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.


14 Dec 11 - 11:35 PM (#3274015)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,julia L

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


15 Dec 11 - 04:18 AM (#3274054)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: Roger the Skiffler

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

RtS


15 Dec 11 - 04:50 PM (#3274389)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: Cats

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!


16 Dec 11 - 01:53 AM (#3274617)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST

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/


16 Dec 11 - 11:04 AM (#3274823)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,leeneia

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.


16 Dec 11 - 01:14 PM (#3274921)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: gnu

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.


16 Dec 11 - 04:50 PM (#3275073)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: KHNic

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.


03 Jan 12 - 10:38 AM (#3284079)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,brooko

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


31 Jan 12 - 10:12 AM (#3299646)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: GUEST,Emmanuel nwokocha.Nigeria

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


31 Jan 12 - 02:16 PM (#3299780)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: Jack Campin

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.


31 Jan 12 - 06:08 PM (#3299915)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: Stilly River Sage

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


31 Jan 12 - 11:29 PM (#3300042)
Subject: RE: remedies for the throat
From: Alice

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