Top 10 Revisited

This is the one I use and I heart it.

Last Tuesday, I wrote a Top 10 Tuesday post from the train, traveling back from one of my marathon, late night rehearsals.  I was in the throws of a head cold or allergies or BOTH.  It seemed as if, by the time of the concert, half of the group was in the throws of something mucus-related and sinister.  Singing is unlike any other in that since the instrument is inside your body, it is affected by EVERYTHING!  What you eat, drink, breath, how you speak, if you get sick – everything!  As a follow up to that late night post, I asked some of my fellow singers to share with me their all-time favorite remedies for this very problem.  I’ve listed some of them below and will update often as I get more:

Anh Truong writes:  “…as for soar throat and mucus:  have you ever tried ginger tea?  Basically, boil ginger and strain out the ginger pieces…add lemon or honey if it suits you…..Mucinex is GREAT for congestion”

Thanks, Anh!  I have to admit, I did not know about ginger tea – that sounds interesting.  Mucinex I have definitely heard about, and had used it a while back and had completely forgotten about it until now.  Thanks to Anh, I will be picking that up from CVS.  I will also try the ginger!

Carol Latimer writes:  “1/4 cup cider vinegar, 1 cup boiling water, 1 TBSP honey – it is a MIRACLE CURE!”

Thanks, Carol!  I have all of these ingredients at home!  It sounds kind of scary and kind of cool!

Susan DiLorenzo writes:  “I’m not a singer but my grandmother always did honey + Lemon + Jack Daniels with a peppermint to make it taste good.”

Now, if you’ve read this post, you know that I don’t condone drinking before an audition!  However, at home or in a place where you are NOT DRIVING, you can try this remedy!  However please heal your throats in moderation!

My remedy:  Excellent question and thank you for asking!  I love the Neti Pot!  My favorite brand is the one you see in the photo here.  Now, it’s weird, I admit.  My mother actually bought it for me and it sat on my shelf for months before I finally got up the nerve to use it.  Because shooting water up your nose, on purpose and then letting it drain out the other side is totally wicked weird.  When I did finally use it – wow, the stuff that came out – let’s not get in to details…but needlesstosay, I was a new woman afterwards and could breath again!  I’m not old school (the actual pot that you pour), but I use the little squeeze-n-squirt bottle with the pre-packaged salt packages.  After you get over the initial sensation of drowning that you experience, you’ll never go back!  I’m also a believer in pharmaceuticals but am not a believer in feeling so dry that I sound like I smoke 4 packs a day and/or ”stoned” 24 hours a day.  These symptoms seem to accompany every allergy med that I try….and I’ve tried them ALL!   Every time a new drug comes out, I’m first in line to give it a try!  I’ve noticed that I didn’t have allergies until I moved here.  Hum…go figure!

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and please send me any more in the comments!

Weekend Wind Down – Instrument within the Instrument

As all singers know, whatever the body goes through, your voice is sure to be affected.  Dry air, allergies, sickness and, not to mention, everyday stress can take your voice down a notch or two.  The best thing, especially during the cold and flu season, is to stay as healthy as possible.  This includes eating plenty of the good foods that give us energy and build our immune systems, drink plenty of water, and exercise.   A fit, strong and flexible body is absolutely essential to overall well being.  Singing is demanding.  Try singing Carmina Burana without breaking a sweat!  I’m learning to find a balance with my exercise with cardio, strength, and flexibility.  This weekend, I started the New York City Ballet Workout DVD’s.  Through the workout, you not only gain flexibility, but incredible posture and relaxation.