|
VOCAL HEALTH
I was deep in the trenches of a stubborn, long-lasting cold. My throat was raw, my voice had all but vanished, and – of course – I had a ton of recording to do on the calendar. Great timing, right? Just when I was about to panic (or try to whisper my way through a session – don’t do that!), my dear friend and fellow voiceover powerhouse, Keaver Brenai (pictured below, left), reached out with some truly lifesaving vocal health advice. Her tips were effective. They helped me feel clearer, stronger, and I even managed to knock out a session without sounding like a swamp creature.
Whether you’re fighting off a cold, navigating allergy season, or just want to keep your voice in top shape, these remedies are pure gold – especially when your livelihood depends on your voice! 1. The Soothing Power of the Ginger-Honey-Citrus Elixir Let’s start with a warm drink that feels like a hug for your throat. This elixir is simple, powerful, and built from ingredients you probably already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need:
Combine these into a hot tea and sip it slowly. Ginger helps reduce inflammation and clear mucus, while citrus adds a hit of vitamin C and cuts through phlegm. Honey soothes irritated tissue and adds a protective coating to the throat. It’s vocal immunity in a cup. (A previous post has a similar recipe, if you’re interested!) Pro tip: If you’re feeling extra rough, place a small spoonful of the honey-ginger mixture under your tongue every couple of hours. Let it sit there and absorb – it’s like a lozenge made by nature. This helps coat the throat and keep things calm in between sips. 2. Gargling: The Voice Actor’s Secret Weapon! Salt water gargles may not sound glamorous, but they’re a must. Every 30 to 60 minutes, gargle with warm water mixed with kosher salt. Go for as long as you can. Saltwater draws out infection, reduces inflammation, and clears away mucus. It’s one of the oldest and most reliable vocal health practices around. Not only will it help soothe a raw throat, but consistent gargling helps prevent bacteria from taking hold. This is crucial when you’re fighting off a cold but still need to preserve your voice for a session. 3. Give Your Voice a Break—Literally One of the hardest but most important parts of vocal recovery? No talking. At all. That means no whispering, no “just one quick note,” no exceptions. Whispering can actually strain your vocal cords even more than regular speech. Instead, grab a notepad or index cards to communicate with your family or housemates. Seriously – channel your inner silent film star. Vocal rest is often underestimated, but it’s one of the most effective things you can do to bounce back quickly. If you have a session looming, even a half-day of total silence can make a noticeable difference. 4. Steam + Sweat: Your New Wellness Duo If you have a humidifier, keep it running near your bed or wherever you’re hunkered down. No humidifier? No problem. A pot of boiling water on the stove works, too. Just make sure you’re nearby and breathing in that steam. Now, let’s level this up. Apply Vicks VapoRub directly to your neck and chest, especially near the area that feels the worst. Then wrap a towel around your neck that’s been soaked in hot (but tolerable) water. Reheat the towel every 30 minutes to keep the heat consistent. Top it off with a hoodie or sweatshirt, hood up. The goal is to gently sweat out whatever’s got a hold on you. It’s an old-school remedy, but it works. Be prepared to feel like you’re in a spa/sauna hybrid—but your throat will thank you. 5. Let the Mucus Move This part isn’t glamorous, but it’s crucial. Keep tissues in the bed or near you on the sofa and expel everything that wants to come up – throat, chest, nose, all of it. Don’t hold it in. Don’t swallow it. Don’t worry about decorum. Spit it out and toss the tissue on the floor if you have to. Every trip to the bathroom becomes an opportunity: blow your nose, gargle again, drink more water. You’re flushing the system from the inside and outside. 6. Hydration and Medication: Stay Ahead of the Crash If your doctor has prescribed any medication, stay on it. But also commit to drinking at least 8–10 glasses of water a day. That’s right – water. Not soda, not coffee, not sports drinks. Pure water keeps mucus thin, helps flush toxins, and keeps your vocal cords hydrated. Even if you’re only able to speak minimally, staying hydrated helps your voice heal faster and gets you back in the booth sooner. 7. Managing Allergies vs. Fighting Illness It’s worth noting that the ginger-honey-orange elixir is great for managing seasonal allergies and post-nasal drip too, not just when you’re full-on sick. If you’re navigating pollen season, or you wake up with that dry tickle every morning, this ritual can serve as both prevention and treatment. When you’re sick, layer in the saltwater gargles, humidifier steam, and warm compresses for deeper relief. 8. What If You Have to Record? Sometimes, the show must go on. If you’re in a situation where you must record a session – maybe it’s a live-directed booking or a tight deadline – these remedies can help you get through it. Gargle before and after. Sip the elixir. Warm up slowly and gently. And always, always rest your voice immediately afterward. Final Thoughts: Your Voice Deserves Care Yes, colds happen. Allergies flare up. Throats get sore. But with a few powerful home remedies, some practical vocal rest, and a bit of mindful self-care, you can recover faster – and sound better – without missing a beat. Stay warm, stay quiet (when needed), and keep those vocal cords happy. Thank you, Keaver Brenai, for all this sage advice! It helped tremendously! |
By Natasha Marchewka
So I'm paying it forward and sharing her tips.
.png)
Now if you could only find a solution to my annoying sinuses I inherited from my mom - clear one second, fully clogged the next, then clear again a few minutes later. No rhyme or reason! Ughhh, the bane of my vocal existence! lol
Thank you!