Keziah on November 20, 2014 at 5:08 pm
Actually I just found out today that cold drinks do not affect the larynx at all. They pass clear down the pharynx with no contact and by the time it reaches the larynx it is 98.6 degrees Celsius.
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Nicola on November 25, 2014 at 5:51 am
Hi Keziah, Thanks for going the extra mile and doing that research! 🙂 Food and drink pass through the pharynx, into your esophagus and eventually reach your stomach. However the pharynx as a whole is part of your digestive system which also includes your larynx. If you really want to know how it all works I’d recommend asking a medical professional, but I can tell you that as a professional singer what you drink does effect your voice. Some drinks cause your voice to go dry and scratchy because they reduce lubrication, some cause too much phlegm which leads to glugginess and some are good for your voice because they reduce phlegm and increase lubrication. I hope that helps! xx
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Diego on February 22, 2015 at 6:08 am
I actually drink warm, DEcaffeinated Green Tea with some honey whenever my voice gets Dry/Stressed from singing for a prolonged period of time. It not only has its healing properties (due to having naturally high amounts of Antioxidants), but also relaxes and soothes the throat GREATLY. I found through experience that this heals my stressed or dry vocal cords to an extent that water really can not. If you’re speaking from personal experience regarding your history with green tea, you may experience a dryness to your vocal cords due to the fact that the tea you purchase is 1) Caffeinated or 2) Contains a variety of different herbs/ingredients other than being 100% All-Natural Green Tea.
I suggest you find a trusted brand of All-Natural DEcaffeinated Green Tea and have a cup before and after singing and I can guarantee that you’ll reap the benefits immediately. (:Reply
Harlan on September 10, 2016 at 6:05 am
Tannins are present in green tea, and they are what cause the dry mouth feeling in many people, same as red wine. Perhaps you are simply less susceptible to the astringent effects of tea.
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Jack on January 14, 2017 at 8:48 am
I assume the reason that green tea do not dry your vocal chords becuase of the honey you added. It neutralizes the green tea’d property.
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FOGII on November 26, 2017 at 2:09 am
Totally true, My mom she drink green tea with honey added every day for her throat cleaning, and it does a good effect. with the honey inside, it won’t make you feel dry out in your throat.
meow on July 17, 2017 at 2:09 pm
Nice.
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Rose on April 20, 2018 at 6:12 am
I am a new singer not yet stable and my voice dries up wherever I sing PLEASE help
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Marilyn on March 31, 2019 at 11:15 am
A really good drink of water 10 minutes before you sing hydrates your vocal folds.
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Person on May 7, 2019 at 7:14 pm
Drinks with honey or lemon are pretty good for throats I heard, and you can always drink lots of water when/before singing, although I have the same problem but then again I’m really dehydrated…
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Marcus Haddock on September 8, 2021 at 7:52 pm
Stay calm ,new singer’s will experience nervousness and be fearful of making errors or of not producing the sound you want. With experience you will begin to trust your technique, acquired over many hours of practice. Then you won’t get nervous. Good luck I always told myself before a performance that it isn’t brain surgery and it will be over in 3 hours.
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Prince on March 22, 2019 at 7:38 pm
Please is Lipton good for my cracked voice
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Emily on March 30, 2019 at 11:29 am
My favourites for pre and post show soothing are aloe vera water, sweetened pineapple juice and the Bickfords lime cordial. Tastes like lemon lime and bitters, but without the carbonation!
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Dammy on November 18, 2019 at 5:07 pm
Thanks Nicola for the enlightenment. But you didn’t specify what is good for the voice.
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Courtland Jones on February 9, 2017 at 7:16 am
Helpper a lot.
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Aisling on October 25, 2017 at 10:12 pm
I can add something else: sugary drinks, or anything sugary, for that matter. I’m speaking from personal experience. If I try to sing when my vocal cords are “sugar-coated,” I can barely get any sound at all. Similar to the way you described trying to sing after drinking milk.
And iced or cold drinks do affect my ability to sing.
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Sebastian Barcelone on August 10, 2018 at 1:08 am
mouthwash
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victor on September 28, 2018 at 12:16 pm
djb on October 27, 2018 at 4:51 pm
98.6 Celsius would be 209 Fahrenheit.Normal human body temperature is 98.6 Fahrenheit or 37 Celsius.
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djb on October 27, 2018 at 4:53 pm
.
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Bill Gauthier on August 5, 2022 at 9:07 am
My problem is that I am 76 and I work at a grocery store and I sing the alphabet to the children and I will say about 98% love it! I couldn’t sing most of my life until I had my ears bloom out! I have a stigmatize and lazy eye and my memorizing a sing gives me a lot of Trouble any suggestions??
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Kevin Lancaster on April 13, 2019 at 3:34 pm
Holy poop on a stick!!!! 98.6 degrees Celsius! I’ll stay away from cold water. Thank you!
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James collins on May 18, 2020 at 4:25 pm
My voice crack when am singing a high a tone
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Diego on February 25, 2015 at 12:30 am
It’s only after/before singing or I must avoid milk at all?
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Nicola on February 26, 2015 at 11:07 am
It depends because everyone is different. I drink milk all the time and only avoid it during singing (or just before).
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Ronxie on May 22, 2020 at 12:03 am
How about Lipton Tea
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MMB on March 8, 2015 at 6:00 pm
But Billy Joel sings in Piano Man that the microphone smells like a beer.
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Nicola on March 11, 2015 at 6:07 am
lol! He’s right! Microphones are breeding grounds for bacteria which is why I ALWAYS use my own. All those singers spitting and breathing onto the mic and putting their lips onto it… ewww! Not nice. Rehearsal room mics are the worst.
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David J on March 26, 2016 at 11:13 am
It is just a song — a musical out of fiction. Even so, just because some singers do drink while singing doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.
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Ian on January 17, 2019 at 7:04 pm
Fans often by the band a round, I typically take a few sips and then set it aside for later ( after the show, when you really need it) so not to offend them but keep my voice cleaner and my head clearer.
Sometimes, in a bar or other drinking environment, Alcohol works as an “Ice Breaker” with an audience and we sometimes find that alcohol becomes a “Stage Prop”. Maintaining the fine line between entertaining and becoming another drunk on stage an exercise in self control and self awareness.
Bands like the Clash or Quiet Riot were know to have Iced-Tea in there Jack Daniels bottles, which some consider “lame”. As a fan, I’d rather see/hear that then to see a band with serious alcoholic issues (there are certainly a few of those) Seeing Aerosmith live after 1987 (@ when they sobered up) is a real treat compared to seeing them in the 70’s when they were wasted on stage.
anyway, certain flavors of Gatorade hydrate you (of course) and also help keep you from drying out in the throat and mouth. Try a few to see which one works for you as some flavors DO dry your throat out, mostly due to the flavorings they employ, I drink mine at room temperature.. I know, Gatorade does have way too much sugar 🙂Reply
Thom on March 22, 2015 at 1:58 pm
Very interesting tip on the green tea. I’m not a singer, but I had become a regular consumer of green tea over the past few years, and noticed my speaking voice becoming quite weak. Took me some time to make the connection, but eventually switched to peppermint tea, and had a marked improvement. I’m sure everyone’s a bit different, but green tea and my voice were an especially bad mix.
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Dice Tee on August 6, 2015 at 9:06 am
I think what Mr Nicola said about voice treatments are great but how can i get the peppermint tea mixed to make my voice nice and sweeten?
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Nicola on August 9, 2015 at 4:27 pm
MR Nicola??!!!! lol
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Anna on November 11, 2015 at 9:13 am
Wow I had no idea about green tea!! Good to know.
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Kifaya on February 9, 2016 at 4:34 pm
I don’t know what can i do my voice is very bad please help to in my problem
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Shivanshu misra on June 9, 2016 at 6:04 pm
Can you please tell whether mousambi juice is good or bad for voice because i used to take 1 glass mousambi juice every day because it is good for health but i dont know whether it is good for voice also ..please help if u can .
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uche on July 6, 2016 at 12:35 pm
Like you said about green tea, it has a lot of health benefits but it is better to avoid it right before you have to sing.
Nice article
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Hellis on July 16, 2016 at 2:39 pm
It’s interesting, so many articles claim that the quality of the “honey” is important and the temperatures of the beverages as well. I have been singing with Metal bands now for 30 years, and it has only been recently that I am experiencing dry throat .
I do The Aloe/ honey sprays which I make myself .I no longer drink alcohol. I find lemon does NOT work for me .
How often before a show should I steam ?
Is there a natural / over the counter nasal spray you can use ? I have found out the hard way that most nasal sprays WILL dry you out. Any decongestant for that matter
Anything anyone has tried to relieve congestion besides steaming at showtime ?Reply
Nicola on July 24, 2016 at 2:06 pm
I’ve found nasal sprays really dry the throat out so I can’t recommend one. The best decongestant however is Eucalyptus Oil. It seriously works and its potent! Peppermint tea also reduced phlegm and doing a regular nasal rinse will work wonders. You could also ask your doctor about going on a mild antihistamine if your congestion is pollen related.
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Reese on November 23, 2016 at 8:34 am
I found saline spray to help.Also white tea,which is the youngest part of the leaf, is a good substitute for green tea drinkers. They are correct that green tea has additives,it’s true form macha, is generally too bitter for most, but has a better effect on the body.Using honey is a good sweetner,but make sure you have pure,good quality honey.Because good honey, and there are many variations, is expensive, many grab the bears etc, that may just be honey flavored upon closer exam. As to choosing your throat, sore throat, chest congestion, I’ve used several things over the years, some home remedies. A few examples: make a gallon of water by adding lemongrass and a couple slices of lemon, bring to boil, refrigerate. Keep a bottle w you and drink after room temp all day.A few tblspoons Peppermint Schnapps, 100proof, slightly warmed if possible for congestion or the night before performance. If you are really unlucky to get chest cold and sore throat, an old AWFUL tasting tbsp of a mixture called Rock and Rye from ABC store, that has had extra honey and lemon added. Shake bottle first, afterwards a steamy shower or sit in bathroom with shower running, if you don’t have access to humidifier(who hasn’t been sick away from the comforts of home?). Another thing that has always helped me, and this came from my 90y/o grandma years ago, was horehound candy and warm water plain. This was something they used up in the mountainous area she grew up in, where doctors weren’t available, but instead herbalist. Last thing,yogi throat comfort tea, and republic of tea Get Soothed tea. They both have things like marshmallow root, licorice root, slippery elm etc. The latter site has a few choices for sickness or avoiding. Happy singing.
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Jan on June 21, 2017 at 4:15 am
Yes I sing with a rock band, found lemon is a complete no, no. Will not drink wine or beer. Like the info about green tea. Singing at a Chinese restaurant but usually just drink water. The idea that the ice tonic ice water is interesting. Didn’t feel bloated. Honey had always been good. Going to try peppermint tea. Cheers
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Stephen L Castleberry on May 1, 2019 at 10:56 pm
Fisherman Friend’s cough drops will open your nasal cavities better than anything. Used to be found at any convienence (sp) store. Now mostly Walgreens, I order mine from Amazon, and get them by the box load. I got so I was addicted to nose spray(had to use more and more, but pop in a FF, and your sinuses will open up immediately.
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JJ on August 23, 2016 at 4:54 am
I have also found green tea to be drying to the voice and lemon doesnt seem to help either
Honey ia a great natural lubricant- as in warm honey water
I find that licorice tea is the best lubricant-decongestant/expectorant and I always try to have some before a show or between sets
For serious nasal or throat congestion nothing beats gargling or snorting saltwaterMilk makes mucous
I avoid dairy products because they have been stripped of nutrients And- I am not a cow
(Although I have been called a pig)
I also find wine to be drying and some beers to be bloating
I do like a drink or 2 during a show
Liquor is quicker to relax you
I generally prefer Jaegermeister – more of that heavenly black licorice
There is nothing on here about diet which i feel is crucial to optimum performance
Alkalize
A day or two eating nothing but fruit will do wonders for your overall well beingReply
FOGII on November 26, 2017 at 2:21 am
Alcohol can easily make your voice dry out and get a sore throat, you can not even sing the next day, you’ll easy to get inflammation in next few days. How does it help to relax you? It’s totally harmful.
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Vinny on October 5, 2016 at 8:33 am
I have found a hot water and Manuka Honey is an excellent way to warm up and sooth before a concert…about two tbs in a half a mug of hot water and dissolve it all before drinking…Manuka is a all natural product and has mega healing and soothing properties for the throat. I also drink loads of water before, after and during a session and avoid wine, beer, fizzy drinks but i do sometimes have a glass of port as i find this helps the throat well.
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carol sue gershman on November 1, 2016 at 8:05 pm
Thank you for the post about green tea
Do you have any information on white tea?
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Kaku Likha on November 6, 2016 at 6:51 pm
Is garlic not good for vocal?
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Echo on November 9, 2016 at 10:25 pm
This list was for drinks so I didn’t include garlic. It doesn’t effect me either which way though.
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Ani Johnson on March 31, 2017 at 8:53 am
Hey but I have been told that green tea is very good for healing voices and a blessing for singers! What should i do . Shall I quit it? I started drinking green tea recently only.
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Lloyd on July 24, 2017 at 3:31 pm
I have a party tomorrow at noon and have my auditions in the evening.I really wanna drink beer but don’t know whether I’ll be able to sing later .Do suggest me .Thank you
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Carmen I on September 5, 2017 at 3:46 pm
I have to say that this has bremember one of the most educative, professional and ethical blog I have come across.The energy of collaboration and great intentions is awesome! I’m Spanish amd my dream has always been to sing because when I do I feel like the real me comes out and shine.I can’t afford many of the things required for me to start my singing journey. I just move back home, jobless, mindless and no support from anyone. I feel like a ghost because people around me don’t see me. They pass me by. My mom passed last year and it’s been like I died w her. I went to karaoke in my neighborhood but I got stage freight. I’m not a natural singer. I was not born with the gift or the talent but singing it’s what keeps me wanting to stay in this world. Even these days if you want to sing in church you jave to audition. And I’m in a more esoteric path so church singing is not my ambition. Thank you for allowing me to share part of my story. But sometimes I feel that if I can’t sing I’ll rather not be here becauae it is what moves me amd what makes me feel whole.
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Sedilove on December 3, 2017 at 7:31 am
Thanks for sharing your story. This is my first time hearing, you even need to audition to sing at church…
As I usually tell people, so far as you have a voice & can speak & people will hear, you can sing as well. Don’t look down on yourself because people look down on you. If they don’t recognise your voice today, doesn’t mean you don’t have, keep at it like no one’s business, do it with sincere heart & thought. At the opportune time you will shine.
Lots of love to allReply
Carmen I Luciano on September 5, 2017 at 3:49 pm
By the way I am Latino and love to sing salsa and romantic songs.
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Al Philips on September 8, 2017 at 11:28 pm
Tequila helps me sound better.
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Sebastian Anders on October 9, 2017 at 3:49 am
When I sang in bars and taverns, the more my audience drank the better I sounded. I never drank alcohol when I performed. Thinking back, perhaps I should have. I might have appreciated the audience more.
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JD on December 2, 2018 at 5:23 am
Tequila makes everything sound better.
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Tom on October 24, 2017 at 6:08 am
I would respectfully debate your statement that wine is “packed with preservatives” that dry out your throat. Wine does have trace amounts of sulfites added to hinder spoilage, but that’s not what causes the problem.
Saliva contains proteins whose primary function is to help lubricate your throat and your food. Tannin in red wine binds with the proteins and washes them away, resulting in astringency in the mouth and throat. So, yep, stay away from red wine, but not for the reason you mentioned.
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Albert Authority on January 30, 2018 at 6:44 am
This is very instructive and informative!
Thank you colleagues!Reply
bukenya ismail on March 11, 2018 at 6:30 pm
thnx fr evething
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Tony on March 31, 2018 at 1:14 am
I learned many year ago. That using hot tea, a shot of Brandy, Lemon juice and Honey mixed together and warmed up, will do wonders for your voice. I’ve been using it for years before i sing.
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Rose on April 20, 2018 at 6:14 am
How often do I have to practice as i want to be a worship singer…
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Gladness on May 26, 2018 at 8:29 am
I have a problem with throat tickling and itching that cause chronic cough.
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Ray Elliott on August 22, 2018 at 12:12 pm
Room temperature water works best for me. Simple readily available, and it works.
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Amy on September 20, 2018 at 4:47 pm
I heard apparently honey and lemon tea is supposed to be good for your vocal cords.
I know you’re not supposed to have dairy, but is it okay to drink honey and lemon tea with a drop of milk? I don’t like my tea black.
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djb on October 27, 2018 at 4:55 pm
Lemon will mske milk curdle.
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Daniel N on December 7, 2018 at 2:09 pm
I love singing, and each time i sing miracles happen, but i don’t have a good voice, i need help, i don’t mind buying any of your books and attend your classes..
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Beth Crawford on March 5, 2019 at 2:16 am
Any recommendations for mouth wash? I love the brand Smart Mouth, but it really dries my mouth out. Uncomfortably so. Thanks.
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Vicki on March 30, 2019 at 3:52 am
I have been using Lemon/Ginger tea with honey at room temp. Seems to lubricate and sooth my throat during a 2 hr. practice…
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Caroline on August 2, 2019 at 2:40 am
Thanks!!! I do a lot of theater, especially during the summer and this really helped me out.
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Heather Rushing on June 7, 2020 at 7:19 pm
Ginger tea has become very popular for digestion and other ailments and I love it. However, I have discovered when I bring it to choir rehearsal ( mixed with lemon *) it is very drying to my throat. I have known for some time that lemon is no good for me. It just seems to irritate my throat. I think it must be drying. So, why on earth did I bring this mixture of ginger and lemon tea to rehearsal? I think I had a brain cramp. Whenever we are able to start choir up again. I’ll bring mint tea.
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