Water, water, drink lots of water. Staying hydrated (and we are usually more DEhydrated than we realize) helps a LOT - it thins out the *yucky stuff* and keeps the vocal cords wet. Avoid caffeine; it's a diuretic. Alcohol will also dry you out...isn't THAT ironic!! Vitamin C is good for the immune system, but it is also a diuretic. Keep those vocal cords wet.

Antihistamines and mentholated cough drops can be rough. Use antihistamines and decongestants only if you must (in order to breathe) and as sparingly as possible.

Olive leaf throat spray (health food stores) and slippery elm lozenges help. There is also an Olive leaf nasal spray that I've used.

Remember that everything may be inflamed, so be gentle with your voice. Take more time warming up. Get plenty of rest. What you can usually "get away with" -- don't try!

Lots of good advice here, and thanks, Tom, for posting that thread. Seems we revisit this topic on a seasonal basis! But it is a beast for vocalists, and it seems like new things pop up every time we discuss it, which is a good thing!

stay healthy,

Brenda

Brenda

"Well behaved women seldom make history" -- L. T. Ulrich
"...so make sure you misbehave and have Big Ovaries" -- Blue Merlot

http://www.BlueMerlot.com
http://www.Women-at-the-Well.com
http://www.CDBaby.com/cd/BlueMerlot
http://www.ileauxcannes.com