For singers, clarity of voice and power are crucial. If you’re an expert vocalist or a committed group member or like to sing for fun maintaining your vocal health is essential. In the realm of natural remedies the herbal teas are an effective and safe option to improve your vocal health, reduce irritation, and enhance your vocal performance. In this article we’ll look at the most effective herbs and teas specifically designed to help promote an effective and clear singing voice.
Why Herbal Teas Benefit Your Voice
Herbal teas are famous for their therapeutic properties as many of the herbs have cooling, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. The consumption of these teas can help soothe vocal cords, decrease swelling, and ease any irritation or soreness. The warmth of tea helps relax the muscles that surround those vocal cords which makes it a perfect pre-performance drink.
Top Herbal Ingredients for a Strong, Clear Voice
Certain herbs are especially beneficial for the health of vocals. Let’s look at some of the most effective remedies for singers and vocalists.
1. Licorice Root – The Natural Soother
Licorice has a sweet flavor and potent anti-inflammatory properties. It is an ideal choice for reducing swelling of the vocal cords. It has been known to soothe throat soreness and decrease vocal fatigue, it’s very popular with vocalists who regularly perform.
Benefits:
- It helps ease throat pain.
- Softens and hydrates vocal cords
- Reduces irritation caused by excessive use
How to Utilize to Use: Steep licorice root for 5-10 minutes and then sip slowly to get the maximum impact. Do not drink if you suffer from high blood pressure because it could cause a slight rise of blood pressure in a few people.
2. Marshmallow Root – The Ultimate Lubricant
Marshmallow root is extensively used for throat issues because of its high amount of mucilage that acts as a lubricant on the vocal cords. This makes it a great option for keeping your voice in good shape and decreasing hoarseness.
Benefits:
- The throat is moisturized and coated with the product.
- Reduces irritation and dryness.
- Reduces irritation in the vocal cords.
How to Utilize to Use: Boil the marshmallow root tea for approximately 15 minutes to release its mucilaginous characteristics. Drink it warm for an uplifting effect on your throat.
3. Ginger – The Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouse
The ginger plant is an incredibly well-known and natural remedy that has powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial qualities, which fight inflammation and swelling that may occur around your vocal cords. It also improves circulation, which ensures the vocal cords hydrated and ready for action.
Benefits:
- Reduces irritation and pain in the throat.
- Improves the flow of blood to vocal cords
- Reduces inflammation in the throat.
How to Utilize Fresh pieces of ginger or dry ginger in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes. You can also add a little honey to boost the soothing effects.
4. Slippery Elm – Nature’s Vocal Cord Conditioner
It is a source of mucilage similar to marshmallow root which protects the throat and acts as a protection for your vocal cords. This makes it perfect for singers who require additional vocal protection and water retention.
Benefits:
- It provides a protective layer on vocal cords
- Reduces strain on the vocal cords and irritation
- It hydrates and soothes sore throats.
How to Utilize To use: Brew slippery elm bark or powder with hot water and let it sit for five to ten mins. Drink regularly throughout your day, to ensure that you keep your voice in good shape.
5. Chamomile – Calming and Relaxing
Chamomile is well-known for its calming properties that can relieve tension and stress, both of which are essential to an optimal performance of the vocal chords. It also provides mild anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce swelling that may occur in the vocal cords.
Benefits:
- Relaxes nerves and eases tension
- Mildly eases irritation in the throat.
- Encourages relaxation prior to a performance
How to Utilize: Boil the chamomile flowers in boiling water for approximately 5 minutes. To enhance the benefits, mix it with lemon or honey to create a relaxing effect.
Top Herbal Tea Blends for Singers
After we’ve reviewed the most effective individual herbs for singing health, let’s take a peek at some of the best tea blends that incorporate many beneficial ingredients that can help you maintain an enunciated, clear voice.
1. Soothing Throat Blend
This blend of the licorice root, slippery-elm and marshmallow root, resulting in an effective remedy for dry throats and sore vocal cords. The mucilaginous plants cover and protect the vocal cords, whereas the licorice root reduces inflammation.
Recipe:
- 1 teaspoon of licorice root
- 1 TSP slippery elm
- 1 teaspoon marshmallow root
Preparation Preparation: Steep in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink the warm water for maximum throat comfort.
2. Vocal Cord Relaxation Tea
If you’re a performer who has anxiety prior to a performance This mixture of chamomile, lemon balm and peppermint can provide calm and relaxation, while also stimulating those vocal cords.
Recipe:
- 1 tsp of chamomile
- 1 teaspoon lemon balm
- 1 teaspoon peppermint
Preparation Preparation: Steep in warm water in 5-10 mins. This tea can help relax your mind and keeps your throat fresh and clear.
3. Immune Boost Tea for Vocalists
This tea blend contains lemon, ginger and echinacea to shield your vocal cords and throat from infection. It’s a great choice for singers who are sick or suffering from flu season, or while getting ready for a performance.
Recipe:
- 1 tsp fresh ginger slices
- 1 teaspoon dried echinacea
- 1. Slice of Lemon
Preparation The ingredients should be brewed for about 10 minutes. This tea helps boost your the immune system while keeping your voice free of any smudges.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Throat Soother
Blending turmeric, ginger as well as honey, this mix helps reduce irritation and inflammation of the throat. The active compound in turmeric, curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory ingredient and is great for those who have overworked voices.
Recipe:
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
- 1/2 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon honey
Preparation Ginger and turmeric for 10 mins and then mix in honey prior to drinking.
Tips for Using Herbal Teas Effectively
- Keep Hydrated Herbal teas must be used in conjunction with regular water intake because hydration is vital to the health of the vocal cord.
- Limit caffeine Caffeine can cause dehydration which is why, if you decide to choose tea blends that contain black or green tea, make sure to use them in moderation.
- Avoid dairy Dairy products could cause phlegm to build up and should be avoided prior to or after drinking tea for the health of your vocals.
- Make sure you drink at the proper Temperature You should let your tea cool down slightly before drinking. Hot beverages can cause irritation to the throat while warm teas relax and soothe throat muscles.
Additional Herbs to Try
- Thyme is an expectorant. It helps to eliminate mucus from the respiratory tract.
- Peppermint Cools and soothes the throat, which makes it the ideal remedy for post-performance recuperation.
- Lemon Balm Natural stress-reliever, ideal to manage anxiety before a performance.