I often get asked, what products are best for singers to have access to? I would divide that into three categories: Vocal Health, Training and Travel.
New singers should focus on vocal health. More experienced singers may want some additional training tools and for the semi-pro or pro singers, investing in travel is a must. Also note that almost every product I’m recommending can be bought for under $20, often far more cheaply than products of very similar quality, so don’t be duped. If you’re paying more than that, it’s probably because of marginally better quality and boujee-ness. Also, it’s always ok to treat yourself!
VOCAL HEALTH
Edible things: Some things that are good for your voice are just foods.
Salt - A natural anti-bacterial it can be placed in hot water and gargled to help release the mucus in the throat.
Throat Coat Tea or Licorice tea - this is soothing to the throat. Keep in mind while adding things like lemon (acids) and cayenne (spicy things) can be good for your overall health, they may temporarily irritate your throat - therefor don't add them to tea right before an audition!
Honey - It is healing and naturally lubricating. Try putting some in your tea.
Medicine and Supplements: if you have pre-existing health conditions please consult your doctor before taking anything. Otherwise most of these are over the counter and generally quite safe.
Vitamin C, Emergen-C or Airborne - all of these products provide additional vitamin C which will help boost the immune system. These can be taken as needed if you start feeling sick. They will generally shorten the length of time you feel ill.
Probiotic, Elderberry Syrup, Fire Cider, fish oil, Vitamins! - These all contain nutrients, minerals or probiotics that are good for gut health and general well-being. Please consult your doctor before taking any new vitamins.
All natural Lozenges - some contain harmful or useless fillers so stick with something with a short number of ingredients and look up any ingredients you don’t recognize. I’d recommend Ricola Honey Lemon w/Echinacea. You’ll notice that you can recognize all the ingredients on the back.
Codeine Lozenges - these are numbing and only for very bad sore throats,
Cough syrup (sometimes contain codeine) - for coughing and painful sore throats.
Sudafed - to reduce nasal congestion (should not be used to treat regular allergies).
Advil - to reduce inflammation when there is pain in the throat.
Allergy medications - if you suspect you have allergies please ask your primary care doctor for a recommendation of an (ENT) Ears, Nose and Throat doctor.
In addition to products you digest, there is also a whole host of products aimed at relieving the mucus in your throat and hydrating your vocal chords
Humidifier - This will add moisture into the room and is particularly handy to use at night while sleeping, so that you wake with nicely hydrated vocal chords. You can also add essential oils, but if you choose to do so please do your own research as many essential oils have not received peer reviewed clinical studies for vocal therapy.
Steamer- these help with clogged sinuses, a cold or post-nasal drip. It will offset drier climates and forced air. You can make your own steamer by putting a towel over a pot of nearly boiling water. For more info refer to the blog post “The Wonders of Direct Hydration.”
Nebulizer: Instead of hot air it’s cool air! It also uses saline (salt water) which is an anti-bacterial - yay less harmful bacteria in the mucus membrane, hurrah!
Neti pot - Neti pots do not directly hydrate your vocal cords but they do physically remove the mucus inside your sinus using a saline wash. These may be more successful (and quicker) than steaming.
Balms and sprays: These are topical or to be gently inhaled.
Vocal spray - this is a quick easy way to sooth your throat (again go for something as close to all natural as possible).
Smelling salts, sinus balms - these quickly open your sinuses, but beware that they may cause mucus to migrate down your throat which can be awful for singing, So only use these if you have a half hour or more for your sinuses to drain before singing. Also gargle that mucus in your throat away with salt water.
Eucalyptus oil: This has been shown to reduce ear aches and sinus infections. Try it in a carrier oil, dilute it in water or buy it in a product like Vicks Vapor Rub.
Student: That’s a lot of stuff!
Me: Yes!
Student: What do I get first? Me: ...
If you are generally healthy, and you don’t currently or chronically have a sore throat or sinus infections, here’s what to buy (as a relatively new student who is not playing gigs or rehearsing regularly).
Keep salt, honey and Throat Coat tea in the kitchen. This will take care of minor problems that may arise.
Get a packet of lozenges you can suck on if you’re traveling around and your throat starts to hurt. These mostly treat long term symptoms and alleviate pain topically.
To reduce inflammation get some Advil and Sudafed in the medicine cabinet. Pro-tip: the generic versions are generally the same but much less expensive!
If you live in a dry climate or use air conditioning try steaming DIY with a pot and towel.
If you haven't bought any of this stuff before - this is where I would start.
Beginner Shopping List
Salt
Honey
Throat Coat or licorice tea
All natural Lozenges
Advil
Sudafed