Excess production of mucus.
What do we do, as Voice Professionals, when we have to sing a concert, give a presentation or a speech, if we wake up the day of our event and have excess mucus in the vocal cords and in the throat? This is one of the many challenges of Voice Professional. Excess mucus is almost always due to one thing. Diet.
That’s right, Diet. Some people may say it’s allergy season, their house has mold, or they’ve always been prone to sinus problems. These factors are also possible in the realm of mucus, but excessive mucus production is almost always due to diet. By eating foods that are naturally acidic, such as dairy products, red meat, refined white sugar, and white flour, we become acidic. Our pH balance is out of control and our body begins to react. The lymph glands swell and the mucus that is supposed to flow through them easily gets clogged and cannot escape and be released from our body. So it has to go somewhere. Almost always the throat and vocal cords take the hit.
Our vocal cords are lined with a thin layer of mucus that keeps the cords nice and hydrated so they can vibrate properly. When the mucus is overloaded, the cords become covered with too much mucus and cannot vibrate as they should. So we feel like we have a lump in our throat or a drip and need to continually clear our throat or swallow what looks like a ball of wax or something like that. This is brutal for the voice professional, both psychologically and physically. (Instead of going into the list of foods and dietary habits that need to be addressed to eliminate this problem from your vocal life, this blog focuses on the emergency at hand. Specific foods and diet modification will be in future blogs as well. make sure to check in often.)
So what do we do when mucus production is in overdrive on the big day? One of the best things you can do is to irrigate your nasal passages. Drain completely. If your mucus is yellow or green, then you are on your way to or already have an infection. But that doesn’t matter so much as far as your immediate emergency is concerned. Here is a suggestion that I have given to many of my colleagues and clients. If you have a net jackpot, you’re in luck. Take a mixture of Goldenseal liquid extract (15 drops), a small pinch of cayenne, and two drops of P73 oil of oregano. Mix them in about a quarter to a half cup of water. Use this mixture in your netti pot if you have one. Otherwise, use a cup that can double as a plastic cup. Go to the sink and tilt your head to the side as you pour the mixture through one nostril. TAKE NOTES!!! This blend is not for the faint of heart. It’s going to pack a real punch and some sting. But we are in an emergency situation here. If you really want to attack the mucus and start the healing process right away, this is what will do it.
Goldenseal has antibiotic properties and will begin to heal the infection if necessary. The cayenne will attack and break up the mucus and the oregano oil will completely clear the mucus from the nasal passages. Do this drain at least three times per nose. You shouldn’t need more than that. You will almost immediately feel the urge to blow your nose because the mucus will immediately begin to drain. You may also feel drainage down the back of your throat. This is an amazing remedy. Within five minutes my head is clear as a bell and my nasal passages are basically clear.
Another solution, although not as immediate and powerful but very effective, is to drink apple cider vinegar mixed with filtered water. Apple Cider Vinegar is excellent for the digestive system and a general cleanser and tonic for the body. It will break down mucus and help your body restore itself to a proper and healthy pH balance. Drink this throughout the day and during your concert, performance, or speech. You can also add a little lemon (half a lemon should be enough) and honey (add to your liking) to the mixture. The lemon will help break up mucus, but don’t overuse it as it can dry out the laces if overused. The honey will soothe and coat your throat helping to fight any potential infection, as well as giving you a nice energy boost.