Formal recruitment is tons of fun, but I’ll be the first to admit that it does really horrible things to your vocal cords. For those of you who will be squeaking and squawking for the rest of the week, here are 10 helpful, cheap, and easy remedies to help you get your voice back.
1. Drink lots of water. This usually goes without saying, but you’d actually be surprised how often this gets overlooked. After all, our bodies are 73 percent water, so it only makes sense that keeping your hydration levels up will help you to recover faster.
2. Gargle warm salt water. The purpose of this is to clear out and dry up the bacteria that could be collecting in your lymph nodes (tonsils) and the nasal fluid that goes down the back of your throat. Essentially, this will help you recover by preventing other infections from seeping into your system. (Side tip: gargling mouthwash is also a helpful way to clear out the bacteria, though the alcohol in the mouthwash can sometimes irritate your throat.)
3. Coat your throat before bed. Just a spoonful of honey will do, but try to get sugar-free honey, so the granules of sugar don’t further scratch your throat as they dissolve. Another nice trick I learned from a theater major is to eat a small spoon of cream cheese before bed. Since it’s so thick, it can sometimes help to insulate your throat and the good bacteria within it will further help heal your throat.
4. Drink (lemon) tea. Try to stay away from coffee or caffeinated beverages for the next few days and switch them out for some warm lemon tea. The lemon works in much the same way that honey does, and the good thing about the lemon tea is that you can drink it all day long rather than having to wait until night time.
5. Rest, rest, and more rest. Essentially, try to limit how much you use your voice for the next few days. It also helps if you get extra hours of sleep, since that’s when your body goes through and repairs itself.
6. Drink lots of juices, specifically, aloe vera juice. This is often sold at select Asian markets and can easily be replaced by coconut milk or soy milk. I know I’ve given three different liquid options now, but that’s just how important it is to keep yourself hydrated as you recover.
7. Take your vitamins. It’s not too surprising that most students lack essential nutrients or vitamins within their bodies. (I mean, I live that TopRamen life). I recommend Vitamin C, D, and B to help get your voice back out there.
8. Cough drops. This one mostly goes without saying; however, my dentist recently warned me that it's best to buy the sugar-free ones, so you don’t damage your teeth whilst sucking on the pain soother.
9. Steam. It is not one that a lot of people typically think about in terms of finding a remedy for a raspy voice. To be honest, I didn’t even know it could help until my nursing friend suggested it to me. Feel free to stand in that warm shower for a few extra minutes, because your voice will love you for it later.
10. Painkillers. Like my Dad always used to say, “When all else fails, painkillers are miracle workers.”
My voice is my gift to the world, which is why I feel obligated to get it back out there as good as when I first started speaking, even though the world may want a gift receipt.
