As a singer, your voice is your most precious instrument, and maintaining its health is paramount. Unfortunately, cold and flu season brings challenges that can be especially daunting for vocalists. Illnesses like the common cold or flu often come with sore throats, phlegm, coughing, and other symptoms that directly interfere with your ability to perform. While traditional remedies and modern medicine have their place, there are little-known, natural strategies—like monolaurin, raw ginger, and clove—that hold the secret to protecting your voice and keeping you performance-ready. Why haven't you heard about these top secret ingredients before? It’s simple: they’re so effective and accessible that Big Pharma would rather keep them under wraps.
These remedies do more than help you recover from colds and flu; they also act as preventative measures and symptom relievers, ensuring you stay in top vocal shape throughout the year. In this blog, we’ll delve into the science behind these remedies, how they can benefit singers, and how to incorporate them effectively into your routine.
Understanding the Threat: Colds, Flu, and Vocal Health
Cold and flu viruses primarily target the upper respiratory tract, leading to symptoms like sore throats, nasal congestion, coughing, and excessive phlegm production. These symptoms can severely impact singers by:
Straining vocal cords, making it harder to sustain notes.
Affecting pitch, tone, and overall vocal clarity.
Making singing physically uncomfortable or even painful.
For vocalists, even a minor illness can mean missed opportunities, canceled performances, or prolonged recovery time. Preventing these illnesses or minimizing their impact is critical for maintaining a healthy and reliable voice. Let’s explore how monolaurin, raw ginger, and clove can help.
Monolaurin: A Key Flu Remedy for Singers
What Is Monolaurin?
Monolaurin is a natural compound derived from lauric acid, which is found in coconut oil. This monoglyceride is widely studied for its antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Monolaurin works by disrupting the lipid envelope of viruses, essentially deactivating them. This makes it particularly effective against many common viruses responsible for colds and flu.
Benefits for Singers
Prevention of Viral Infections: Monolaurin helps inactivating enveloped viruses, preventing them from infecting your system.
Reduction of Phlegm and Inflammation: By lowering viral load, monolaurin can help alleviate mucus production and throat swelling.
Shortened Illness Duration: If you’re already sick, monolaurin may reduce the severity and length of your symptoms.
How to Use Monolaurin
Dosage: Monolaurin supplements are available in capsule or powder form. Standard doses range from 300 mg to 1,000 mg daily. Consult a healthcare professional to determine the ideal dose for your needs.
Preventative Use: Take monolaurin regularly during cold and flu season to enhance your immunity.
During Illness: Increase the dosage slightly (under medical supervision) to help your body fight off infection.
Pair It with Coconut Oil: Coconut oil, a natural source of lauric acid, can complement monolaurin supplements. Incorporate it into your diet by adding it to smoothies, cooking, or even consuming it raw.
Tips for Singers
Take monolaurin in the morning with breakfast to establish consistency. A brand I recommend is: Lauricidin.
If you feel a cold coming on, act immediately by increasing your intake.
Combine monolaurin use with adequate rest and hydration for optimal results.
Ginger: A Natural Flu Remedy for Singers
Why Ginger Works
Ginger has been used for centuries as a medicinal remedy. It contains powerful compounds like gingerol, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Ginger is also a natural decongestant and expectorant, making it especially useful for singers dealing with phlegm and throat irritation.
Benefits for Singers
Soothes Inflammation: Ginger reduces throat swelling and irritation, keeping your vocal cords in top condition.
Clears Phlegm: Its expectorant properties help loosen mucus, making it easier to expel.
Boosts Immune System: Ginger strengthens the body’s defenses, reducing your chances of catching colds and flu.
Relieves Coughing: Ginger’s soothing properties can calm persistent coughs, protecting your vocal cords from strain.
How to Use Ginger
Chewing Raw Ginger: Take a thin slice of fresh ginger, chew it slowly, and let its juices coat your throat. This provides immediate relief from irritation.
Ginger Tea: Grate fresh ginger into boiling water, let it steep for 10 minutes, and add honey or lemon for added benefits. Sip it throughout the day.
Incorporate Into Meals: Add ginger to soups, stir-fries, or smoothies for a daily immune boost.
Ginger Lozenges: Keep ginger lozenges on hand for quick relief during rehearsals or performances.
Tips for Singers
Carry a small container of fresh ginger slices for emergencies.
Use ginger tea as a warm-up drink before singing to reduce throat discomfort and inflammation.
Experiment with ginger-infused recipes to keep your routine varied and enjoyable.
Clove: A Flu-Fighting Remedy for Singers
Why Clove Works
Cloves are a rich source of eugenol, a compound known for its antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Chewing cloves or consuming clove tea can soothe throat pain, fight infections, and calm coughing.
Benefits for Singers
Sore Throat Relief: Eugenol’s numbing effect provides quick relief from throat pain.
Fights Infections: Clove’s antimicrobial properties combat bacteria and viruses, reducing the risk of illness.
Reduces Coughing: Chewing on cloves can suppress coughing, protecting your vocal cords from strain.
How to Use Clove
Chewing Cloves: Take one or two whole cloves, chew them slowly, and allow the oils to coat your throat. Discard the remnants once the flavor fades.
Clove Tea: Steep a few whole cloves in hot water for 10 minutes. Add honey or lemon for flavor and drink as needed.
Powdered Clove: Add a pinch of clove powder to your tea, coffee, or meals for additional antimicrobial benefits.
Tips for Singers
Keep cloves in your bag as an emergency remedy during rehearsals or performances.
Combine clove tea with ginger for a double dose of vocal health support.
Use cloves sparingly to avoid numbing your throat excessively before a performance.
Combining Flu Remedies for Singers: Monolaurin, Ginger, and Clove
While each of these remedies offers unique benefits, their combined use can provide even greater protection and relief. Here’s how to create a routine that incorporates all three:
Daily Preventative Routine
Take a monolaurin supplement with breakfast to bolster your immune system.
Chew a slice of raw ginger mid-morning to keep your throat clear.
Sip ginger-clove tea in the afternoon for additional immune support.
Add ginger and clove to your meals to integrate these remedies seamlessly into your diet.
When You’re Feeling Sick
Increase your monolaurin intake (under medical guidance) to help fight the infection.
Sip warm ginger tea with honey and lemon throughout the day to soothe your throat.
Chew on cloves as needed to relieve pain and reduce coughing.
Rest your voice as much as possible and stay hydrated to aid recovery.
Additional Tips for Singers
To maximize the benefits of these natural remedies, consider the following:
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water keeps your vocal cords lubricated and flushes out toxins.
Use a Humidifier: Dry air can irritate your throat, especially during winter. A humidifier ensures your vocal environment stays optimal.
Practice Vocal Rest: If you’re feeling under the weather, minimize talking and singing to allow your vocal cords to recover.
Get Adequate Sleep: A well-rested body is better equipped to fight off illnesses and heal quickly.
Maintain a Balanced Diet: A nutrient-rich diet supports overall health and immunity.
For singers, maintaining vocal health is a non-negotiable priority. Monolaurin, raw ginger, and clove are powerful, natural allies that can help you prevent and recover from colds, flu, and other ailments that threaten your voice. By incorporating these remedies into your daily routine, you can safeguard your vocal health and ensure you’re always ready to perform at your best.
Remember, your voice is a gift that deserves the utmost care. Whether you’re preparing for a big performance or navigating the challenges of cold and flu season, these remedies offer a simple, effective way to protect and preserve your vocal talent. Stay proactive, stay healthy, and keep singing your heart out!
However, maintaining vocal health isn’t just about avoiding illness—it’s also about honing your technique and using your voice effectively. If you're ready to take your singing to the next level, I invite you to connect with me for personalized singing lessons. Together, we’ll focus on building your vocal strength, technique, and confidence, so you can sing with ease and brilliance, no matter the season.
I have limited openings left this week, so act quickly and contact me now to secure your free consultation:
I look forward to hearing more about your singing and vocal goals. Let’s elevate your singing to new heights!
In health,
Val Bastien, OCT
Vocal Coach