Q&A:
ASMVC RESPONSE: This is difficult one to respond to in writing without giving you a diagnostic evaluation of your voice. What the diagnostic does is help me as the teacher assess what is going on at the vocal cord structure, so I can advise you accordingly. I am not a doctor, neither a vocal scientist, but I would be able to advise you on your next step, or put you in touch with an special Voice Clinician or ENT. But in the meantime, I wouldn't push your vocal cords to do anything until you have had these seen to, because one wrong move or attempt could make a small problem into a lifelong big problem. Can I suggest you book a session with me? Why? Because it may only mean that you need vocal training, plus it could have stemmed from your historical habits. In other words, whatever you use to do in the past isn't working for you in the present, so you may need to find a technique to help you.
Celia: Hi Zena, I would just like to know which is the best fruit juice when your voice is going? Looking forward to your response.
ASMVC RESPONSE: When your voice is going the best fruit juice, could possibly be pineapple because of its sweetness, smoothness and non-acidic taste. Its important to avoid juices that causes dryness or acids, as this can create other problems or feed and multiply the feeling of catarrh or mucus. Herb teas, teas with tea bag are known to drying out the vocals, whether adding honey makes a difference, but I tend to avoid herb teas when my vocals are dry or when my voice is going, because of how they cause my vocals to feel - "dry." Alternatives are: pineapple, water (room temperature or if hot - not piping hot); Cayenne tea is my favourite when I am ever coming down with an itch throat, coat, or flu-like symptom. This is placed in all your drinks through the day if possible, just a fifth of a teaspoon. Or you can have it as a hot drink with honey (add to taste). It can really help when you take just before bedtime with a clove of garlic and honey - cover it and let it sit for 5-7 minutes, then drink/sip. Once you get down to about a 3rd of the cup, find the garlic clove and eat it or swallow it, then drink the reminder of the drink. This will help eliminate the pleghm - by morning the phlegm should be gone.
PLEASE NOTE: It is important that you recognise that this certified instructor is not a medical doctor, and that it is solely your responsibility to seek out and further investigate medical help and advice from the correct sources, i.e. doctors, ENT specialists. To use the remedies suggested you do so at your own risk, because the information shared is based on what personallly works for her. Somethings are scientifically proven, but to be safe, investigate for yourself.