I need a cure for swollen vocal cords

[Cheswick2.0]

I have lost my voice exactly three times in my life. Once I was in a production of Milk and Honey and the stage was over an inch of standing water (theater in room below sea level in Hallendale on the beach). We all got sick and even then I could squeek out enough sound to sing in the chorus, but not my solos. 2nd time was a few months ago when I had to use a nebulizer for alergy induced asthma. 3d time is now. I am again using the freaking nebulizer for bad case of Capt Trips given to me by an adorable bunch of six year old runny nosed, nose picking 1st graders.
My vocal cords are actually swollen to the point that I can not sing anything above an A on the treble staff.

You would think after all these years I would know what to do. But I just never had this kind of problem before. HELP! Any herbal treatment types around who might know what tea I should drink?

[stopbush]

1. You may need to be quiet for a while.

No singing, no talking.

Have you consulted a doctor specializing in vocal problems? Sometimes the herbal things can do more harm than good.

[Denver Bear]

5. The wonders of Slippery Elm!

Howdy, Cheswick!

I sing in a GLBT chorus here in Denver--baritone.

There's a great herbal tea called "Throat Coat", I forget what brand, but it's common in all the stores here in Denver. I think the main ingredient is Slippery Elm. It's really nice and soothing, and I think it tastes great. It's gotten me through many a concert season. You can also get Slippery Elm lozenges.

Whatever you do, don't whisper--it's much worse for your vocal cords than trying to speak, but try not to do that either.

Hope this helps, and hang in there!

[Cheswick2.0]

8. thanks DB

I have a few friends who sang in the GLBT in South Florida. I loved going to the concerts. Good advice!

[Cheswick2.0]

6. I have concerts coming up on the 23rd and the 7th of December

right now (until next tuesday) I am student teaching, so no relief for the voice yet.
I may have to let someone else sing my solos on the 23rd and hope for better voice on the 7th.

I think the nearest voice specialist is in Philly or Allentown. I may have to look into it.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

2. Cocaine works for most performers, but....

well, you know the risks of that in this silly society...


Seriously, how about Camomile Tea, honey and lemon? Zinc lozenges work pretty well too, at least Dylan says so.

[Cheswick2.0]

7. I have heard about zinc before

hmmmmmmmmmm, those should be easy to get at the healthfood store.

[radwriter0555]

3. If you're losing your voice, you may not be singing correctly....

and perhaps should get re-trained with a proper coach who can teach you better techniques so as not to cause so much harm.

Keep your throat warm, with a scarf, and take ibuprofin and hush up completely.

Then set about re-retraining with a proper coach.

[Cheswick2.0]

10. thanks Rad

it really is the chemicals that are swelling my cords. I have been singing for 40 years and have good classical technique. But your suggestion is good, I do need to get back to lessons.

[HEyHEY]

4. ANything with tyme

[Champion Jack]

9. I heard that Robert Plant

gargles with hot sauce.