The Master Tonic Remedy

As a singer myself, I have grown to loathe the common cold, not to mention (shudder) the FLU!

Respiratory illnesses usually turn into laryngitis for me. My immune system is quite strong, but this weekend I started feeling that awful sensation in my throat that told me I was catching this terrible cold that has been going around in my area. So when my sister sent me this bottle of strange brown liquid and told me it would deal with most anything that ailed me, I decided to try it. OH MY GOSH- my eyes bugged out when I just lifted the lid... BUT... I AM WELL- after only one dose. So I will pass it on to you-

If you are REALLY serious about wanting to stay healthy, check this time tested remedy:

"The Master Tonic"- (aka "The Flu Tonic)
Chop or blend equal parts of:

• Habanero Peppers
  
• Horseradish
• Gingerroot
• Hot Onions
• Garlic Cloves

Cover and blend with

• raw, unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar

Let it sit for a couple wks, shaking it regularly, then strain and use as needed

My sister offers this recipe to make it tastier:

• 1 tsp master tonic
• dash of worcestershire sauce
• couple of ice cubes
• fill glass with tomato juice
• top with squeeze of lemon
  stir
  enjoy

Read the complete directions for making the tonic, and dosage recommendations at:
http://ourcountryhaven.com/OCH3/index.php?topic=399.0

Here is another chat room with some practical info:
http://www.curevents.com/vb/showthread.php?t=29186&page=1

Another chat room discussion about this tonic: http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/showthread.php?t=141498&highlight=master+tonic

Here is another website which advocated taking it "straight" (a serious zing!)
http://www.wikihow.com/Naturally-Cure-the-Common-Cold%2C-Flu%2C-and-Parasites/Fungii-With-Home-Made-Master-Tonic

Another site advocating this remedy:
Natural Tonic: Richard Schulze

Singing, Health and Body Language

Here are some very interesting links about singing you might want to read:

http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/06/06/07/how_singing_improves_your_health_even_if_other_people_shouldnt_hear_you_singing.htm
http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/05/10/19/how_your_body_language_conveys_confidence_intelligence_and_trust__or_a_lack_there_of.htm

Back Off the Pressure!

Here's a very important tip for using max vocal power...

DON'T DO IT!

I mean... never use 100% of the power you have available to sing. It will turn into "pushed" sound instead of what I like to call "pulled" sound.

Instead of "pushing", imagine pulling your voice, by the word, from above and behind you. If you sing as hard as you can, you will tense muscles and tendons in your neck, shoulders, jaw and tongue- oh, yes- and your larynx! This will limit your vocal range, will make it very hard and effortful to reach for upper notes, will fatigue your voice, and will sound strained, thin and brittle.

Instead, back off the pressure and you will find yourself with more vocal range, tone and pitch control. You'll be able to blend your registers much better. Your voice will less likely suffer from strain and fatigue.

That's because when you back off a bit, you'll be better able to keep your throat open, giving the vibrations from your larynx an open path to the resonation zones in your face, sinuses, nose, throat and trachea. You'll be able to blend your vocal registers so you are not screaming chest voice and then changing to weak head voice.

Here's the bottom line: Vocal volume should come from more resonation, not more pressure through your vocal cords!!!

IMPORTANT: As you back off the power, you should (and can) add PASSION! Meaning, with less strain in your face, neck and shoulders, you can articulate the words and emotions of your song even stronger.

So......

Whether live performance or in the studio: Back off the pressure + add passion, and you'll find that less is truly more!

Sick Singer Remedies

First and very important... I am not a doctor. From time to time on this blog, I will share with you my and other's experiences with health remedies, but it is always best to check with your doctor before trying any of these tips.

For sinus issues (pardon the pun!):

Singers with chronic sinus and allergy problems can not sound their best. The vocal resonation zones are sick! Worse yet, the thickened mucous membranes offer the perfect medium for bacteria, viruses, and even fungus to take hold and multiply. While it's best to deal with the mucous membranes as soon as they begin to thicken, but so many products are ineffective and/or have too many undesirable side effects- like drying out the vocal cords.

"Sinol" is a new allergy and sinus product from the health food industry. One of my sisters, who has truly serious sinus problems, says that so far it is working miracles for her.

For irritated throats (actually good for any performance)

"FireWater" - that's what my other sister calls the concoction I recommend of lemon juice, honey and ceyenne pepper in a container of water (mix it to taste). Sip it frequently to help thin, ease and heal the mucous membranes of the throat, or to prepare your throat for live or studio singing, or public speaking.

For acid reflux;

There seems to be an epidemic of this right now. There are many reasons for acid reflux. It irritates not only the esophagus but also the vocals cords, sometimes causing serious vocal problems. In my case, it was due to not having enough acid or enzymes to digest my food. I went to a naturapath named Dr. Eddi Boyd, who tested me and recommended a product called "Pepsin HCL".

In my blog links, you will find a link to "My Family Doctor" - a great new medical magazine where I find practical advice from medical professionals on staying well.

Besides medical docs, I also go to trustworthy alternative medical pracitioners regularly. I believe in the integration of both mainstream and alternative medicine. I eat a healthy, digestable diet and take suppliments to keep my immune system rocking. I try to avoid antibiotics unless I really truly need them. When you have to perform, you want to be able to depend on a healthy instrument- having to cancel a show is never fun.

Do your own research and you'll be amazed at the real solutions out there to your health mystery. Your voice needs your spirit AND your body well; don't give up until you find the help you need. Please share your remedy experiences by clicking the comments link at the end of this post. I believe more in word of mouth experience than marketing ads.

And also remember, a remedy that may work for you may not for another. Use wisdom, common sense and err on the side of caution. And comment... What works for you?

Resolutions for the Best Voice You Never Had!

Ok, why not harness the power of the New Year's Resolution to give you the best voice you never had?

FACT: your body/mind/voice are all connected. THEREFORE: if you'd like to be able to take your voice to another level this year, here are some choices, if you follow through, that will really help you gain significant vocal ground:

1. Take better care of your body-

• DRINK MORE PURE WATER- Half your weight in ounces is a good goal. To limit toxic pcbs, buy one of those thick, ridged, quality bottles to carry with you and don't re-use those thin plastic pre-filled ones.
• EAT NUTRIENT-RICH FOODS YOU CAN ACTUALLY DIGEST Read books and search internet on nutrition. Schedule an appt to get tested for YOUR optimum diet with a doctor of naturapathy or other trustworthy holistic practitioner (ask around for recommendations).
• ESTABLISH AN EXERCISE ROUTINE Join a gym, hire a trainer. Buy some inexpensive equipment and a good work-out video. Walk/run regularly with a buddy.
• GET MORE SLEEP- Find a wind-down routine that you can habituate. Make yourself get 8-9 hrs sleep almost every night, remembering one hour sleep before midnight equals 2 hrs after midnight. Schedule a doctor's visit to deal with insomnia issues and rule out or deal with sleep apnea. Consider a new pillow or a new bed!
• GET OUTSIDE- Unless you have seriously limiting allergies, (the rest of this list should help with those) turn off your computer & TV - get out in the fresh air and sunshine, there's no substitute for this.
• GET A CHECKUP- Besides medical docs, try a naturapath, chiropractor, masseuse, accupuncturist, etc. Amazing what may clear up- and your voice will benefit from it all.
• GET HELP FOR ADDICTIONS- Whether it be food, anorexia, smoking, alchohol, drugs, overwork, pornography, or anything else, admit when it's too big to handle by yourself. Your voice, along with your body, will reward you, I promise and it's NEVER TOO LATE OR HOPELESS! You'll have a lot better songs to sing, too. If you are a family member of an addict, try ALANON meetings. And furthermore...

2. Take better care of your mind

• LEARN SOME NEW MUSIC- sing something you've never tried before. Take a course in music history, business, or other interest. Explore new cds or dvds by other artists. Analyze why you like or dislike what you hear in their melody, groove, lyrics, production, and vocal performance. Find a new outlet for your creativity... painting, clay sculpting, acting, etc.
• TAKE TIME FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH- A closer connection with the Creator of your voice can do more for your singing than any other suggestion I could make- and you're heart will be singing better songs, too!
• CREATE - your own songs, stories, poems, movie scripts... even just journalling will inform your voice for performance.
• TAKE ACTING LESSONS- truly incredible help for vocal performance. Try out for a part in a play, TV show, movie or commercial. Even auditions help you learn to communicate and perform authentically.

3. Take better care of your voice -

• TAKE VOCAL LESSONS- Find a good teacher who can assess your strengths and weaknesses and quickly help you make improvements and vocal goals for yourself. (For help choosing a teacher, see my earlier post).
• BUY GOOD VOCAL TRAINING MATERIALS- There's no substitute for one-on-one teaching, but there are products out there than can really make differences in your technique. I have 6-cd package available at http://www.judyrodman.com/buy.html and a new single-cd training course you can purchase by calling 615-834-4747.
• ATTEND A VOCAL SEMINAR- Check out the credentials of the speaker, then go and participate!
• ASK QUESTIONS ON THIS BLOG- Put them in the "comments" link on my posts and I'll try to answer your queries!
• RECORD YOUR VOICE- In my experience, there's no substitute for recording in the studio. You learn so much every time you go in, but even the first one should find you pleased. There are all kinds of projects in all kinds of price ranges- everything from a piano or guitar vocal demo to full tracks master ready for sale. Research reputable producers and studios so you don't fall for any scams.
• CONTACT ME via email, judyrodman@comcast.net, phone 615-834-4747, or website http://www.judyrodman.com/ for more info & to schedule lessons or recording productions with me.

AND one more thing... have a safe, warm and HAPPY NEW YEAR!! :)

When mucous membranes go wrong

A couple of tips for allergies and thick mucous membranes of the nose… First one:
try using a “Neti Pot” filled with saline solution to wash the allergens out of your nasal passageways. For some sufferers, this can work miracles. Get the Neti Pot and the non-iodized salt you must use for saline solution at your local health food store.

Second one was sent to me by recording engineer Ronny Light. He tells me this tip is listed in Wikipedia under Vomer. It's under the heading Trivia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vomer
“Clear your stuffed nose!”

“Forget Sudafed. An easier, quicker, and cheaper way to relieve sinus pressure is by alternately thrusting your tongue against the roof of your mouth, then pressing between your eyebrows with one finger. This causes the vomer bone, which runs through the nasal passages to the mouth, to rock back and forth, says Lisa DeStefano, D.O., an assistant professor at the Michigan State University college of osteopathic medicine. The motion loosens congestion; after 20 seconds, you'll feel your sinuses start to drain.”

Also- Ask about the many herbal preparations to boost the immune system as well. DRINK A LOT OF WATER!!! Half your weight in ounces is a good amount to shoot for. If you can, put ceyenne pepper in everything you can think of - food and drink.

A wonderful throat soother is a glass of water with a heaping tsp lemon juice, heaping tsp honey, and a dash or three of ceyenne... just have something handy to blow your nose with! :)

And lastly- I had great results by drinking a very diluted pineapple juice and water mixture when I was sick and had a loooooong day of recording sessions to sing.

Let me know if you have a favorite remedy for singer's crud!