By Hallie Williams
Birds have started to chirp and flutter through the sky finally brimming with sun. The snow is melting away, trees are sprouting new buds, and wildflowers have begun reaching out of the ground. The new onset of spring has seemed completely serene until-
BAM.
There’s that cold that’s been going around. The seasons have changed and now your sinuses are plugged, your throat is scratchy, and all you want to do is lay in bed. But rehearsal starts at four… And you’re a few days from tech week… And you have a solo that absolutely has to get re-worked for timing with the orchestra today.
Every theater kid has been here (or will visit) this awful predicament soon enough. At some point in the production period, the cast inevitably drops like flies. Want to make sure that you prevail and make it through the show with a spring-grass-green “GO” light on your health? Here are my best home remedies for kicking the seasonal bugs out, when the bees fly in.
Emergen-C Packs
I swear by these and keep them in my rehearsal bag constantly when approaching a show. Emergen-C packs are basically little pouches filled with flavored powder that you tear open and put in water. Each one contains 100% worth of your day’s vitamin C serving. I always drink one right when I wake up, and right before bed to keep my immune system strong. These work wonders and have kicked many of my colds to the curb, stopping it in its tracks before it even has the chance to start! Pro tip: Instead of dissolving each pack in a whole bottle of water, put only an inch or so of cold water in a glass, stir in the powder, and guzzle it down in one swig. The taste is much better and you still reap all of the benefits! I find these, and similar vitamin c packets, at my grocery store or regular drug store- no need to make a trip to a health market.
Salt Water Gargles
With many colds, drainage from the sinuses or infections in general will cause some pretty nasty sore throats. One remedy that has always greatly decreased my recovery time is a nightly salt gargle. I fill up a cup of warm water, dissolve a tablespoon or two of salt in it, and then gargle mouthfuls until I have gone through the glass. The saline helps to clear the drainage and fights against infections. In addition, you can gargle even if you aren’t facing a cold as a preventative!
Stay Hydrated
Obviously, this is quite crucial to kicking out colds. Although carbonation may feel nice on a sore throat, try to avoid caffeinated drinks like soda- they actually have dehydrating properties! The best hydrators are water, juices (double points for orange juice with a vitamin C boost), and decaffeinated teas (throat coat is always quite the hero). Also do your best to avoid foods and beverages with excess sodium. While salt is beneficial in the aforementioned gargles, you don’t want to actually swallow it, as salt dehydrates your body as well.
Aloe Juice
This remedy is lesser known, but I’ve heard of many who rely on it, and have tried it once or twice myself. Aloe juice is sold in bottles at many health stores. Pour a bit into some water to sip on, and wave the cold bye-bye. Simple as that.
Slippery Elm Lozenges
When choosing throat lozenges or cough drops, it’s imperative to check out the ingredients list. Stay AWAY from menthol if you plan on singing. Menthol will numb the throat. While trying to sing, you may become unaware of the pressure you are putting on the numbed throat / vocal chords and damage your voice. Instead, turn towards menthol-free lozenges. A personal favorite of mine are “Slippery Elm” lozenges, which were actually created for opera singers in 1847. They are specifically designed to protect throat tissue. Unfortunately, these are a bit rarer so a trip to a health store or some online shopping is in order. If lozenges aren’t your thing- some swear by “Singers Spray” (also sold at Whole Foods). This is an herbal spray that you direct at the back of your throat for relief.
Steam
Water vapor is a throat’s best friend. This holds true whether you are bearing a cold or not! Steam is a great hydrator and is especially helpful when your voice feels raspy. Although special throat steamers are available (don’t worry, they’re not as scary as they may seem), hot showers and humidifiers work too! Or, with a parent’s help, ask for a pot of hot water. With permission, carefully lean your head over it with a towel shrouding you and the pot to direct the steam towards your face.
Extra Sleep
Last, but certainly not least, is to make sure that you are getting enough sleep each night. Tech week typically means later nights. Try to get extra homework done when you have some free time,and ask teachers for future assignments to get finished before tech week. Typically, teachers will be much more apt to give an extension if you talked to them previously. After hours of dress rehearsals, surely it would be nice to come home and drift off to sleep right away. For further defense against colds, sleep with a humidifier in the room!
The last thing a production period needs is the added stress of a seasonal cold. Whatever show you’re in, follow these tips to make sure you can hit the stage feeling as great as you did at auditions! From an expert cold-catcher herself, I promise that your immune system will thank you.
Always be sure that you’re only catching one type of bug… the theater bug of course!
Any special tips that weren’t included in this post? Comment them down below!