Smooth, Clear Voice: Drink The Best Tea For Singers
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I’m not a professional singer, despite really going for it when I’m alone in the house.
However, I do know that there are certain things that can help prepare your vocal cords for a performance.
I also know that tea is one of my absolute favorite things in the world – green, herbal, milky, spicy chai – I love all of it.
So I went looking for the best tea for singers to help look after your voice.
My pick is this ginger tea from Yogi. A warm, caffeine-free drink is a pleasant way to stay hydrated during practice, auditions and performances.
Ginger tea is probably my favorite tea out there. Ancient Indian and Chinese cultures used ginger for all kinds of medicinal purposes.
Today, research suggests ginger may help with nausea in pregnancy, though evidence for motion sickness is weak. Many people also reach for it when they have an upset stomach, and it tastes delicious.
No tea will help you hit high notes, but a warm cup keeps you hydrated, and hydration matters for your voice.
Criteria
When buying a ginger tea for singers, there are a few things to take into consideration before you head to the store and get totally overwhelmed.
I don’t know about you, but if I have more than one option, I just can’t make a decision unless I have a bit of guidance.
Teabags or Loose Leaf?
As with all teas, decide if you’d like to go for teabags or loose leaf tea.
Teabags are clearly the more practical option. They’re easy to take with you to work, to the studio or when you’re travelling for singing. They’re cheap and they’re ready to go.
Loose leaf teas or infusions often have a slightly different, nicer flavor, in my opinion, but can be a total faff if you’re running late for singing practice and just need a cuppa to get you going.
Tea bags tend to be cheaper, too, which is something to think about if you’re really going to commit to it and become a total tea-freak.
Lay Off the Caffeine
I like caffeine-free teas most of the time, and ginger teas nearly always are.
It’s worth checking the packaging though, as some brands like to use ginger alongside energy boosters.
Although a boost of energy might sound great to get you through a long day at the microphone, caffeine can be drying in large amounts. The NIDCD suggests balancing caffeine or alcohol with extra water.
It’s also not so great if you want a soothing, pre-bed drink.
As Pure As Your Voice
Organic, non-GMO products will always be at the top of my list. I like drinking herbal teas for the taste, as well as for all the wonders they do for my body.
There’s no point drinking a healthy, wholesome brew only to find out it’s loaded with chemicals!
If organic matters to you, check the label for a certified organic seal.
Mix It Up
Make sure that whatever tea you buy tastes good when mixed with honey or lemon.
Ginger tea goes wonderfully with a bit of honey and lemon, which many singers find soothing on the throat.
They won’t cure a cold, though. If your voice is hoarse for more than a few weeks, see a doctor.
Yogi Ginger Tea
Yogi is a well-known herbal tea brand, and this ginger tea is one of its staples.
It’s labeled organic and non-GMO.
The ginger has a lovely flavor, too – very warming without being too spicy.
It’s a pleasant warm drink to sip before you sing.
The fact that it’s in teabags is also really helpful, as it means you can easily bung one in a hot flask before heading out to work or for a stroll.
I love my loose leaf teas, but even I can see that they’re not 100% practical for someone on-the-go!
Pros & Cons
This is a nice little product for singers and anyone who enjoys ginger.
It’s caffeine-free, so it won’t give you energy spikes. Like any warm drink, it adds to your fluid intake and can feel soothing on the throat.
I love this because I trust the Yogi brand so much. Their teas are natural herbal blends, and this one is labeled organic and non-GMO.
For some people, the flavor may be a little too much. If you prefer sweet ginger to spicy, just add a few drops of honey.
Sure, it makes it a little less healthy, but it still tastes lovely and will really help to soothe your throat between performances (even if they are just for your imaginary audience while you shower!)
What Else Can You Do To Improve Your Singing Voice?
Drinking tea isn’t the only weapon in your arsenal when you need to keep your voice in good shape.
Here are a few other ways that you can look after it:
No Dairy
This is one that a lot of people don’t realise when they’re new to the world of singing.
Many singers believe dairy can thicken the mucous in your airways.
The evidence for this is weak and some call it a myth, so test it for yourself. If milk before a show makes you feel phlegmy, skip it.
Go Easy on Caffeine
Your vocal cords need moisture to work at their best. The NIDCD recommends drinking plenty of water and offsetting caffeine or alcohol with extra water.
You don’t have to give up coffee, but drink water alongside it.
No Soda
There are some people that say this is nonsense, but a lot of singers completely swear off any kind of soda, mostly due to the sugars and gases.
Obviously, burping isn’t something that’s going to do your performance any favours, but this one is normally down to you to decide on.
If you find that soda has a negative effect on you, stop drinking it.
If you don’t have any issues, then go ahead. It is, after all, your body!
Get a Full Night’s Sleep
Physical tiredness affects your voice, and the NIDCD lists getting enough sleep as part of good voice care.
An Australian study in 2011 suggested that a lack of sleep can change how your voice sounds.
Most adults need at least 7 hours a night.
No Smoking
I don’t think I really need to elaborate on this one.
Smoke irritates the vocal folds, and the NIDCD advises avoiding both smoking and secondhand smoke.
Conclusion
If you’re after a delicious, healthy tea to sip while you warm up your voice, this caffeine-free ginger tea from Yogi is a good pick.
Tea is only one part of voice care. Water, rest, sleep and avoiding smoke matter more, and lasting hoarseness should be checked by a doctor or voice specialist.
Sources
- Taking Care of Your Voice, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIH)
- Ginger: Usefulness and Safety, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH)
