Date sent: Wed, 22 Dec 1999 19:32:27 EST
Subject: Re: HUMIDIFIERS QUERY AGAIN..menthol
To: vocalist
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

In a message dated 12/22/99 4:51:15 PM Central Standard Time,
mezzo-soprano-at-mindspring.com writes:

<< I have always heard that singers should never use mentholated cough
lozenges
because menthol is too drying and irritates the throat. I would guess that
menthol in the form of Vicks Vaporub, either on your chest or in the well of
a vaporizer would have a similar effect. It may help you breathe easier if
you have sinus congestion but, in general, as a singer, I'd stay away from
it. >>


Really??? Jeez..this is a new one to me. When I was first learning to sing I
found inhaling "vicks" vapors helped me to locate the "head" resonance (it
just helped me feel the air go in & imagine sending the sound out the same
way the air went in...might not work for everyone, but I found it helpful).
And I use mentholated cough drops all the time...keep them in my backstage
kit, as a matter of fact. I think in this as in other things, the best
advice might be "to each his/her own". Regards, & Happy Holidays! Barbara
Irvin