Singing an audition or a performance when you're not feeling your best is the absolute worst. Whether you slept on the wrong side of the bed, are entertaining a certain monthly visitor, or your nerves are manifesting themselves in a pressure migraine, some remedies are better than others. When it comes to pain management, one medication is not equal to another. So before you reach for that Advil, keep these things in mind!

Explore homeopathic relief!

There is a reason singers often have a ritual including ginger, pineapple, or essential oils. Explore some of the following alternatives before opening the medicine cabinet!

The following boast naturally occurring anti-inflammatory properties. As OTC anti-inflammatory drugs can risk vocal hemmorhage, be extra careful by avoiding taking these natural alternatives within a few hours of singing!

• Ginger's potency was proven to be more effective than ibuprofen in certain situations! Not only is it a great herb to cook with, it also makes a nutritious tea! I got mine from T2.
• If you love to brew tea, you can make a turmeric latte! I fill a mug 3/4 full with almond milk and add a generous heap of turmeric powder. I will also add some honey, cinnamon, and ginger powder for additional potency! I microwave this before using my milk frother and sprinkling with some turmeric and cinnamon for decoration. It is so yummy and soothing!
• Bromelain, the enzyme naturally found in pineapple, is a natural anti-inflammatory that many singers swear by! You can integrate this into your routine by upping your pineapple intake, or by taking natural bromelain pills. 

There are also options for all-natural pain relief, including...

• Capsaicin, found in chili peppers, can stop the transmission of pain signals to the brain! Just be careful, because some people's voices are negatively affected by spicy foods!
• Valerian root is a natural cure-all. Since the second century A.D. it has been used to combat the effects of insomnia, anxiety, and stress! Although not technically a pain reliever, it can certainly ease muscle tension stemming from performance anxiety! Try sipping on some valerian root tea next time you can't sleep before a performance, or before your next audition!
• Magnesium can help relieve migraines, muscle spasms, and might help reduce premenstrual symptoms! Foods high in magnesium include almonds, pumpkin seeds, and salmon.
• Essential oils can relax both the muscles (when rubbed into the skin) and the mind (when smelled). 

And if you must reach for a pill bottle...

Blood thinners (Anticoagulants) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) risk vocal hemorrhage, the rupturing of a blood vessel in the vocal fold. Blood thinning drugs include the commonly used medications of aspirin and ibuprofen (these can be found on the shelf under the names of Bayer, Aleve, Advil, and Motrin).

• If you must take a blood thinner or anti-inflammatory drug, keep in mind: according to the New York Times, it takes a full 10 days for the effects of aspirin to wear off! Other anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and naprosyn, will wear off in only a matter of hours. 
• If you must take a blood thinner or anti-inflammatory drug, it does not mean you will suffer a vocal hemorrhage. These drugs should not be combined with excessive or improper use of the voice, so just be careful.

If you're looking for a singer-safe over-the-counter pain medication, reach for Tylenol! Acetaminophen does not pose this risk. 

What is you pain-relief routine? Do you have any other homeopathic tips to explore? Comment below!

Note: If you are concerned about your instrument, please reach out to an Otolaryngologist!