Treating Your Voice “Gingerly”
Treating Your Voice “Gingerly”
The positive and negative impact of ginger on the voice
Ginger is a popular spice with a long history in medicine and use in voice care routines for professional voice users like singers, actors, and teachers. While it can be used to soothe the throat, support overall voice function, and even manage digestive issues like acid reflux, it can also have negative impacts on the health and function of the voice depending on your general health and the amount you consume.
Positive Effects of Ginger
Improved Throat Health- Ginger contains compounds such as gingerol and shogaol that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. This has been suggested to provide relief from sore throat, irritation, and generally reduce symptoms of upper respiratory infections. (Food & Function, 2021)
Improved Voice Function- Due to ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties, it can be used to alleviate swelling and irritation in the throat, which can lead to clearer voice production. It does this by reducing unfavourable sensations in the throat and its reactivity to movements and vibration associated with prolonged voice use. Ginger also acts as a natural expectorant, which means that it supports the clearing of mucous from the throat and can reduce the sensations of throat congestion or the urge to clear the throat. (Journal of Voice, 2022)
Improved Reflux Management- Traditionally, ginger has been used to manage nausea and general digestive discomfort. This includes the causes and symptoms of acid reflux. It does this by reducing inflammation in the digestive tract, reducing gastric motility (slowing movement through the digestive tract), and promoting digestion, so that acid is less inclined to go back up into the esophogus. (Nutrients, 2023)
Avoiding the Negative Effects of Ginger
Moderate Consumption- Initially, ginger can result in a soothing sensation in the throat. Excess consumption may lead to increased irritation or burning sensations in the throat. This is particularly true when ginger is consumed in concentrated forms such as ginger tea or supplements.
Monitor Throat Reactivity- Ginger’s strong and spicy taste and sensation might lead to irritation. This has been shown to cause reactivity in the airway that can lead to narrowing of the throat and hoarse voice. If you notice you are sensitive to the sensations of ginger, but still want to use it, you may find benefit in using ginger to mitigate symptoms throughout the day and avoiding consumption immediately before a period of intense voice use.
Monitor Digestive or Reflux Symptoms- While ginger can help manage reflux in some people, it has been shown to aggravate symptoms in others. For certain individuals, particularly with sensitive digestive systems (whether chronic or acute), ginger can worsen reflux symptoms by stimulating the production of gastric (stomach) acids. Monitor any discomfort in throat, chest, and stomach/abdominal region after consuming ginger. You could also avoid consuming it too close to when you go to bed to ensure that any excess acid has time to move through the digestive system before you lay down. (Gastroenterology Reports, 2022)
In general, recommendations around ginger use for your vocal health follow the same rules we use for any other recommendation: Moderate and Compensate. Understand the impact that ginger can have on your voice function. Believe the symptoms when you notice them. And do what you can to mitigate their impact on the voice as best you can.
If you’re noticing or suspecting ginger may be impacting your overall health in a negative way, consult your physician or dietician.
If you need additional support for your voice- reach out to a speech-language pathologist. We’re here to help!
For more information about voice therapy and how a speech-language patholgoist can help you support your voice, click here.