4 natural remedies for hoarseness and laryngitis

Laryngitis (also known as laryngitis) is inflammation of the larynx characterized by hoarseness or loss of voice. The larynx is the connecting organ between the pharynx and the windpipe. The vocal cords are also located in the larynx. Irritation or infection can cause the vocal cords to swell, which in turn leads to hoarseness. Laryngitis can be either short-term (acute) or chronic. If you have persistent laryngitis (longer than 2 weeks) or worsening laryngitis, you should see an ear, nose and throat doctor as this can sometimes be a sign of laryngeal cancer or other cancer.

Causes of laryngitis

In many cases, laryngitis is caused by overuse of your voice. The condition can also be the result of these health problems:

•  cold
•  flu
• Allergies
• bronchitis
• Exposure to irritants and chemicals
• Bacterial infection
• injury
• lung infection
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Symptoms of laryngitis

Along with hoarseness or loss of voice, people with laryngitis also have the following symptoms:

• Swollen lymph nodes or glands in the neck
• fever
• Sore throat
• A tingling sensation in the throat
• Dry cough

Natural remedies for laryngitis

There are some simple ways to get symptom relief at home. Such as.:

• Rest your voice
• Drink at least eight glasses of water a day
• Inhale water vapor
• Suck throat tablets

It is important to see a doctor if new symptoms appear.

Although these natural remedies have not been scientifically tested for their effects on laryngitis, they are often recommended by naturopaths and alternative medicine for the relief of laryngitis symptoms:

1) eucalyptus

Steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil at home can help relieve laryngitis, as well as symptoms of cold and flu, sinus infections, and throat infections.

2) licorice

Real licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is found in many natural products that help with sore throats, including teas and throat tablets.

Since licorice contains glycyrrhizic acid or glycyrrhizin, ingesting it in large amounts can cause high blood pressure. Therefore, it is important to only use deglycyrrhizinated licorice extract (or called DGL) from which the glycyrrhizic acid has been removed.

3) Mullein

Another herb that is believed to help calm the airways is the small-flowered mullein (Verbascum thapsus). Verbascum is usually available in the form of tea and throat tablets. It is believed that certain compounds in the leaves and flowers of the mullein act as demulcers (agents that reduce inflammation in the skin or internal parts of the throat).

4) red elm (slippery elm)

The Native American herbal remedy, the elm (Ulmus fulva), contains a gel-like substance that is believed to soothe irritated or inflamed tissue. Teas or lozenges made from Ulmus fulva are ideal for treating laryngitis.

Application of alternative medicine

With limited research, it is too early to recommend alternative medicine as the standard treatment for any disease. It’s also important to note that self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard treatment can have serious consequences. If you are considering using natural remedies for laryngitis (or for health reasons) it is important to consult your doctor first.