Inflammation of larynx is called laryngitis, which is usually characterized by hoarseness or loss of voice and throat pain. The larynx is also called a voice box, an organ that joins the back of the throat to the windpipe (trachea).
The larynx is an important organ that helps in respiration and phonation. It allows air to be directed into respiratory organs for gas exchange. It also produces vocal sounds and controls the pitch and volume of voice. It acts as a valve to close the respiratory tract and prevents the passage of food and other foreign particles into the lower respiratory tracts.
Laryngitis is usually caused by excessive strain on the vocal cords or by viral or bacterial infection. Smoking, respiratory allergies, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, and use of inhaled steroids may be contributing factors.
Symptoms Of Laryngitis
- Hoarseness
- Weak voice or voice loss
- Sore throat
- Throat pain with tickling sensation and rawness in the throat.
- Coughing
- Slow fever
- Trouble in swallowing
- Difficulty in speaking with a constant need to clear your throat.
Laryngitis is often linked to other illnesses such as flu, pharyngitis or other respiratory diseases. You might also have other symptoms such as a runny nose, headache, and swollen glands.
The problem usually lasts for a few days to 2 weeks at the most. It gets healed without any serious consequences. If it persists longer than this duration, it could be a case of chronic laryngitis for which you need to consult with a doctor.
Here’s the list of simple home remedies which you can try and get relieved; get your voice box back to normalcy.
10 Simple Home Remedies For Laryngitis
1. Salt
This is the first and basic remedy to treat laryngitis at home. Salt has a great antibacterial property and helps kill the bacteria. It also eases the swelling and soreness of throat. Soothe your throat throughout the day by gargling with a mixture of salt and warm water. It is the easiest method to heal your inflamed throat.
How To Use
- Prepare a solution mixed with ½ teaspoon of salt to a glass of lukewarm water.
- Gargle with it several times a day.
- While gargling, try to take the salt water as far back into your throat as possible, so that it touches the larynx, where actual healing is required.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
It is believed that apple cider vinegar is the mother of all vinegars. It has great antibacterial and antifungal properties that work well against all kind of germs that attack the throat and mouth.
How To Use
It can be used in two methods.
- Take 1-2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (preferably raw and organic).
- Mix with one glass of warm water.
- Drink 2-3 times a day.
- You can also add 1 teaspoon honey and cayenne paper to increase the effectiveness of this drink.
The second method is to prepare a mixture with 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar to 1 glass of water and gargle several times a day.
3. Ginger
According to NCBI, ginger is one of the most commonly consumed dietary condiments in the world. “Gingerols” is one of the active chemical components in ginger that provides excellent therapeutic benefit and act as a highly potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
According to David J. Hufford (Ph. D.) university professor of the medical humanities Department at Pennsylvania state University’s college of medicine, fresh ginger can help soothe inflamed mucous membrane of the larynx.
How To Use
It can be used in two ways,
- Just sucking on a few candied ginger throughout the day or simply eat a few thin slices of fresh ginger root.
- Second, drinking a cup of ginger tea. To make the tea, cut 1-2 inch piece of fresh ginger root into thin slice and place in 1 quarter of boiling water. Cover the pot and simmer on the lowest heat for 30 minutes. Let it cool for 30 minutes, strain and drink ½ to 1 cup three to five times a day. Sweeten with honey if needed.
4. Honey
According to Ayurveda, honey is considered as one of the most remarkable nature’s gifts to mankind. Scientific studies suggested honey has great antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties.
Thus, it helps reduce inflammation of the larynx, soothes the throat, and relieves irritation.
How To Use
It can be used simply by swallowing some raw honey several times a day. You can also make a herbal tea with lemon and honey. To make herbal tea, boil a cup of water, and then add 1-2 tablespoon of honey and juice of a ½ lemon in it. Your herbal tea is ready. Drink it 2-3 times a day.
5. Garlic
According to National Institute of Health, garlic has proven to be effective against a plethora of gram positive, gram negative, and acid-fast bacteria. Studies show that garlic has great antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, which help in killing the disease-causing organisms that are often the root cause of laryngitis.
How To Use
- It can be used either by swallowing or chewing the garlic directly.
- Second, it can be used as garlic syrup.
According to Maryann Marshall (a famous herbalist), garlic syrup is considered one of best home remedy for laryngitis.
To make garlic juice, peel and chop the cloves of several garlic heads and place them in a jar. Cover with equal parts of apple cedar vinegar and distilled water. Shake well and allow to sit for 4 hours. Strain and add on an equal part of honey. Shake together and store in a refrigerator. Take 1 teaspoon every 6-8 hours.
6. Turmeric
Turmeric has great anti-inflammatory properties. It encourages healing and soothes the soreness in the throat.
How To Use
Add ½ teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of milk and drink it 2-3 times a day, until symptoms disappear.
7. Herbs
According to the university of Maryland Medical Center, using herbs is the time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating the diseases.
Few herbs which are used commonly to treat laryngitis:
- Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Globules): Apart from treating common cough and cold, eucalyptus helps soothe a sore or irritated throat. It can be used as lozenges, cough syrup, and vapor bath. Avoid the oral consumption of eucalyptus oil, as it could be poisonous and harmful to your body.
- Peppermint (Menthe x Piperita): It has an excellent soothing effect on the throat and for a dry cough. Avoid direct consumption and not for infants as well.
- Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabra): Although scientific evidence is lacking, licorice root is considered a good traditional treatment for a sore throat. It may cause certain side effects and may be contraindicated for people who suffer from high pressure, heart disease, kidney and liver disease, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and those who take blood-thinners such as aspirin or warfarin.
8. Marshmallow (Althea Officinalis)
Again, there is the lack of scientific evidence, but it is believed that these two herbs contain mucilage which coats the throat and relieves irritation. There are some contraindications to using these herbs.
Marshmallow can potentially interfere with several medications and can lower the blood sugar level. If you have diabetes or hypoglycemia, speak with your doctor before consuming it.
9. Slippery Elm (Ulmus Fulva)
Slippery elm also affects how your body absorbs some medications. So wait at least an hour before/after taking any medications. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid slippery elm.
Note: Herbs can trigger side effects and may interact with other herbs, supplements or medications. So it is always advisable to take a proper medical consultation before consuming it.
10. Homeopathic Treatment
Using homeopathic remedies for treating laryngitis is a good alternative treatment option. According to the National Center for Homeopathy, homeopathy remedies provide great relief in laryngitis.
Even though homeopathic remedies works differently on individuals (remedy selected on the basis of individual symptoms of person), these are some good remedies to treat laryngitis.
- Aconite: when there are sudden onset and exposure to cold wind. It is best suitable at the beginning stage of laryngitis.
- Drosera: one of the top rated homeopathic medicine for laryngitis with a nagging cough.
- Causticum: it is the best remedy for laryngitis from exposure to cold air.
- Argentum Nitricum: best medicine for hoarseness in singers and speakers.
- Arum Triphyllum: when there is a pain in larynx while clearing the throat. Burning sensation in the throat with swollen neck glands is another prominent symptom.
- Phosphorus: it is indicated when violent tickling in larynx along with the rawness of throat.
Additional Tips
According to Mayo Clinic, using self-care methods and general precautions may relieve the symptoms of laryngitis and reduce strain on your voice.
These are:
- Breathe moist air. Use a humidifier to keep the air throughout your home or office moist. Inhale steam from the bowl of hot water or a hot shower.
- Give rest to your voice as much as possible.
- Drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration (avoid alcohol and caffeine).
- Avoid whispering as it strains your voice.
- Avoid decongestants as they can dry out the throat.
- Moisten your throat by having lozenges, gargling with salt water or chewing a piece of gum.
Try these wonderful home remedies to treat the annoying symptoms of laryngitis. If symptoms persist, take professional medical help.