Top 28 Home Remedies For Laryngitis

What Is Laryngitis?

If you are searching home remedies for laryngitis then your search ends here. But before you read about the various types of home remedies to ease out the symptoms it is imperative to understand what it really means!

Laryngitis is a medical terminology for the inflammation of the larynx or the voice box of the human body.

Larynx helps a man speak, shout, exclaim, whisper and sing. Larynx is made up of cartilage skeleton within which the vocal cords are situated.

The vocal cords are covered with a mucus lining. The muscles help in adjusting the tension and position of the vocal cords thus creating different sounds.

The quality of sound is affected by the airflow inside the voice box.

The larynx is situated at the intersection of the mouth and trachea.

It also sports epiglottis or flap like covering over it that prevents the saliva and food entering the voice box when we consume something. But then, what is laryngitis?

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the vocal cords due to which the patient loses his voice or it becomes hoarse.

The quality of voice gets affected badly as a person can sound low, rough or even extra soft.

Throat pain is a prime symptom of laryngitis that occurs due to inflammation. Many a time laryngitis is caused due to excessive yelling or screaming.

What Causes Laryngitis?

There are several causes of acute and chronic laryngitis. They are:

Acute Laryngitis: Causes

• The most common cause of acute laryngitis is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the vocal cords.
• Acute laryngitis can also be caused due excessive talking, singing or shouting.

Chronic Laryngitis: Causes

If the symptoms stay for more than three weeks then it is considered to be a chronic laryngitis. The causes are:

• Excess cough and cold
• Extreme exposure to pollution
• Smoking
• Strong exposure to cigarette smoke
• Drinking alcohol
• Acid Reflux or Gastroesophageal Reflux disease can also cause laryngitis. This happens when a patient repeatedly experiences acid spills on the vocal cords which result in inflammation. Acid reflux can also cause a chronic cough.
• Polyps or nodules may form in the vocal cords if there is persistent irritation. This causes chronic hoarseness.
• Using inhalers repeatedly

Signs And Symptoms Of Laryngitis

The primary symptoms of laryngitis are loss of voice, throat ache, and hoarseness.

If the main cause of laryngitis is an infection then the patients will likely be experiencing the following laryngitis symptoms:

• Dry cough
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Swelling around the neck
• Pain during swallowing of food or water
• Runny nose
• Respiratory tract infection or cold
• Loss of voice
• Stuffy feeling around the throat area

Home Remedies And Treatment For Laryngitis

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a great laryngitis cure because it helps in balancing the stomach acid levels.

This liquid is naturally acidic in nature and therefore helps in lowering the pH level in the human body.

Apple cider vinegar helps in the proper digestion of food by providing enzymes and probiotics to the human body.

It is helpful in fighting infections and this home remedy dates back to the time of Hippocrates when vinegar was administered to fight infections in the human body.

ACV has been in use since then to treat sore throat.

There are antimicrobial properties in vinegar that is just right for the laryngitis treatment.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 glass of water

Method:

Mix the apple cider vinegar in one glass of water and drink this concoction three times a day.

Note:You can also mix honey and apple cider vinegar to make soothing syrup for the sore throat and tummy.

2. Ginger

Ginger is an age-old home remedies for laryngitis. It helps in soothing the mucous membranes of the vocal cords.

It  is usually eaten to provide warmth inside your body and help fight with toxins. Ginger helps in cleansing the respiratory tract and keeps us away from respiratory diseases.

Ginger also helps in curing sore throat, cough, cold, inflammation and swelling. These are some of the basic symptoms of laryngitis.

You can add ginger to your juice, smoothie, soup, and even drink ginger tea 2 to 3 times every day to cure chronic laryngitis.

More:  How to Treat Asthma with Ginger

3. Garlic

popular belief is that garlic is the best home remedy for common cold.

It is being one of the main symptoms of laryngitis has to be cured to bring down the intensity of laryngitis.

Greatly helps in fighting the virus and bacteria inside the body that leads to swelling and infection.

Garlic is also a wonderful expectorant that helps in loosening the cough.

Whether you eat raw garlic every day or you add it in your daily meals it is important to consume garlic.

For best results however it must be eaten raw each day. You can add crushed raw garlic to salad or honey as a cure for laryngitis.

4. Raw Honey

Honey is the oldest medicine in the history of human life and is considered to be the best treatment for laryngitis.

It is a great antioxidant that has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is of a high nutritive value.

Helps in moistening the throat and soothing the inflammation, swelling and irritation. It helps in soothing cough, common cold, voice hoarseness, sore throat etc.

Eating raw honey is a must if you wish to avoid seasonal allergy symptoms that cause laryngitis.

Eating a tablespoon of local raw honey is good for your throat and respiratory system as it helps in avoiding the seasonal allergies and laryngitis.

If you do not wish to eat raw honey then you can add raw honey in small quantities in warm water or tea throughout the day.

{ Also Read: Honey for Curing Diabetics }

5. Essential Oil- Lemon

Lemon essential oil is a good laryngitis cure and it helps in inhibiting the growth of bacteria and virus that causes respiratory diseases.

It helps in the detoxification of the body, relieves sore throat, loosen the cough in throat. It relaxes the voice box.

If you want to use lemon essential oil to reduce laryngitis symptoms then:

Ingredients:

• 1 glass of warm water/ green tea
• 2 drops of lemon essential oil

Method:

1. Add 2 drops of lemon essential oil to 1 glass of warm water or green tea.
2. Drink this concoction immediately.

Note:

• If you want you can also add the 2 drops of this essential oil in honey and eat it.
• You can also inhale it directly by adding it in your diffuser.

6. Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint is a great expectorant and also relieves us from sore throat. This essential oil is a great form of laryngitis home remedies because it helps in reducing the symptoms considerably.

It is a great home remedy for the treatment of cough and cold.

It can easily discharge the phlegm from your body and reduce swelling around the larynx. Peppermint essential oil is helpful for patients suffering from chronic laryngitis.

It helps in inhibiting the contractions of the throat that leads to coughing thus reducing the irritation in the vocal cords.

There are two ways to use peppermint essential oil. They are:

For Internal Use:

Add 2 drops of peppermint essential oil in a glass of warm water or green tea and drink it immediately.

For External Use:

• You can apply a few drops of peppermint essential oil on your chest, throat and back.
• You can use the peppermint oil in a diffuser and inhale it directly.

7. Marshmallow Root

The marshmallow root is a traditional medicine for laryngitis treatment. This root contains mucilage which provides a thick coating around the throat thus helping to reduce the irritation.

Marshmallow root is often used as an ingredient for in the cough syrup and lozenges. This is because it helps in alleviating the dry cough and swelling in the lymph nodes.

Marshmallow Root Tea

Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoon marshmallow root powder
• 1 litre water

Method:

1. Boil 1 litre water. Let it cool down till it becomes warm.
2. Then add 5 tablespoon dry marshmallow root powder.
3. Let it steep for 2 hours.
4. Strain and drink this liquid.

You must never take marshmallow root medication prepared at home with other prescription drugs because it might cause a side effect.

8. Slippery Elm

Slippery elm is an herb used widely in North America and is used mostly to treat diseases like cough, acid reflux and sore throat.

It is similar to marshmallow root and contains mucilage which provides a thick coating in your throat.

 

It helps in soothing the irritation in stomach, mouth, throat, voice box etc.

Slippery Elm Gel Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 bowl warm water
• Fresh slippery elm

Method:

1. Mix slippery elm in warm water and let it rest for a couple of hours
2. The slippery elm will form into a gel.
3. Consume this gel several times a day to get rid of sore throat

Note: If you are not able to make this gel at home you can also buy slippery elm lozenges from a pharmacy nearby.

9. Resting Your Voice

If you are suffering from chronic laryngitis then you must try and give your vocal cords a bit of peace and rest.

You must never try to talk if it is not required. Speak softly when you have to.

You should never try to whisper because it irritates your vocal cords a lot more than speaking softly. Do not try to clear your throat all the time.

10. Onion Syrup

Onion syrup acts as a natural laryngitis cures and reduces inflammation. It is an expectorant that can easily be prepared at home.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium size onions
• 4 cups Water
• 1 tablespoon honey
• A few drops of lemon juice

Method:

1. Chop 4 medium onions roughly.
2. Boil 4 cups of water and add the onions.
3. Simmer the mixture till the solution thickens into syrup like consistency.
4. Cool down the onion syrup.
5. Take 5 tablespoon of onion syrup in a glass of water.
6. Add a tablespoon honey and a few drops of fresh lemon juice.
7. Sip the mixture slowly.

11. Salt Water Gargle

The salt water solution always helps kill the virus and bacteria in the respiratory tract and throat.

It is the best cure for laryngitis. It helps cure swelling, hoarseness and inflammation of the larynx.

Method:

Add 1 ½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle with it. repeat this 3-4 times in a day for best results.

12. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is acidic, antibacterial and antiviral by nature. It helps alleviate several symptoms of laryngitis. It helps release the phlegm from your throat and nose.

Ingredients:

• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 glass warm water
• ½ teaspoon salt/ sea salt

Method:

1. Take a glass of warm water and add the juice of 1 lemon
2. Add ½ teaspoon sea salt to the solution
3. Gargle 3-4 times a day.

Note:

You can also add lemon in your tea and drink it several times a day.

13. Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil is widely recognised as the best medication for sore throat, chronic cough and common cold.

The antiviral and antibacterial agents help in soothing the hoarseness of the vocal cords.

The best way to use eucalyptus oil is to inhale it directly with the steam.

Method:

1. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a pan of boiling water or steamer.
2. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam for 10 minutes.
3. Follow the procedure three times a day for best results.

Note:

You can consume cough syrups or lozenges that contain eucalyptus oil.

14. Licorice

Licorice is an expectorant and can relieve mucus easily. It acts as a laryngitis cure and helps to alleviate symptoms like irritation and inflammation.

Licorice Tea

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon dry licorice root
• 1 cup water

Method:

1. Boil a cup of water and add the dry licorice root in it.
2. Boil the mixture for 5 minutes.
3. Strain and drink the warm tea three times a day.

Note:

• You can eat licorice lozenges as well.
• Licorice root is not fit for people suffering from heart, liver, kidney and high blood pressure ailments. This root must not be administered to pregnant or lactating mothers.

15. Mouthwash

Mouthwash can provide you with instant relief from sore throat. The anti bacterial agents act as a cure for laryngitis.

If you gargle and swish the mouthwash in your mouth properly then it helps in killing the bacteria and other germs.

You can try using the mouthwash that contains elder-flower as it is an effective remedy for laryngitis.

16. Hot and Cold Compress

This is also known as hydrotherapy. It keeps your throat and larynx hydrated and warm. It helps in soothing the top symptoms of laryngitis; hoarseness, swelling, inflammation and irritation.

Method:

1. Dip a fresh cloth in hot water. Take out the excess water and then wrap it around your neck while it is still warm. Take this cloth off when it gets cold.
2. Next take the cloth and dip it in cold water. Take away excess water and then wrap it around your neck. Take the cloth off when it turns back to normal temperature.
3. Do this several times a day for best results.

17. Voice Relax

If you are down with laryngitis then the best way to heal fast is to stop talking to anyone and everyone! Yes, you need to understand that you cannot overstrain your vocal cords.

It will do only harm. The infection will go away faster if you give yourself a much needed break and rest.

18. Use Humidifier

If you keep your vocal cords moist most of the time it will get healed easily. Therefore, it is essential to use a humidifier in your house and office.

The dry air will only aggravate sore throat and hoarseness while the humid atmosphere that you create will come as a great laryngitis cure.

19. Keep Your Throat Moist

Dry throat will only worsen your condition. You have to understand that just like you need a humidifier in your house your body and throat needs to stay hydrated at all times too!

Drink a lot of fluids like soup, water, green tea, herbal tea, lemon tea, honey etc.

20. Inhale Steam

Steam will provide you with maximum relief as it builds a much needed humidity inside the human body.

You can inhale steam from a steamer, boiling water pan, or even in your shower.

If you wish to build steam in your shower then all you have to do is to put the heat on the maximum and inhale the moist air.

You can put ground cloves in a bowl for an enhanced effect. Moist throat will relax your laryngitis symptoms.

21. Eat Turmeric

Turmeric is an age-old ayurvedic medication that is used for the treatment of sore throat, common cold, chronic cough and many other problems.

It also helps in healing cuts, wounds, swelling, inflammation and pain.

Turmeric can be eaten raw. For that you can finely chop 1 inch of the fresh turmeric root and eat it with your breakfast.

You can also consume the most popular turmeric milk for an instant cure for laryngitis.

Ingredients:

• 1 glass hot milk
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon honey

Method:

1. Add honey and turmeric powder to hot milk and bring it to a boil.
2. Strain and drink the milk while it is hot.

22. Eat Cinnamon 

The anti microbial and anti bacterial agents of cinnamon are useful in the treatment of laryngitis.

Cinnamon powder and honey

Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 1 teaspoon honey

Method:

Mix the cinnamon powder and honey properly and consume this 3 to 4 times in a day for best results. The antiseptic nature of cinnamon powder and honey make it the best combination laryngitis cure ever!

23. Eat Boiled Raisins

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons of raisins

Method:

1. Bring the water to a boil and add raisins.
2. Take it off the flame and keep it covered.
3. When the water is lukewarm, eat the raisins and drink the water.

24. Drink Soups

If you love drinking soups then this is the perfect treatment for laryngitis and for you. It is always best to keep your body and throat hydrated to help heal your sore throat faster. Drink hot soups to alleviate the symptoms of laryngitis.

25. Drink Juice

Do you like drinking juices? Well if you do then you can try the two concoctions as a laryngitis cure and to soothe your aching vocal cords.

1. Mix orange, apple, cranberry, pineapple, grapes and chokecherry. Drink this fabulous mocktail and soothe your vocal cords.
2. Mix carrot, radish, and ginger juice. You will love the heat of the juice on your throat.

26. Anise Seeds

Anise seeds work as a great home remedy for laryngitis since it is a natural expectorant. You can drink anise seeds tea for alleviating sore throat and inflammation.

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoon anise seeds
• 2 cups of water

Method:

1. Boil 2 cups of water and steep the anise seeds.
2. Wait till the mixture gets warm. Strain and drink.

27. Drink Herbal Tea

Herbal teas are famous for curing chronic cough, common cold and inflammation. Sage, chamomile, basil, peppermint are some of the famous herbal teas for laryngitis treatment.

The herbal tea leaves and sachets are always available at a store near you. What you must remember is that you should only use one herb in a day.

Never try to mix two herbs. Sage tea is widely noted as the best remedy for laryngitis.

28. Eat Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a gel and it helps in coating your mucus membrane and keeping it moist. It helps in alleviating the symptoms of laryngitis.

It is always best to eat aloe vera raw as a medicine but you can also make a juice with honey and lemon and drink this mixture.

In the end, you must understand that laryngitis is mostly caused by viral infection. You must always wash your hands and keep them sanitized.

It must also be noted that giving your voice box a rest during this period is an absolute necessity if you do not wish to aggravate your disease.