Laryngitis is the result of an inflammation of the vocal cords (larynx). It is usually caused by excessive strain on the vocal cords. The primary symptom of laryngitis is a hoarse or weak voice. Sometimes people cannot talk at all. It is often accompanied by a sore throat and dry cough..
This is usually not a serious health condition and will heal with time. But you can get rid of the pain and inflammation and restore your voice more quickly with some easy and simple natural remedies.
Here are the top 10 home remedies for laryngitis.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar kills bacteria and thus can be used to treat laryngitis.
- Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and a tablespoon of honey in half a cup of water. To increase the effectiveness of this remedy, you can add a little cayenne pepper too. Drink it twice a day.
- Prepare a solution by mixing one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water. Gargle with the solution at least three to four times a day until you get relief. When you gargle, an acidic environment is created in the mouth that will kill harmful bacteria.
- You can also mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in half a glass of warm water and drink it at regular intervals for several hours.
2. Onion Syrup
Onion syrup is an effective natural cure for larynx inflammation.
- Cut three to four medium-sized onions into pieces. Simmer the pieces in four cups of water until the solution thickens to a syrup-like consistency.
- Mix five tablespoons of the onion syrup in a glass of warm water. Add one tablespoon of honey and a few drops of lemon juice.
- Sip the mixture slowly.
3. Ginger
Fresh ginger juice soothes the walls of the mucous membrane around the voice box, providing relief from pain and inflammation.
- Boil thinly sliced fresh ginger root in a covered pan of water for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid and allow it to cool to room temperature. Drink this water several times a day.
- You can also try sucking on a few candied gingers throughout the day.
- Drinking ginger tea sweetened with honey three to five times a day also can give you relief.
4. Warm Salt Water
Warm salt water will help kill bacteria and viruses as well as promote healing of your inflamed vocal cords and sore throat. Just add one-half teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and gargle with it. Do this several times a day. Keep in mind that too much salt can further irritate your throat, so it is essential to use the correct amount of salt.
5. Lemon Juice
The acidic nature of lemon juice can kill bacteria and relieve various symptoms of laryngitis.
- Add a pinch of salt to the juice from one fresh lemon. Mix it well and then add it to a cup of warm water. Gargle with this solution several times a day.
- Lemon juice also stimulates the production of saliva and helps loosen mucus in your throat. If you have cold symptoms with laryngitis, you can drink hot tea with lemon, or even lemon drops mixed in a glass of water.
6. Garlic
The antimicrobial property in garlic can help kill bacteria and viruses.
- Cut a fresh garlic clove into two pieces and put one on each side of your mouth. Try to suck the juice from the garlic slowly.
- Do this several times a day for fast relief from various symptoms of laryngitis.
7. Slippery Elm
Slippery elm contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that can relieve irritated or inflamed tissue. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use this remedy.
- Put some fresh slippery elm in water. It will form into a gel. Swallow the gel several times a day to relieve a sore throat.
- For treatment of laryngitis, you can try tea or lozenges made with slippery elm.
8. Honey
Honey can be highly beneficial for soothing an irritated throat due to its astringent property. It also will reduce inflammation.
- The simplest use is to swallow some raw honey several times a day.
- You can also try herbal tea made with honey and lemon. To make the tea, add the juice from one lemon to a cup of boiling water. Add two teaspoon of honey and sip the tea slowly. The honey will coat and soothe your throat, and the lemon will cut down the mucus level.
9. Eucalyptus Oil
Its antimicrobial, antiviral and antibacterial properties naturally make eucalyptus oil one of the best ingredients to soothe a sore throat.
- The best way to use eucalyptus oil is to inhale its steam. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a large pan of boiling water. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam for 10 minutes. Follow this remedy twice daily.
- You can also try lozenges and cough syrups made with eucalyptus oil.
10. Water
It is essential to drink adequate amounts of water each day. This helps flush out toxins and germs from the body. Drinking water also will keep your throat moist. When you have laryngitis, avoid cold water and opt for normal or slightly warm water. If you do not like to drink plain water, you can try fruit juices and non-caffeinated drinks to get relief from the inflammation.
These remedies are effective for many suffering from laryngitis. It’s also important that you rest your voice and keep your body well hydrated for a quick recovery. See a doctor if symptoms persist for more than a week.
Diet for Laryngitis
A laryngitis diet would first and foremost consist of plenty of fluids. In addition to your diet plan, you will also need to avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. Drink warm water throughout the day to prevent your throat from becoming dry. Vegetables and fruits provide Vitamin C, and are helpful when the laryngitis is the result of an infection. Protein rich foods like lean beef, fish, pork and chicken enable the body to counter infections because of their protein and zinc content. Your diet should be well balanced and should contain a wide variety of nuts and seeds. It should also contain low-fat milk products, whole grains, and healthy oils. Whatever the cause of the laryngitis, fluid intake must be maintained and even increased, in order to keep the mucus membranes moist.
Foods and beverages that are best avoided include spicy, oily and acidic foods such as onion, garlic, tomatoes, peppers, and fried fish. Abstain from heavy meals, and eating just before bedtime. Keep in mind, alcohol and beverages containing caffeine dehydrate you and should be avoided while your larynx is healing.
