Hoarseness is usually a side effect of conditions like cold, strep throat and laryngitis etc. that cause the voice box to swell up profusely. Hoarseness can also be caused by other conditions like heartburn, smoking or even cancer (larynx).
In these cases, the person may feel soreness or the presence of a lump in the throat which would cause temporary loss of voice. If not treated, however, the condition can become more serious and affect the voice box permanently.
Simple Home Remedies For Hoarseness
Hoarseness will usually last a week or so, and can be effectively cured with the help of simple home remedies, some of which are given below.
1. Cayenne/Black Pepper
Pepper can soothe an irritated throat and reduce hoarseness to an extent. You can opt to take pepper (1/4 teaspoon) with butter (1 teaspoon) and swallow this mixture at least 3 times a day for relief. Alternatively, you can add cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon) and lemon juice (a few drops) to a glass of hot water, and drink the concoction slowly to soothe the throat and reduce hoarseness.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Diluted apple cider vinegar is considered as a very good home remedy for conditions like laryngitis that cause hoarseness. You need to mix apple cider vinegar (1 teaspoon) and water (1 glass), and drink the concoction 3 times every day to get relief from sore throat and hoarseness. Continue this remedy for a couple of days until the condition is cured completely.
3. Garlic
Sucking on the juice of a few garlic cloves can reduce hoarseness significantly. Peel a clove of garlic and slice it into two pieces. Place the pieces on either side of the mouth and bite down gently with your teeth. Suck on the juice secreted by the garlic as it contains allicin, an antimicrobial substance that can help eradicate the bacteria and virus irritating the throat.
4. Honey
Honey is very effective in dealing with a sore/irritated throat. You can opt to swallow honey along with other ingredients like lemon juice or basil leaves. In the case of lemon juice, you can add a few drops of lemon juice to a spoonful of honey and swallow the concoction to reduce hoarseness. In the case of basil leaves, you can add a teaspoon of honey to basil leaf juice (extracted from a handful of basil leaves), and swallow the concoction. Follow these remedies 3-4 times every day for at least a couple of days until your throat feels better.
5. GingerTea
Drinking ginger tea can help reduce throat soreness and hoarseness to a great extent. Peel a piece of ginger root and chop it into small pieces. Place the ginger pieces into a vessel containing water, and boil the same for about 20 minutes until the concoction turns yellowish. Let the tea cool for some time and add a teaspoon of honey for taste. Sip the tea slowly for relief. Drink this tea at least 3 times a day to get relief from hoarseness.
6. Roasted Grams
Roasted grams can soothe the irritated throat and reduce hoarseness effectively. You can opt to eat a handful of roasted grams at night before going to bed. Drink a glass of warm water immediately afterwards for extended relief.
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7. Essential Oils
Essential oils contain antibacterial properties that can get rid of the bacteria and virus causing hoarseness. You can inhale a solution of water and essential oils to reduce hoarseness. Accordingly, add a few drops of lavender oil and chamomile oil to a pot of boiling water. Lean over the pot and cover your head (and the pot) with a towel. Inhale the fumes arising from the pot for relief. Follow this remedy 2 times every day to get rid of a sore/hoarse throat.
8. Onion Juice
Not many know that onions can actually act as excellent soothing agents for a sore/hoarse throat. You can cut a few large onions and place them in a vessel containing water. Boil the water under low flame until it becomes syrupy. Strain the syrup and mix a few tablespoons of it in a glass of lukewarm water. Add some honey (1 tbsp.) and lemon (a few drops) for taste. Drink this juice to get instant relief from hoarse throat. And drink this juice at least 2 times every day to get extended relief from the condition.
9. Turmeric
Turmeric can be used to treat a hoarse throat, thanks to its antibacterial properties that help eradicate bacterial and viral infections in the throat, and antiseptic properties that promote quick healing. You can add a pinch of turmeric powder to a glass of hot milk, and drink the concoction 2 times every day.
10. Lozenges
Over the counter lozenges are very effective in treating sore/hoarse throats. Pop a lozenge into your mouth and suck on its juice until your throat feels better. Sucking on these lozenges would also keep the saliva moving, thereby preventing throat dryness (which could aggravate hoarseness). Use these lozenges at regular intervals to get relief from hoarseness.
11. Breathing Exercises
Breathing through the mouth can aggravate hoarseness by drying the throat and irritating it further. You can curb this by opting to breathe through the nose. And deep breathing exercises can help you achieve this. Breathing deeply through the nostrils can remove blockages in the airways, and keep the inner lining of the throat moist. This in turn can reduce hoarseness significantly.
12. Artificial Saliva
Several pharmacies and drug stores also sell products that can stimulate the production of saliva in addition to secreting some (in the form of juices) themselves. This would in turn keep the throat moist and reduce hoarseness. Opt to use these products at regular intervals to get relief from hoarseness and its symptoms.
13. Change In Habits
In addition to following all these remedies, you need to adopt certain practices (and avoid others) until the hoarseness in your throat reduces completely. Accordingly, you need to avoid shouting and try to speak softly. Do not whisper though as this could irritate the throat further. Avoid talking too much and give your voice box a rest for at least a couple of days.
Avoid clearing your throat as it can only aggravate the hoarseness you experience. Stop using recreational drugs like cocaine which can irritate the larynx. Avoid smoking until the condition is completely cured as tobacco can increase the irritation and soreness in the throat. Stay away from smokers as well in order to avoid being affected by passive smoke. And avoid drinking alcohol as it can dry the throat and aggravate the condition.