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Laryngitis is a condition that is characterized by the inflammation of the larynx (vocal chords), mainly due to excess strain and pressure placed on the same. In certain cases, the condition can also be caused by a viral infection.In either case, the condition can be extremely painful to handle and can cause common symptoms like cold, sore throat, dry cough, inflammation of the lymph glands and runny nose etc. Severe cases of laryngitis can also make it extremely hard for an individual to swallow, and could cause loss of voice.
Home Remedies For Laryngitis
Laryngitis is a self-healing condition, and would usually take a couple of days to heal completely. However, there are certain home remedies that can help ease the symptoms of the condition and make the recovery period more bearable. Accordingly, here are some of the more common home remedies often prescribed for laryngitis.
Warm Saline Water
Gargling with warm saline water can be beneficial for individuals suffering from laryngitis in more ways than one. Firstly, the saline content of the water would effectively eradicate the viruses and bacteria behind the infection causing the condition. Secondly, the warmth of the saline water solution would soothe the inflamed larynx and promote quick healing of the throat and vocal chords.
Method: Add about 1/2 teaspoon of powder salt (too much salt can irritate the throat further) in a cup of lukewarm water. Gargle with this solution at least 4 times a day to get relief from laryngitis and its symptoms. And repeat the same for at least a week until the pain, soreness and inflammation reduce considerably.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is acidic in nature. And it is this very property that makes lemon a potent home remedy for several bacterial infections, including laryngitis. Furthermore, lemon juice is known to stimulate an increase in the production of saliva in the mouth, thereby keeping the throat hydrated (reduces soreness and irritation). Lemon juice can also help clear up stubborn mucus blockages in the throat.
Method: Squeeze a few lemons to extract their juice. Add a tablespoon of this juice with warm water and drink it regularly for at least 3 times every day for a week or so until you feel better. You can also opt to add a few drops of lemon juice to your hot tea and drink the same for extended relief from the symptoms of laryngitis.
Garlic
Garlic is loaded with antimicrobial properties that can make life hell for any bacteria or virus infesting the body. Eating garlic therefore, can be extremely beneficial for individuals suffering from laryngitis resulting from a bacterial or viral infection.
Method: The best way to enjoy the benefits of garlic would be to eat it raw. Accordingly, take two cloves of raw garlic and place one on either side of the mouth. Slowly crush the garlic with your teeth, sucking on its juice as you do so. Swallow the garlic afterwards. Follow this remedy for at least 3 times every day for a week or so for quick and desirable results. If you can’t stand the smell of garlic, opt to add some cloves to the dishes that you cook every day although this would not offer you effective results.
Ginger
Where there’s garlic, there’s ginger! For like garlic, ginger is also loaded with potent antimicrobial properties that can get rid of even stubborn viral and bacterial infestations. Ginger is also known to be extremely soothing on the throat and larynx, thereby reducing the pain and inflammation caused by laryngitis to a great extent.
Method: Chop fresh ginger root into small pieces and boil the same in water for about 15 minutes. Strain the resultant solution and drink it at least twice a day for extended relief. You can also opt to add fresh ginger to your tea or try sucking on candied ginger which would also offer extreme relief from laryngitis and its symptoms.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Gargling with diluted apple cider vinegar solution can also help in dealing with bacterial and viral infections that might be the cause for recurrent laryngitis. The acidic nature and potent antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar can eradicate the infection quickly and effectively, thereby treating the condition and reducing its symptoms to a great extent.
Method: Add apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon) to lukewarm water (1/2 cup) and drink the resultant solution at least 3 times a day for quick and effective relief from the symptoms of laryngitis. You can also use this solution to gargle your throat at regular intervals throughout the day to get extended relief from these symptoms.
Steam Inhalation
Dry air can contribute to laryngitis and can aggravate its symptoms. This can be thwarted by inhaling steam once in the morning and night every day.
Method: Boil a pot of water for about 15 minutes. Place the vessel on a flat surface and cover your head with a blanket (cover the pot as well). Lean over the pot and start breathing in the steam that arises from it. Continue doing so for about 20 minutes until you are able to breathe in and out from both nostrils. Breathe through your mouth as well in order to release mucus blockages in the throat and larynx. Follow this remedy regularly to treat laryngitis and its symptoms quickly and effectively.
Honey
Honey can do more than just soothe an irritated, sore and inflamed throat (its astringent properties enable it to do so) caused by laryngitis. The potent antibacterial properties of honey can help deal with the infection causing the condition as well.
Method: Swallowing a spoonful of honey at regular intervals throughout the day can effectively treat the pain and inflammation caused by laryngitis. You can also opt to add a teaspoon of honey to a cup of herbal tea of lemon juice. In addition to soothing the inflamed throat, these concoctions would effectively clear mucus blockages in the nose and throat, thereby promoting quick healing.
Onion Syrup
The juice of raw onions can effectively treat laryngitis and its symptoms, including pain, soreness and inflammation.
Method: Cut a few onions into small pieces and add the same to about 5 cups of water. Boil the mixture in low flame for about 30 minutes until the solution becomes thick; almost like a syrup. Add a tablespoon of this syrup to a glass of lukewarm water. Squeeze in a few drops of lemon juice and a tablespoon of honey for taste (and expectorant benefits as well). Drink the resultant juice at least twice a day to get immense relief from laryngitis and its bothersome symptoms.
