Laryngitis is commonly referred as the inflammation or swelling in the mucous membranes that are lining the voice box or larynx. This inflammation leads to hoarseness or a short term speech loss. It is generally caused due to an infection in the upper respiratory tract. But sometimes, overuse of voice box or yelling continuously also makes your voice hoarse.Acute Laryngitis is painful and makes you feel scratchy all the time while the chronic Laryngitis due to over smoking tend to increase the mass of the lining of larynx causing a lower pitch in the voice. Herbs have proven beneficial in treating Laryngitis with no side effects. These herbal remedies would take care of the underlying cause and treat them as well.
Herbal Remedies For Laryngitis
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus plant is native to Australia where it has been traditionally used to treat viral infections. It has antibacterial and antiviral properties because of its eucalyptol, limonene and pinene contents. The dried leaves are used as tea leaves and cures Laryngitis or any throat related problems. It reduces the swelling and kills bacteria present in the larynx.
Echinacea
Echinacea or purple coneflower is a member of daisy family with high contents of phenols. These phenols are high antioxidants that protect from infections. Echinacea tea is a very common remedy to treat Laryngitis and provides immediate relief to its symptoms.
Indian Barberry
Indian Barberry shrub is native to India and has been used extensively to treat bacterial infections and eye disorders. Barberine alkaloids and palmatine chloride are the chief constituents of the plant which have antimicrobial and anti inflammatory effects on the body. Barberine also works as an antiseptic photochemical that treats throat infection including Laryngitis. Tea made out of its bark and roots are taken as medicines.
German Chamomile
German chamomile has amazing anti inflammatory properties and is widely used to treat swelling and infections in the body. Chamomile tea is very useful in treating inflammation of the voice box as well. The essential oil made out of its flowers can be inhaled for speedy recovery of the voice.
Ginger
Native to Asia, Ginger root is a pungent and aromatic root used widely as a spice in Indian and Chinese cuisine. Due to the presence of anti inflammatory compound gingerols, it is extensively used to treat throat and chest infections. Simply chew some one small piece of fresh ginger root or make a tea decoction and sip it three-four times a day. This is an easy and safer way to treat Laryngitis.
Garlic
Garlic herb is very popular for its flavors but it has highly potential medicinal benefits too. Allicin, the sulphur compound present in the garlic treats bacterial infection and thereby, improves symptoms of Laryngitis. Crushed pieces of garlic can be taken with honey for better results.
Slippery Elm
Slippery elm is a native plant to North America. This herb contains a polysaccharide substance known as mucilage. This mucilage is extracted from the bark of Slipper elm and becomes a soapy gel kind substance when it is mixed water. This gel coats the throat and upper respiratory tract and soothes the symptoms of Laryngitis. These are some of the best herbs used for treating Laryngitis effectively. Though herbal remedies are safer but it is always recommended to use them under the guidance of a professional.
