7 Foolproof Natural Home Remedies for Laryngitis

If you find you’ve lost your voice from a night out or talking at work leaves you hoarse, it could be laryngitis. Check out these natural home remedies for laryngitis.

Laryngitis is the swelling of the vocal cords due to infection or overuse, it makes your throat hurt and your voice sound croaky or can even cause you to lose your voice. Causes of laryngitis can be overuse of the vocal cords due to shouting, screaming a lot at a concert, or a virus like the flu.

We’ll show you seven foolproof home remedies for laryngitis, without using medication. It should be noted that the symptoms of laryngitis can be similar to other illnesses such as strep throat, so it is important to see a doctor if home treatment doesn’t work after a week.

1. Relax Those Vocal Chords

Resting your voice is the first step when you have laryngitis. This is why singers sometimes have to cancel tours if their vocal cords are affected in order to prevent further damage. Not only should you stop singing if you lose your voice, but also avoid projecting your voice, such as giving a presentation where you have to address an audience, and avoid shouting. Whispering puts a similar strain on your vocal cords, so that should also be avoided.

2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Keeping your throat moist can reduce irritation and loosen mucus and phlegm. Hydration is a key natural home remedy for laryngitis. Warm drinks such as tea with honey and warm milk can increase mucus flow and reduce nasal stuffiness, soup and broth will also work in the same way. Drinks such as juice and water will improve hydration, but drinks high in caffeine such as coffee and soda should be avoided, as they can increase dehydration.

3. Gargle Salt Water or Vinegar

Try gargling with salt water, simply stir a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, take a sip and gargle it at the back of your throat for about thirty seconds and then spit it out. Do it again until the water is finished. This can soothe the larynx and help you feel better if you lose your voice.

Alternatively, make a diluted vinegar solution to gargle. Put two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and mix with a teaspoon of honey. You can choose whether to gargle the mixture or drink the whole glass. A 2018 study found that apple cider vinegar may have antimicrobial properties which can soothe the throat and combat laryngitis.

4. Chew Garlic as a Home Remedy for Laryngitis

Garlic is believed to have antibacterial qualities, according to studies, which can help to reduce a sore throat. Chewing on a clove of raw garlic can relieve laryngitis symptoms. Alternatively, the following drinks can be made using garlic:

1. Garlic milk: Crush two cloves of garlic and stir them into a cup of warm milk. Drink before going to sleep to provide some laryngitis relief. 
2. Garlic and cloves: Soak five cloves in a glass of boiling water for about three hours, then remove them and add a teaspoon of garlic paste. Drink once a day to soothe a sore throat.
3. Garlic and lemon: Put a tablespoon of crushed garlic and a tablespoon of lemon juice in a glass of warm water and mix well. Drink two or three times a day.
4. Garlic and licorice tea: Brew a teaspoon of dry licorice powder in a cup of hot water for ten minutes. Then mix in a teaspoon of garlic paste. Licorice can reduce inflammation of the throat. Drink two or three times a day.

5. Avoid Alcohol and Smoking

There are some preventative actions that can be taken to reduce the pain from laryngitis. Avoid drinking alcohol, as this can cause dehydration which will worsen laryngitis. Similarly, smoking will irritate a sore throat, so sufferers of laryngitis should avoid it.

6. Chew Ginger

There are plenty of health benefits of ginger. A study in 2015 found that ginger has antibacterial properties which can assist in relieving a sore throat and helping when you lose your voice. Simply chew a small amount to encourage saliva production in the throat. Alternatively, make some ginger tea or ginger water and drink it twice a day. 

7. Essential Oils as a Home Remedy for a Lost Voice

Essential oils are also thought to be a home remedy for laryngitis or a lost voice. Just ensure you dilute them before consuming or adding them to a DIY oil diffuser. 

1. Peppermint oil can help to relieve a sore throat by reducing inflammation of the vocal cords, according to studies, and reducing coughing. Simply mix one to two drops of peppermint oil in a glass of warm water or a cup of tea, or apply it to the outside of the throat. Alternatively, use a diffuser to burn it at home.
2. Lemon oil has antibacterial qualities which can help laryngitis and is also useful for combatting colds. Add one or two drops to a glass of warm water or a cup of tea. Or add a drop to a teaspoon of honey and take it twice a day. 

Read more:

• 7 Natural Remedies for Sore Throat: Cure Sore Throat Fast
• Homemade Cough Syrup With Onion and Honey: Effective & Natural
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Tags: Alternatives Guide Natural Remedies Personal Care