Laryngitis is swelling and inflammation of your larynx, or voice box -- a condition that usually involves hoarseness or total loss of voice. Your larynx contains your vocal cords and is situated at the beginning of your airways, near your trachea, or windpipe. There are many possible causes of laryngitis, and certain herbal remedies may effectively treat your laryngitis. However, it is always wise to consult a qualified health care professional before using herbs.
Laryngitis
Laryngitis can be acute or chronic, and it commonly develops after upper respiratory infections. Possible causes of laryngitis include viral infection, bacterial infection, bronchitis, certain chemicals, pneumonia, allergies, common cold, flu and various injuries. Chronic laryngitis, or laryngitis that lasts for a prolonged period, may also be caused by cigarette smoking; alcohol abuse; and gastroesopahgeal reflux disease, or GERD.
Useful Herbal Remedies
Many herbal remedies are used to help treat the symptoms and the underlying cause of laryngitis. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic doctor, expert herbalist and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," notes that herbs that support your immune system and possess decongestant, anti-inflammatory, drying or antimicrobial action may be helpful. Examples of these herbal remedies include echinacea, cherry bark, elecampane, goldenseal, colt's foot, yerba santa, osha, ginger and cayenne.
A Commonly Used Remedy
Echinacea is a commonly used remedy for respiratory system problems, including laryngitis. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," certified nutritional consultant and nutrition researcher Phyllis A. Balch reports that echinacea is an important herb for your immune system; it combats inflammation and various infections and is used to treat a variety of conditions, including allergies, colds and other respiratory problems caused by infection. Echinacea -- the leaves and roots of the plant, specifically -- contains many nutrients and plant chemicals.
Considerations
In some cases, laryngitis may lead to severe respiratory distress that requires medical intervention. If you develop the signs and symptoms of laryngitis -- fever, hoarseness, swollen lymph nodes -- report to your doctor as soon as possible for a full evaluation of your health complaint. If you are considering using herbal remedies to help treat your laryngitis, discuss herb-related issues with your doctor, such as dosage and potential side effects, before using herbs.
References
- National Biotechnology Research Center: Laryngitis
- National Health Service: Laryngitis
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
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