Acid reflux is a condition in which the contents of your stomach, including acid needed to digest foods, backs up into the esophagus and throat. According to the NYU Voice Center, as much as 50 percent of people with voice problems have some form of reflux. The specific form of reflux that causes throat irritation and hoarseness is known as laryngopharyngeal reflux, and is related to gastroesophageal reflux disease but is not the same disorder. Treatment for this type of reflux generally involves medication to treat the underlying cause and decrease stomach acid that can break down the lining of the throat over time. Certain herbal supplements may also help reduce acid reflux that can cause hoarseness in your voice. Check with your doctor before using any herbal supplement.
Licorice
Unlike the candy that shares its name, the herb licorice is used to treat conditions ranging from upper respiratory infections to diseases of the liver. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that licorice, in its deglycyrrhizinated form, is used to treat stomach problems including acid reflux. Evidence to support licorice's effectiveness in treating ulcers is mixed, but it has been found to be effective, particularly when combined with conventional medicine approaches. Licorice can potentially raise your blood pressure, so if you have pre-existing hypertension, diabetes, kidney or heart disease, check with your doctor before using this herb.
Slippery Elm
Slippery elm is an herb used to treat stomach and throat problems. This unique herb contains a substance called mucilage, which forms a slippery gel-like coat when it comes in contact with water. This gel coats the lining of your throat and stomach and may help decrease the erosion to these areas caused by exposure to stomach acid. Additionally, UMMC explains that slippery elm stimulates your body's own mucus secretions, which also coat and protect the stomach, esophagus and throat. Slippery elm is available in capsule, tablet and lozenge forms and is considered relatively safe to use. The gel coating that slippery elm forms on the lining of your digestive tract, however, can impair the absorption of certain medications, so check with your doctor before using this herb.
Marshmallow
The herb marshmallow is a natural anti-inflammatory that also, like slippery elm, forms a slick, gel-like coating when it mixes with water. This gel, called mucilage, can help soothe and protect the delicate lining of your stomach, throat and esophagus from the damaging acid of reflux. Marshmallow can also reduce coughing and irritation caused by viruses, bacteria and inflammation. Marshmallow is available as a capsule and tea and is included as an ingredient in herbal preparations for coughing. This herb is generally considered to be safe for use, but it can cause a decrease in blood sugar levels in some people, so if you have a condition such as diabetes or hypoglycemia, check with your doctor before using marshmallow.
Cranberry
Cranberry is used as both a food and a natural treatment for urinary tract infections. Additionally, UMMC explains that cranberry can decrease digestive problems that may lead to reflux. Cranberry is naturally high in antioxidant compounds, which can help prevent damage from substances called free radicals, which are byproducts of normal metabolism. Reflux caused by the H. pylori bacteria that cause ulcers also may be relieved by the use of cranberry. Early research suggests that cranberry can prevent the bacteria from attaching to the walls of the stomach, although more research is needed to determine an association.
