If you try to talk and nothing comes out but a whisper, or if your voice is unusually raspy and hoarse, you might be suffering from laryngitis. The condition occurs when your voice box, or larynx, becomes inflamed, usually due to a viral infection or overuse of your voice, like yelling loudly all night for your favorite sports team. Localized swelling can distort your voice or render you speechless. Ginger root has a long history of use in herbal healing, but if laryngitis persists, or if you have additional symptoms, make an appointment to see your doctor.
Ginger
Zingiber officinale is the botanical name for ginger, a creeping perennial that produces a long underground root, or rhizome, that growers harvest for use as a food source and as an herbal medicine. The active components of ginger root are gingerols and gingerdiols, along with volatile oils and other constituents. The herb may inhibit cyclooxygenase, a substance that triggers swelling, making ginger an anti-inflammatory agent.
Potential Benefits
Ginger root tea may help reduce the swelling that causes laryngitis. It may also increase secretions in the throat and break up throat congestion associated with an accompanying viral infection, such as a cold, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine." Clinical studies confirming these benefits are lacking, however.
Method
Prepare ginger root tea by pouring one cup of boiling water over 1 or 2 tsp. of freshly grated ginger root, suggests the "Gale Encyclopedia," and let it steep for 10 minutes. Sip the tea while it's warm. Adults may drink up to four cups per day. There is no suggested dosage for children.
Considerations
While ginger is generally safe for most people, the "Gale Encyclopedia" advises pregnant women not to drink the tea, due to a suspected risk of miscarriage. Do not give ginger tea to children or to people who suffer from gallstones, unless directed to do so by a doctor. Do not exceed the suggested dosage. At higher dosages, ginger might cause heartburn and reduce blood-clotting time.
Ginger may reduce the absorption of some nutrients, including iron, and it may interfere with current medications you're taking. Talk to your doctor before using ginger root to treat laryngitis.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Laryngitis Definition
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Edition"; Joerg Gruenwald, PhD; 2000
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
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