Laryngitis is the result of an inflammation of the vocal cords (larynx). It is usually caused by excessive strain on the vocal cords or a viral or bacterial infection.
The most common symptom of laryngitis is a hoarse or weak voice. Sometimes people cannot talk at all. It is often accompanied by a sore throat and dry cough.
In most cases, it an acute condition that heals with time and has no serious consequences. But you can get rid of the pain and inflammation and restore your voice more quickly with some easy and simple natural remedies.
The problem usually lasts for a few days or up to 2 weeks, at the most. If it persists longer then it is likely to be chronic laryngitis for which you need to consult a doctor.
Here are the top 10 home remedies for laryngitis.
Contents
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties that help fight infections and thus can be used to treat laryngitis.
- Mix two tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and a tablespoon of honey in half a cup of water. To increase the effectiveness of this remedy, you can add a little cayenne pepper too. Drink it twice a day.
- Prepare a solution by mixing one tablespoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water. Gargle with the solution several times a day until you get relief.
2. Onion Syrup
Onion syrup acts as a natural expectorant and is an effective natural cure for larynx inflammation.
- Cut up three to four medium-sized onions. Simmer the pieces in four cups of water until the solution thickens to a syrup-like consistency.
- Mix five tablespoons of the onion syrup in a glass of warm water. Add one tablespoon of honey and a few drops of lemon juice.
- Sip the mixture slowly.
3. Ginger
Fresh ginger is good for your throat because it soothes the the inflamed mucous membranes of the larynx.
- Boil thinly sliced fresh ginger root in a covered pan of water for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid and allow it to cool to room temperature. You can also add some lemon juice and sweeten it with honey. Drink this ginger tea several times a day.
- You can also try sucking on a few candied gingers throughout the day or simply eat a few thin slices of fresh ginger root.
4. Warm Salt Water
Warm salt water helps kill bacteria and promotes healing of your inflamed vocal cords and sore throat.
Just add one-half teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water and gargle with it. Do this several times a day.
5. Lemon Juice
The acidic nature of lemon juice can kill bacteria and viruses, and relieve various symptoms of laryngitis. Plus, it helps loosen mucus.
- Squeeze the juice of a lemon into a glass of warm water.
- Add one-half teaspoon of sea salt (if you do not have sea salt then just use table salt)
- Gargle with this solution several times a day.
6. Garlic
The antimicrobial property in garlic helps kill bacteria and viruses. It also acts as a natural expectorant.
- Chew a raw garlic clove slowly and then swallow it.
- Another option is to chop several garlic cloves, place them into a jar and cover it with equal parts of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and distilled water. Shake the jar to mix the contents thoroughly and then let it sit for about 4 hours. Finally, add some raw honey to it before storing it in the refrigerator. Take 1 to 3 teaspoons of this garlic syrup every 6 to 8 hours.
7. Slippery Elm
Slippery elm contains mucilage that forms into a gel when mixed with water and thus relieves throat irritation and inflammation.
- Put some fresh slippery elm in water. It will form into a gel. Swallow the gel several times a day to relieve a sore throat.
- You can also try slippery elm lozenges.
Note: Slippery elm is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
8. Honey
Honey can be highly beneficial for soothing an irritated throat as it helps coat and soothe your throat. It can also help reduce inflammation.
- The simplest way to use honey is to swallow some raw honey several times a day.
- You can also try herbal tea made with honey and lemon. To make the tea, add the juice from one-half lemon and one or two tablespoons of raw honey to a cup of hot water. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper to it. Drink it once or twice a day.
9. Eucalyptus Oil
Its natural antiviral and antibacterial properties make eucalyptus oil one of the best ingredients to soothe a sore throat.
- The best way to use eucalyptus oil is to inhale its steam. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a large pan of boiling water. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam for 10 minutes. Follow this remedy twice daily.
- You can also try lozenges and cough syrups that contain eucalyptus oil.
10. Licorice
Licorice is another effective remedy to help relieve throat irritation, thanks to its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. It also acts as a natural expectorant to get rid of mucus.
- Boil one teaspoon of dried licorice root in a cup of water for about five minutes. Strain and drink this licorice tea up to three times a day.
- You can also try licorice lozenges.
Note: Licorice may interact with certain medication and may not be suitable for people with high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, or heart disease. It is also not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Additional Tips
- When dealing with laryngitis, it is suggested to speak softly, but do not whisper as that would put more strain on the vocal cords.
- Give rest to your larynx.
- Avoid clearing your throat.
- Drink adequate water to stay hydrated but avoid alcohol and caffeine intake.
- Do not smoke and also avoid second-hand smoking.
- Avoid upper respiratory infections.
- Use a humidifier or vaporizer to add moisture to the air.
- Get vocal therapy which helps analyze the way you use your voice so that you can correct any abnormal speech patterns.
voice problam
Hey Shane W. I Agree, who cares what it taste like so long as you get better!!
Some of this I tried b4 reading this felt more better after adding on some of what you said!! Thank you!
Mary T.
I found it very interesting and very good for learning
Actually acidic ‘cures’ will compound the problem.
I’ve had laryngitis for days and googled a natural remedy. I’ve been drinking the apple cider vinegar in water with cayenne and honey as well the lemon in water. My vocal cords aren’t as hoarse and I’m actually getting my voice back. The tightness in my throat is much better. These remedies do work and they work quickly which is such a blessing as I can’t afford as a business owner to not be able to communicate with my staff & clientele. Thank you to those who put these articles together.
I can attest to this also, I had laryngitis and was able to treat it by taking a teaspoon of apple cider twice a day and doing lemon and salt water gargles. After 3 days on this protocol my throat was back to normal.
I will try the lemon juice and honey combination as we have 2 lemon trees in our backyard.
Go Big or Go Home! I combined ALL the ingredients on this page into a hot toddy of boiling water. Sipped all day long. Almost immediately, my voice was returning. The soreness is going away as well. Let me be first to say, it tastes nasty as shit! but pain is going away and the phelgm is breaking up. Im still alive (as of now) so I know its not deadly. Be brave…give it a shot. Thanks for the information. Besides if you have it as bad as I had it past two days, you dont care what it tastes like, and likely cant taste at all.
Oh My.. ALL of them in one cup. YUK! LMAO
I will be trying this today because I need to work tommorow. Lol
I had a bacteria infection in my thought that was causing my sore throat and complete loss of voice. Nothing was improving my condition until i gargled a shot of whisky. It burned my throat, killed the bugs and immeciately i knew i was on my way to recovery. Within a few days i was well again.
Ok, I am going to try this !!!
Summer vacation just started and kids already have it.. Oh the peace and quite at home. I love it. Should I even treat it or let them stay in quite mode for a little bit longer. Ugh I guess I have to start giving them honey soon. Can’t wait to hear my munchkins giggle again. Good remedies. Thanks
I tried all of them and they all worked after 7 days even though it tasted grose it still helped so thank u feel alought better prob got it from singing alot
Big thanks. Can all this thing be preserved.
the lemon juice and salt water remedy is probably the most easiest to do.
The apple vinegar and honey did not taste bad. I fill better now.
I tried the apple cider vinegar with the honey and cyanenne pepper in warm water and gargled and I can already tell the difference.
ji its information is v good for health without sideeffect
My mother has always use the onion syrup and jad us to gargle for colds sore throat, never thought to use it for Laryngitis until this morning waking up with no voice. Started research landed here. I did the onion syrup n gargle with hot water n instantly I had a frog voice from no voice. I’m a customer service representative need voice for the phones n life it self PRAISE unto God this is a Blessing reminding of mommy old remedies thank you
This was very helpful i have chronic laryngitis for over two weeks thorat Dr. Put me on steriods and antibodies not much helping so i searched and found this and tryed apple cider vinegar honey lemon ect yesterday spent most of the day sipping on it all day today my voice and throat feels much better than it has over last few weeks So Thank You Sandee in MN.
I heard this remedy on one of our popular radio stations. It is as follows; 2 – Tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar, 2 – Tbsp. Lemon Juice, 2- Tbsp. Honey, Dash of Cinnamon & about 8 oz. Med Hot water. Mix well & drink 2-3 times a day or more !!! It soothes your throat after a few days. Be Consistent!❤️
Love reading all the remedies that were on your site!!! Grazie !!
I usually get this at Christmas time which happened this year again. visited GP, who gave antibiotics. I know that these are not good for you, but at least I was OK for C’mas. It has now come back again. I have had a cough for over 3 years which comes and goes. I have inhaler which doesn’t seem to help. I will try your remedies today.Many thanks to you and my daughter for passing the messages on.
I definitely want to try this. I got laryngitis bc I had my nose blocked and was mouth breathing.
Heres a receipe to add to your list:
1 Aloe plant (meat of aloe, be sure to cut and discard white section)
1 lime (juice and pulp
1 red onion diced
Honey about 1/4 cup
Blend all the ingredients to the consistancy of honey. Take a teaspoon first thing in the morning, 1 around/after lunch, and 1 teaspoon before bed. Refrigerate in a glass jar and continue remedie until you feel better. You should feel better in a few days.
I started drinking a lot of fluids, then follow with gargling using salt and warm water. There is a change. Thanks for the remedy.
Lisa
Huhuhu it’s hard to find honey in our place.. Also with apple cider vinegar 🙁
I need my voice back asap. I will be having my teaching demo this week..
I awoke Saturday morning with this! Had a nasal problem and had to strain to speak. Now Tuesday, (DECEMBER 18, 2016), have been using a combination of HOT GREEN-TEA and it is getting better! I still have to shake the nasal jazz! I found out it is going around here locally! I love this GREEN-TEA with ORGANIC HONEY!! And have it often!! Not sure of the duration, everybody’s different!! I am going to see what else I can use! But love the taste! GOOD LUCK !! Mr. Larry K. Parent, Naples,FL.
The warm salt water remedy is best for me. It removes the pain in my throat instantly.
i work on a hotline and have lost 5 days of pay for not being able to talk… i’ll drink anything