Laryngitis Causes, Medicinal Herbs And Herbal Preparations
Laryngitis is a common inflammatory condition characterized by the swelling and irritation of the larynx, often resulting in hoarseness, a sore throat, and difficulty speaking.
Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to treat laryngitis due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and soothing properties, which help to reduce swelling and alleviate symptoms.
Some of the herbs commonly used to treat laryngitis include Licorice root, which helps to soothe the throat and reduce inflammation, Slippery elm, which forms a protective barrier to calm the mucous membranes, and Marshmallow root, which has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce swelling.
Herbal preparations such as teas, infusions, and tinctures made from herbs like Thyme, Echinacea, and Ginger can be used to treat laryngitis, as they can help to reduce inflammation, fight off infections, and promote healing.
What causes laryngitis?
The primary causes of laryngitis are viral infections, such as the common cold or flu, and bacterial infections, such as strep throat, which inflame and irritate the vocal cords.
Secondary causes of laryngitis include smoking, shouting, or prolonged talking, which can strain the vocal cords, and environmental factors like pollution and dry air, which can dry out the mucous membranes in the throat.
Lifestyles that increase the chances of developing laryngitis include working in noisy environments or singing, acting, or teaching, which can put excessive strain on the vocal cords.
Additionally, people who smoke or consume excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol are also at a higher risk of developing laryngitis due to the drying and irritating effects of these substances.
What herbs heal laryngitis?
The medicinal herbs used to treat laryngitis are Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) and Throat Coat, a blend of herbs including Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis), and Plantain leaf (Plantago lanceolata), which soothe and protect the mucous membranes of the throat.
These herbs exhibit anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties, providing a protective barrier against irritation and reducing swelling in the throat.
The bioactive compounds present in these herbs, such as flavonoids in Licorice root and mucilages in Marshmallow root, help to calm inflammation and promote healing in the affected area.
Additionally, the anti-microbial properties of Plantain leaf help to prevent secondary infections that can exacerbate laryngitis.
What preparations treat laryngitis?
The herbal preparations used to treat laryngitis are soothing infusions, warm teas, and cool compresses made from plants known for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
These preparations can be taken orally to alleviate throat pain and discomfort, or applied topically to reduce swelling and promote healing.
They can also be used to make gargles and mouthwashes to help clear mucus and kill bacteria, while also providing a protective coating to the mucous membranes.
Examples of these preparations include throat sprays, lozenges, and cough drops that are made from extracts of plants that are rich in antioxidants and have natural expectorant properties.
The articles in the following links discuss in detail the best herbal preparation used to treat laryngitis.