Difficulty Swallowing: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia, is a condition characterized by the inability to safely and effectively move food from the mouth to the stomach.

It can be caused by various factors such as neurological disorders, esophageal problems, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. If left untreated, difficulty swallowing can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and weight loss. To alleviate this condition, herbal remedies like slippery elm, marshmallow root, and licorice root can be used in the form of teas, tinctures, or capsules.

However, individuals should consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as they may interact with other medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of difficulty swallowing, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of difficulty swallowing?

The main causes of difficulty swallowing are neurological disorders, such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis, which affect the brain's ability to coordinate swallowing.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal cancer can also cause difficulty swallowing due to inflammation and obstruction of the esophagus. Structural issues, including esophageal strictures, achalasia, and esophageal webs, can narrow the esophagus and impede food passage. Other causes include infections, such as esophagitis, and functional disorders, like dysphagia, which is characterized by difficulty swallowing due to no apparent anatomical or neurological cause.

Additionally, certain medications, like sedatives and anticholinergics, can also contribute to difficulty swallowing by relaxing the muscles in the esophagus.

• GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux disease is the most common cause of difficulty swallowing, resulting from stomach acid flowing back up into the esophagus and irritating the lining, leading to inflammation and scarring that can narrow the esophagus and make swallowing painful.
• Muscle Dysphagia: Muscle dysphagia is a condition characterized by difficulty swallowing due to weakness or paralysis of the muscles used for swallowing, often caused by neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease or strokes that damage the nerves controlling these muscles.
• Esophageal Spasm: Esophageal spasm is a condition where abnormal muscle contractions in the esophagus make swallowing difficult, often caused by stress, anxiety, or certain medications that can irritate the esophagus and trigger spasms.
• Cancer: Esophageal cancer or cancer that has spread to the esophagus can cause difficulty swallowing due to the growth of tumors that can block the esophagus or damage the muscles used for swallowing.
• Neurological Disorders: Neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and peripheral neuropathy can damage the nerves controlling the muscles used for swallowing, leading to difficulty swallowing.
• Infection: Infections such as candidiasis, tuberculosis, and herpes simplex virus can cause difficulty swallowing by inflaming and damaging the esophagus and its lining.
• Medication Side Effects: Certain medications such as sedatives, antidepressants, and antihistamines can cause difficulty swallowing by relaxing the muscles used for swallowing or impairing the nerves controlling these muscles.
• Trauma: Trauma to the neck or esophagus, such as from a car accident or a fall, can cause difficulty swallowing by damaging the muscles used for swallowing or the nerves controlling these muscles.
• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, can cause difficulty swallowing due to muscle weakness and fatigue.
• Dementia: Dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease, can cause difficulty swallowing due to cognitive decline and impaired coordination of the muscles used for swallowing.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for difficulty swallowing?

The main medicinal herbs used for difficulty swallowing are Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng, Cinchona officinalis, Astragalus membranaceus, Piper nigrum, Cinnamomum verum, Aloe barbadensis.

Glycyrrhiza glabra has anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties that soothe the mucous membranes and protect them from irritation. Zingiber officinale and Curcuma longa contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help reduce inflammation and improve digestion. Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng, and Astragalus membranaceus are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help improve blood flow and reduce inflammation in the throat and digestive tract.

Piper nigrum, Cinnamomum verum, and Aloe barbadensis have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the throat and digestive tract.

• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, may help alleviate difficulty swallowing by increasing the motility of the lower esophageal sphincter, thereby promoting the smooth passage of food into the stomach.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, or ginger, may help alleviate difficulty swallowing by reducing inflammation in the esophagus, thereby reducing pain and discomfort associated with swallowing.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, or turmeric, may help alleviate difficulty swallowing by reducing inflammation in the esophagus and protecting it from oxidative damage, thereby promoting the smooth passage of food into the stomach.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba may help alleviate difficulty swallowing by improving blood flow to the esophagus and reducing inflammation, thereby promoting the smooth passage of food into the stomach.
• Panax ginseng: Panax ginseng may help alleviate difficulty swallowing by reducing inflammation in the esophagus and promoting the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, thereby promoting the smooth passage of food into the stomach.
• Cinchona officinalis: There is no scientific evidence to support the use of Cinchona officinalis in the alleviation of difficulty swallowing.
• Astragalus membranaceus: Astragalus membranaceus may help alleviate difficulty swallowing by reducing inflammation in the esophagus and promoting the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, thereby promoting the smooth passage of food into the stomach.
• Piper nigrum: Piper nigrum, or black pepper, may help alleviate difficulty swallowing by reducing inflammation in the esophagus and promoting the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, thereby promoting the smooth passage of food into the stomach.
• Cinnamomum verum: Cinnamomum verum, or cinnamon, may help alleviate difficulty swallowing by reducing inflammation in the esophagus and promoting the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, thereby promoting the smooth passage of food into the stomach.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis may help alleviate difficulty swallowing by reducing inflammation in the esophagus and protecting it from oxidative damage, thereby promoting the smooth passage of food into the stomach.

What are the main herbal preparations used for difficulty swallowing?

The main herbal preparations used for difficulty swallowing are Decoction, Tincture, Capsule, Suppository, Salve, Ointment, Gel, Cream, Poultice, Lozenge.

Decoction is a liquid preparation made by steeping herbs in hot water, often used for thickened mucus and inflammation, as seen in conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Tincture is a concentrated liquid extract of herbs, commonly used to stimulate saliva production and reduce inflammation in the esophagus and mouth. Capsules and Suppositories are solid preparations, often containing herbs like slippery elm and marshmallow root, which protect and soothe the mucous membranes, facilitating easier swallowing.

Lozenges, Salve, Ointment, Gel, and Cream are topical preparations used to stimulate saliva production, reduce throat irritation and inflammation, and ease swallowing discomfort.

• Decoction: A decoction of the root of the Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) plant can help with difficulty swallowing due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which may reduce swelling in the throat and esophagus.
• Tincture: A tincture of the leaves of the Plantain (Plantago major) plant may aid in soothing irritation and inflammation in the throat, thereby facilitating easier swallowing.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the seeds of the Psyllium (Plantago ovata) plant can help with difficulty swallowing by reducing inflammation and promoting a protective mucus layer in the throat.
• Suppository: A suppository of the root of the Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) plant can be used to relieve spasms in the esophagus, thereby making it easier to swallow.
• Salve: A salve of the leaves of the Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) plant can help to soothe and calm the throat, thereby reducing inflammation and making swallowing easier.
• Ointment: An ointment of the root of the Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) plant can be used to reduce inflammation in the esophagus, thereby facilitating easier swallowing.
• Gel: A gel of the leaves of the Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) plant can help to soothe and calm the throat, thereby reducing inflammation and making swallowing easier.
• Cream: A cream of the root of the Calendula (Calendula officinalis) plant can be used to reduce inflammation in the throat and esophagus, thereby making swallowing easier.
• Poultice: A poultice of the leaves of the Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) plant can be used to reduce inflammation in the throat and esophagus, thereby facilitating easier swallowing.
• Lozenge: A lozenge of the root of the Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) plant can be sucked on to help soothe and calm the throat, thereby reducing inflammation and making swallowing easier.