10 Best Herbal Capsules For Difficulty Swallowing

Herbal capsules for difficulty swallowing are natural supplements designed to alleviate symptoms associated with dysphagia, a condition characterized by trouble swallowing food or liquids.

These herbal capsules contain potent extracts from plants and herbs that soothe and relax the throat muscles, making it easier to swallow. Examples of effective herbal capsules include slippery elm, marshmallow root, and licorice root, which have been traditionally used to calm inflammation and irritation in the throat.

By taking these supplements, individuals with difficulty swallowing can regain independence in their daily lives, enjoy a more varied diet, and experience improved overall health and well-being.

The following article describes in detail the most important capsules for difficulty swallowing, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Ginkgo biloba

Maidenhair tree capsules helps with difficulty swallowing because they contain extracts that soothe and relax the throat muscles, reducing inflammation and discomfort.

The anti-inflammatory properties of the capsules also help to reduce swelling in the esophagus, making it easier for food and liquids to pass through. Additionally, the capsules' expectorant properties help to thin mucus, further improving swallowing function.

As a result, individuals with difficulty swallowing may find relief from this natural and gentle supplement.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba capsules that help with difficulty swallowing.

• Flavonoids: These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the throat and esophagus, making it easier to swallow.
• Bilobalide: This terpene has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which help to soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat and esophagus, reducing discomfort and pain associated with difficulty swallowing.
• Quercetin: This flavonoid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce swelling and inflammation in the throat and esophagus, making it easier to swallow and reducing the risk of aspiration.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of maidenhair tree used to make capsules for difficulty swallowing.

• Leaves: They are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of flavonoids and terpenoids, which can help improve blood flow and cognitive function.
• Seeds: Ginkgo seeds are used as they contain a high amount of ginkgolides, which can help alleviate symptoms of difficulty swallowing by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation.
• Roots: The roots of the Ginkgo biloba tree are also used as they contain a significant amount of flavonoids and terpenoids, which can help improve digestion and reduce symptoms of difficulty swallowing.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic maidenhair tree for difficulty swallowing.

1. Harvest 100 grams of ginkgo biloba leaves from mature trees in a sunny location.
2. Dry the leaves in a low-temperature oven at 150°f for 2 hours to preserve their active compounds.
3. Grind 50 grams of the dried leaves into a fine powder using a mill or coffee grinder.
4. Mix the powder with 100 grams of gelatin capsules and 10 grams of silica filler.
5. Fill 100 gelatin capsules with the mixture and seal them using a capsule filler machine.

2. Ulmus rubra

Slippery elm capsules helps with difficulty swallowing because its mucilaginous properties create a soothing, protective barrier in the esophagus.

This coating shields irritated tissue from further discomfort and inflammation, allowing for easier passage of food and liquids. Additionally, slippery elm's anti-inflammatory compounds may reduce swelling and relax muscles, easing constriction and improving peristalsis.

By calming and protecting the swallowing mechanism, herbal slippery elm capsules can bring relief to individuals experiencing dysphagia and improve their overall quality of life.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ulmus rubra capsules that help with difficulty swallowing.

• Phenolic acids: These compounds, including salicin and gallic acid, have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that may help reduce inflammation and discomfort in the throat, making it easier to swallow.
• Flavonoids: Specifically, quercetin, a flavonoid found in Ulmus rubra, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help reduce swelling and pain in the throat, making swallowing more comfortable.
• Tannins: Tannins, such as gallic acid and ellagic acid, have astringent and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation and tighten the mucous membranes in the throat, making it easier to swallow and reducing the sensation of difficulty swallowing.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of slippery elm used to make capsules for difficulty swallowing.

• Barks: Used to make capsules due to their purported anti-inflammatory properties.
• Leaves: Used to make capsules for their potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
• Roots: Used to make capsules for their purported anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic slippery elm for difficulty swallowing.

1. Harvest 20-30 grams of dried ulmus rubra bark from a trusted supplier.
2. Crush the harvested bark into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
3. Mix 5 grams of the powder with 5 grams of gelatin and 20 ml of distilled water.
4. Heat the mixture over low heat for 5 minutes or until the gelatin dissolves.
5. Fill 6-8 gelatin capsules with the mixture and seal the capsules immediately.

3. Althaea officinalis

Marshmallow capsules helps with difficulty swallowing because they provide a soothing and protective coating to the mucous membranes in the throat, reducing inflammation and discomfort.

The herb's gel-like substance, mucilage, forms a thin layer that shields the delicate tissues from further irritation, allowing for smoother passage of food and liquids.

This natural relief can greatly improve the quality of life for individuals experiencing difficulty swallowing due to conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inflammation, or surgery.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Althaea officinalis capsules that help with difficulty swallowing.

• Mucilages: These complex polysaccharides help to soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat, promoting easy swallowing by reducing inflammation and discomfort.
• Phenolic acids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to calm irritation and inflammation in the throat, making it easier to swallow food and liquids.
• Flavonoids: Flavonoids, specifically quercetin, have been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to reduce swelling and promote healing in the throat, making swallowing more comfortable.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of marshmallow used to make capsules for difficulty swallowing.

• Roots: Roots: The underground part of the plant, used to make capsules due to its high mucilage content, which helps soothe and protect the throat.
• Leaves: Leaves: The leaves are used to make capsules because they contain a significant amount of mucilage, which can aid in reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the throat.
• Flowers: Flowers: The flowers are used to make capsules as they possess a rich source of mucilage, which can help to calm and protect the throat, making swallowing easier.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic marshmallow for difficulty swallowing.

1. Harvest the roots of althaea officinalis when the plant is in full bloom and the roots are mature.
2. Dry the roots thoroughly in a low-temperature oven at 50-60 degrees celsius for 2-3 hours.
3. Grind the dried roots into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
4. Mix the powder with a binder such as gum arabic or cellulose in a 10:1 ratio.
5. Fill the powder into empty gelatin capsules using a capsule filling machine.

4. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Licorice capsules help with difficulty swallowing because they contain compounds that soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat and esophagus.

The glycyrrhizin present in licorice root has anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling and irritation caused by conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or eosinophilic esophagitis. This relief enables smoother swallowing and alleviates discomfort associated with food getting stuck in the throat.

Additionally, licorice's natural antibacterial properties help combat infections that can exacerbate swallowing difficulties.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra capsules that help with difficulty swallowing.

• Glycyrrhizin: This triterpenoid saponin helps with difficulty swallowing by reducing inflammation and irritation in the throat, making it easier to swallow.
• Liquiritin: A flavonoid glycoside, liquiritin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help soothe the throat and esophagus, making swallowing more comfortable.
• Isoliquiritin: A flavonoid compound, isoliquiritin also has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and inflammation in the throat, making it easier to swallow.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make capsules for difficulty swallowing.

• Roots: The roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used to make capsules due to their high glycyrrhizin content, which helps soothe the digestive system and reduce inflammation.
• Leaves: The leaves of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used to make capsules because they contain flavonoids and phenolic acids that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can aid in swallowing difficulties.
• Barks: The barks of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used to make capsules due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect the mucous membranes in the throat and facilitate swallowing.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for difficulty swallowing.

1. Harvest 500g of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots from a trusted supplier or cultivated source.
2. Dry the harvested roots in a low-temperature oven at 50°c for 24 hours to remove excess moisture.
3. Grind the dried roots into a fine powder using a high-speed grinder at 1000 rpm for 30 seconds.
4. Mix 10% of the powdered root with 90% of a natural capsule filler like potato starch in a ratio.
5. Fill each capsule with 200mg of the prepared mixture and seal the capsule using a capsule filler machine.

5. Marrubium vulgare

Horehound capsules helps with difficulty swallowing because they contain marshmallow root, which soothes and protects the mucous membranes in the throat and esophagus.

The anti-inflammatory properties of horehound also help to reduce swelling and irritation, making it easier for food and liquids to pass through the passage.

Additionally, horehound's natural expectorant properties help to thin and loosen mucus, further facilitating swallowing.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Marrubium vulgare capsules that help with difficulty swallowing.

• Volatile oils: These constituents may help with difficulty swallowing by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation in the throat and esophageal muscles.
• Tannins: Tannins can help with difficulty swallowing by forming a protective barrier in the throat, reducing irritation, and promoting healing of mucous membranes.
• Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids like rosmarinic acid may help with difficulty swallowing by reducing inflammation, relaxing the throat muscles, and promoting the production of saliva to aid in swallowing.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of horehound used to make capsules for difficulty swallowing.

• Leaves: Used due to their mucilaginous properties, which help soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat and esophagus.
• Roots: Used for their bitter and astringent properties, which can help stimulate digestion and relieve symptoms associated with difficulty swallowing.
• Barks: Used for their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the throat and digestive tract.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic horehound for difficulty swallowing.

1. Harvest 1/4 cup of dried marrubium vulgare flowers and leaves from a trusted supplier.
2. Crush 2 teaspoons of the dried herb into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
3. Mix the powdered herb with 1/2 teaspoon of gelatin to create a uniform mixture.
4. Pour the mixture into empty gelatin capsules using a capsule filler.
5. Store the filled capsules in an airtight container in a cool dry place.

6. Thymus vulgaris

Thyme capsules helps with difficulty swallowing because they contain the essential oils of Thymus vulgaris, a natural antiseptic that soothes the mucous membranes in the throat.

The capsule's active compounds, such as thymol and carvacrol, have been shown to reduce inflammation and alleviate congestion, making it easier for individuals with dysphagia to swallow.

Additionally, thyme has natural antibacterial properties that help combat underlying infections, which can contribute to swallowing difficulties.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus vulgaris capsules that help with difficulty swallowing.

• Thymol: Thymol has antispasmodic properties, which can help relax the muscles in the throat and esophagus, making it easier to swallow.
• Carvacrol: Carvacrol has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and irritation in the throat and esophagus, making swallowing more comfortable.
• Rosmarinic acid: Rosmarinic acid has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which can help reduce inflammation and spasms in the throat and esophagus, making swallowing easier and more comfortable.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of thyme used to make capsules for difficulty swallowing.

• Leaves: Thyme leaves are used to make capsules due to their antioxidant properties and potential to soothe digestive issues.
• Flowers: Thyme flowers are used to make capsules as they contain essential oils that may help to calm the digestive system and improve swallowing.
• Buds: Thyme buds are used to make capsules as they contain volatile oils that may help to reduce inflammation and promote digestive health.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic thyme for difficulty swallowing.

1. Harvest 30g of dried thymus vulgaris leaves from a clean and dry environment to ensure freshness.
2. Dry the fresh leaves in a single layer at 50-60°c for 2 hours to remove moisture completely.
3. Grind the dried leaves into a fine powder using a mill or blender to achieve uniform texture.
4. Mix the powdered leaves with a binding agent such as gelatin in a 1:2 ratio to facilitate encapsulation.
5. Fill gelatin capsules with 250mg of the powdered leaf mixture and seal them properly for storage.

7. Zingiber officinale

Ginger capsules helps with difficulty swallowing because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which aid in soothing and relaxing the throat muscles.

This allows for easier passage of food and liquids, alleviating discomfort and pain associated with dysphagia. Additionally, ginger's warming nature stimulates digestion, helping to reduce inflammation and congestion in the esophagus and surrounding tissues, making it easier to swallow.

As a result, herbal ginger capsules can provide relief from difficulty swallowing and promote overall digestive comfort.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale capsules that help with difficulty swallowing.

• Gingerols: These compounds, particularly 6-gingerol, have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and pain in the throat, making it easier to swallow.
• Shogaols: Similar to gingerols, shogaols have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help alleviate throat pain and discomfort, making swallowing easier.
• Zingiberene: This sesquiterpene has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help protect the throat and esophagus from damage and inflammation, reducing difficulty swallowing.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of ginger used to make capsules for difficulty swallowing.

• Rhyzomes: Rhyzomes are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate swallowing difficulties.
• Roots: Roots of Zingiber officinale are used as they contain a high amount of gingerols and other bioactive compounds that can help reduce inflammation and improve swallowing function.
• Buds: Buds of Zingiber officinale are used as they have a higher concentration of volatile oils and other compounds that can help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with difficulty swallowing.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger for difficulty swallowing.

1. Harvest 10 to 15 grams of zingiber officinale rhizome roots from mature plants.
2. Dry the harvested zingiber officinale rhizome roots in a low-temperature oven at 50 degrees celsius for 24 hours.
3. Grind the dried zingiber officinale rhizome roots into a fine powder using a high-speed grinder.
4. Mix 200 milligrams of the fine powder with 50 milligrams of cellulose and 20 milligrams of magnesium stearate.
5. Fill empty gelatin capsules with the powder mixture using a capsule filling machine.

8. Curcuma longa

Turmeric capsules helps with difficulty swallowing because they contain curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that has been shown to soothe and heal the mucous membranes in the throat and esophagus.

This can help reduce inflammation and discomfort that can make it difficult to swallow food or liquids.

Additionally, turmeric's natural antioxidant properties may also help to protect the throat from further irritation and damage, promoting a smooth and comfortable swallowing process.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Curcuma longa capsules that help with difficulty swallowing.

• Curcumin: Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the throat and esophagus, making it easier to swallow.
• Demethoxycurcumin: DMC, a phenolic compound, has antioxidant properties that can help protect the tissues in the throat and esophagus from damage caused by free radicals, leading to easier swallowing.
• Beta-caryophyllene: Beta-Caryophyllene, a sesquiterpene, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammation and protect the tissues in the throat and esophagus, making it easier to swallow.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of turmeric used to make capsules for difficulty swallowing.

• Rhyzomes: Rhyzomes are widely used due to their high turmeric content, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in digestion and alleviate swallowing difficulties.
• Roots: Roots are commonly used in traditional medicine to treat various digestive issues, including difficulty swallowing, as they contain curcumin, a bioactive compound with anti-inflammatory properties.
• Stems: Stems of Curcuma longa are also used, although less frequently, to make capsules for difficulty swallowing, as they contain some of the plant's active compounds, including turmeric, which can aid in digestion and alleviate swallowing difficulties.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic turmeric for difficulty swallowing.

1. Harvest 20 grams of dried curcuma longa root in the early morning and clean it thoroughly.
2. Grind the dried root into fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
3. Mix the ground curcuma longa powder with a binding agent like gelatin or cellulose in a 1:2 ratio.
4. Fill the powder mixture into empty gelatin capsules of size 0 using a capsule filler machine.
5. Store the filled capsules in a cool dry place for up to 2 years or as per the manufacturer's instructions.

9. Mentha x piperita

Peppermint capsules helps with difficulty swallowing because of their calming effect on the muscles in the throat.

The menthol content in peppermint relaxes the esophageal sphincter, allowing food and liquids to pass through more easily. This relief from muscle spasms and inflammation reduces discomfort and makes it simpler for individuals with dysphagia to swallow.

Additionally, peppermint's natural anti-inflammatory properties help soothe irritated tissues, further enhancing its benefits in alleviating swallowing difficulties.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita capsules that help with difficulty swallowing.

• Menthol: Helps with difficulty swallowing by acting as a topical anesthetic, numbing the throat and reducing pain associated with swallowing, thereby making it easier to swallow.
• Rosmarinic acid: Reduces inflammation and promotes relaxation of the muscles in the throat, making it easier to swallow by reducing spasms and discomfort associated with difficulty swallowing.
• Limonene: Acts as an expectorant, helping to thin and loosen mucus in the throat, making it easier to swallow by reducing congestion and promoting smooth passage of food and liquids.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of peppermint used to make capsules for difficulty swallowing.

• Leaves: Used due to their high concentration of menthol and menthone, which can help relax the muscles in the throat and promote swallowing.
• Stems: Used due to their rich content of menthol, which can help reduce inflammation and ease the swallowing process.
• Leaves: Also used due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe the throat and promote healing.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint for difficulty swallowing.

1. Harvest 1 pound of fresh mentha x piperita leaves from a pesticide-free area at dawn when dew is present.
2. Dry the harvested leaves in a single layer at 105 degrees fahrenheit for 2 hours using a food dehydrator.
3. Grind 2 tablespoons of dried mentha x piperita leaves into a fine powder using a coffee grinder for 2 minutes.
4. Mix 1 teaspoon of the powder with 2 tablespoons of gelatin and 2 tablespoons of water in a saucepan.
5. Fill empty gelatin capsules with the mixture and seal them using a capsule filler for 30 minutes.

10. Cymbopogon citratus

Lemongrass capsules helps with difficulty swallowing because of its natural ability to soothe and relax the esophageal muscles.

The citrusy herb contains citral, a compound that has been shown to reduce inflammation and ease muscle spasms in the throat and esophagus. As a result, lemongrass capsules can help to calm down an irritated esophagus and make it easier for food and liquids to pass through with minimal discomfort.

This natural remedy provides a gentle and effective solution for individuals experiencing difficulty swallowing due to various conditions.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cymbopogon citratus capsules that help with difficulty swallowing.

• Citral: A terpene that helps relax the muscles in the esophagus and throat, making it easier to swallow food and liquids.
• Limonene: A terpene that has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which can help reduce inflammation and spasms in the throat and esophagus, making it easier to swallow.
• Geranial: A terpene that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and damage to the tissues in the throat and esophagus, making it easier to swallow.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of lemongrass used to make capsules for difficulty swallowing.

• Leaves: They are commonly used to make capsules due to their high content of citral, a compound believed to aid digestion and alleviate swallowing difficulties.
• Rhyzomes: Rhyzomes of Cymbopogon citratus are also used, as they contain essential oils that may help to soothe the digestive system and make swallowing easier.
• Seeds: The seeds of Cymbopogon citratus may also be used, as they contain compounds that can help to ease inflammation and discomfort in the throat and digestive tract, making swallowing more comfortable.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemongrass for difficulty swallowing.

1. Harvest 20 grams of cymbopogon citratus leaves and flowers at peak potency from a clean environment.
2. Dry the harvested materials in a low-temperature oven at 50°c for 2 hours to prevent degradation.
3. Crush the dried cymbopogon citratus materials into a fine powder using a grinder or mortar and pestle.
4. Mix 1 gram of the fine powder with 3 grams of gelatin and 1 gram of glycerin to create the capsule filling.
5. Fill empty vegetarian capsules with the mixture and seal them using a capsule filler machine.

What is the best combination of herbal capsules to use for difficulty swallowing?

The best combination of herbal capsules that help with difficulty swallowing is a blend of slippery elm, licorice root, and marshmallow root.

Slippery elm soothes and protects the mucous membranes, while licorice root reduces inflammation and promotes healing. Marshmallow root provides additional mucilage to aid in smooth swallowing. This trio works synergistically to calm and comfort the esophagus, promoting easier swallowing and reducing discomfort associated with difficulty swallowing.

Consult a healthcare professional before using any herbal supplements.

What ailments similar to difficulty swallowing are treated with herbal capsules?

Ailments similar to difficulty swallowing that are treated with herbal capsules are gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux, and esophagitis.

Certain herbs such as slippery elm, marshmallow root, and aloe vera can help soothe the digestive tract and reduce inflammation, making it easier to swallow. These herbs may also relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Herbal capsules can be used in combination with conventional treatments for more effective relief.