10 Best Herbal Capsules For Painful Swallowing

Herbal capsules for painful swallowing are a natural remedy designed to alleviate discomfort, difficulty, or pain when swallowing (dysphagia).

These capsules typically contain a blend of herbs such as slippery elm, marshmallow root, and licorice root, which soothe and calm the mucous membranes in the throat, reducing inflammation and irritation.

Examples include SwallowEase and Throat Coat, which can significantly improve quality of life by allowing individuals to eat and drink comfortably again, without pain or discomfort.

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

1. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Licorice capsules helps with painful swallowing because they contain compounds that soothe and calm the mucous membranes in the throat and esophagus.

The herbal extract has anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling and discomfort associated with conditions like laryngitis, acid reflux, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Additionally, licorice root has natural antibacterial and antiviral properties that help combat infections and inflammation, providing quick relief from painful swallowing.

By reducing inflammation and discomfort, these capsules promote a healthy digestive system and alleviate symptoms of painful swallowing.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Glycyrrhizin: This triterpenoid saponin acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing swelling and pain in the throat and esophagus that may contribute to painful swallowing.
• Licoricidin: This phenolic compound exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with swallowing.
• Licorisoflavan a: This isoflavane has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, potentially reducing inflammation and pain in the throat and esophagus, thereby alleviating painful swallowing.

Parts Used

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

• Roots: They are used due to their high concentration of glycyrrhizin, a compound that reduces inflammation and soothes the throat.
• Barks: The bark of Glycyrrhiza glabra is used to make capsules as it contains glycyrrhizin and other compounds that help to reduce throat pain and inflammation.
• Stems: Although less commonly used, some herbal supplements use the stems of Glycyrrhiza glabra to make capsules that can help to reduce throat pain and inflammation due to their minor amounts of glycyrrhizin and other anti-inflammatory compounds.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 500 grams of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots with a density of 0.8 g/cm3 in june.
2. Cut the harvested roots into small pieces and dry them in a dehydrator at 50°c for 24 hours.
3. Grind the dried roots into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle for 30 minutes.
4. Mix 250 grams of the ground powder with 250 grams of gelatin capsules and fill them manually.
5. Store the filled capsules in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 years.

2. Althaea officinalis

Marshmallow capsules helps with painful swallowing because of its soothing properties that coat and protect the mucous membranes in the throat, providing a barrier against irritation.

The capsules' gel-like substance absorbs and reduces inflammation, making it easier to swallow food and liquids without discomfort.

Additionally, marshmallow's natural anti-inflammatory compounds help to calm the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and pain associated with conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Mucilages: Mucilages help soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat, reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with painful swallowing.
• Althaea officinalis polysaccharides: Althaea officinalis polysaccharides have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling and irritation in the throat, making it easier to swallow.
• Flavonoids: Flavonoids, specifically quercetin present in Althaea officinalis, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help reduce inflammation and protect the mucous membranes from further damage, alleviating painful swallowing.

Parts Used

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

• Roots: They are rich in mucilages, which help to soothe and protect the mucous membranes, reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with painful swallowing.
• Leaves: Similar to the roots, the leaves of Althaea officinalis contain mucilages that can provide relief from painful swallowing by coating and soothing the affected area.
• Roots (again, due to their high mucilage content): They are also used in traditional medicine to treat various conditions, including those related to the throat and mouth, making them a popular choice for capsule formulation.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest approximately 100g of dried root of althaea officinalis from a trusted supplier.
2. Grind the dried root into a fine powder using a spice grinder for 2 minutes.
3. Mix 100g of the powdered root with 100g of vegetable cellulose powder and 10g of silica gel.
4. Use a capsule filler machine to fill 100 capsules with the powder mixture in about 5 minutes.
5. Store the herbal capsules in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 years.

3. Calendula officinalis

Pot marigold capsules helps with painful swallowing because they contain calendula, a natural anti-inflammatory that soothes and calms the mucous membranes in the throat.

The capsules' potent antioxidant properties also help to reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort associated with conditions such as laryngitis, tonsillitis, and esophagitis.

By reducing swelling and irritation, pot marigold capsules provide relief from painful swallowing and make it easier to eat, speak, and carry out daily activities without discomfort.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Flavonoids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and discomfort in the throat and mouth, thereby alleviating painful swallowing.
• Naphthoquinones: These constituents exhibit potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help soothe and calm the mucous membranes, reducing pain and discomfort associated with swallowing.
• Carotenoids: These pigments have antioxidant properties, which can help protect the mucous membranes from oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby reducing pain and discomfort associated with swallowing.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make capsules for painful swallowing.

• Flowers: The flowers are used as they are rich in anti-inflammatory compounds that can help soothe and calm the throat and reduce pain.
• Leaves: The leaves are used as they contain a high concentration of flavonoids and phenolic acids that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate pain and discomfort in the throat.
• Stems: The stems are used as they contain a rich source of sesquiterpenes, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, helping to reduce pain and inflammation in the throat.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for painful swallowing.

1. Harvest 1 cup of dried calendula officinalis flowers from a trusted source for optimal potency.
2. Clean the calendula flowers by gently sifting them through a fine-mesh sieve for 5 minutes.
3. Mix 2 tablespoons of the cleaned calendula flowers with 1 tablespoon of gelatin in a bowl.
4. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to allow the gelatin to dissolve completely.
5. Fill empty gelatin capsules with the prepared mixture and seal them securely for storage.

4. Zingiber officinale

Ginger capsules helps with painful swallowing because they contain natural anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe the mucous membranes in the throat.

The capsule's active ingredients, such as gingerols and shogaols, work to reduce inflammation and swelling, allowing for easier movement of food and liquid through the esophagus. Additionally, ginger has a warming effect that helps to relax the muscles in the throat, reducing discomfort and pain associated with swallowing.

As a result, many people find relief from painful swallowing symptoms when taking herbal ginger capsules regularly.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Gingerols: These sesquiterpene compounds have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help to reduce pain and inflammation associated with painful swallowing.
• Shogaols: These compounds, similar to gingerols, have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which help to alleviate pain and discomfort caused by painful swallowing.
• Bisdemethoxycurcumenol: This sesquiterpene compound has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which help to relax the muscles in the throat and reduce pain associated with painful swallowing.

Parts Used

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

• Rhyzomes: The rhizomes are used due to their high concentration of bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which help alleviate pain associated with swallowing.
• Roots: The roots of the ginger plant contain compounds like gingerol and shogaol, which have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, making them useful in managing pain during swallowing.
• Barks: The barks of the ginger plant are also used due to their ability to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, thanks to the presence of bioactive compounds like gingerols and shogaols.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 100g of dried zingiber officinale root from a reputable source.
2. Dry the harvested root at 50c for 2 hours in a dehydrator.
3. Grind 50g of the dried root into a fine powder using a coffee grinder.
4. Fill 100 empty gelatin capsules with 500mg of the powdered root each.
5. Store the filled capsules in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 years.

5. Curcuma longa

Turmeric capsules helps with painful swallowing because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties, which alleviate inflammation in the throat and esophagus.

Curcumin, a key compound in turmeric, has been shown to reduce pain and discomfort associated with conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngitis.

By reducing swelling and inflammation, turmeric capsules provide relief from painful swallowing, making it an effective natural remedy for individuals suffering from chronic throat discomfort.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Curcumin: This polyphenolic compound has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the throat muscles, thereby alleviating painful swallowing.
• Demethoxycurcumin: A derivative of curcumin, DMC has shown to have strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help to reduce pain and inflammation in the throat, making it easier to swallow.
• Bisdemethoxycurcumin: Another derivative of curcumin, BDMC has shown to have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the throat muscles, thereby alleviating painful swallowing.

Parts Used

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

• Rhyzomes: Curcuma longa's rhyzomes are commonly used in capsules for painful swallowing because they contain curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate pain.
• Roots: The roots of Curcuma longa are also used, as they are a rich source of curcumin, which can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Leaves: Curcuma longa leaves are sometimes used, as they are a good source of volatile oils that may contribute to their potential pain-relieving effects.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Clean and sanitize all equipment including mortar and pestle to prevent contamination.
2. Dry 1 kilogram of curcuma longa roots in a low-temperature oven at 40c for 2 hours.
3. Grind 100g of dried curcuma longa roots into a fine powder using mortar and pestle.
4. Mix 100g of powder with 100g of vegetable cellulose and 10g of silicon dioxide in a bowl.
5. Fill 200 empty gelatin capsules with 500mg of powder mixture and seal immediately.

6. Echinacea angustifolia

Kansas coneflower capsules helps with painful swallowing because they contain a potent anti-inflammatory compound called icosanoid, which reduces inflammation in the mucous membranes of the throat.

This natural remedy soothes and calms irritated tissues, relieving discomfort and pain associated with swallowing. Additionally, its antimicrobial properties help combat infections that can exacerbate painful swallowing.

By addressing these underlying causes, Kansas coneflower capsules provide effective relief from the discomfort and embarrassment of painful swallowing.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea angustifolia capsules that help with painful swallowing.

• Iridoid glycosides: These compounds, particularly echinacoside and isochlorogenic acid, help reduce inflammation and pain associated with swallowing by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines.
• Flavonoids: The flavonoids present in Echinacea angustifolia, such as quercetin and kaempferol, exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help alleviate painful swallowing by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the throat and esophagus.
• Alkaloids: The alkaloids, particularly echinamine, present in Echinacea angustifolia may help reduce pain and inflammation associated with swallowing by interacting with pain receptors and modulating the body's response to pain.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of kansas coneflower used to make capsules for painful swallowing.

• Roots: They are used for their anti-inflammatory properties to reduce swelling and discomfort associated with painful swallowing.
• Leaves: They contain compounds that may help alleviate pain and inflammation in the throat.
• Flowers: They are used for their potential to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, which may help with painful swallowing.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic kansas coneflower for painful swallowing.

1. Harvest 20-30 grams of echinacea angustifolia root in the fall season when the plant is dormant.
2. Clean and dry the harvested root material in a low-temperature oven at 150°f for 2 hours.
3. Grind the dried root material into a fine powder using a high-speed grinder at 10000 rpm.
4. Mix 1 part of the ground root powder with 2 parts of gelatin or vegetable cellulose to create a uniform blend.
5. Fill 500-count capsules with the blend and seal them in a clean environment using a capsule filling machine.

7. Ulmus rubra

Slippery elm capsules helps with painful swallowing because they provide a soothing, protective barrier for the mucous membranes in the esophagus.

The herb's demulcent properties create a gel-like coating that shields the delicate tissues from irritation and inflammation, reducing discomfort and pain associated with swallowing.

This natural relief can be especially beneficial for individuals experiencing conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, or inflammatory disorders of the esophagus, allowing them to swallow more comfortably and alleviate distressing symptoms.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Flavonoids: These plant compounds help reduce inflammation and pain by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and mediators, thereby alleviating painful swallowing.
• Tannins: Tannins have anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, which help reduce swelling and soothe the mucous membranes in the throat, providing relief from painful swallowing.
• Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help protect the mucous membranes from oxidative stress and inflammation, ultimately reducing the discomfort associated with painful swallowing.

Parts Used

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

• Roots: Used to make capsules for painful swallowing due to their purported anti-inflammatory properties.
• Barks: Used to make capsules for painful swallowing due to their traditional use in herbal medicine as a demulcent to soothe irritated mucous membranes.
• Leaves: Used to make capsules for painful swallowing due to their supposed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 50g of dried ulmus rubra bark from a reputable supplier or local organic farm.
2. Grind 20g of the dried ulmus rubra bark into a fine powder using a coffee grinder.
3. Mix 5g of the powder with 5g of cornstarch and 2g of gelatin to create a uniform blend.
4. Encapsulate the blend in size 00 capsules using a hand-held capsule filler.
5. Label and store the capsules in a cool dark place for up to 2 years.

8. Eucalyptus globulus

Tasmanian blue gum capsules helps with painful swallowing because they contain the herb Eucalyptus globulus, which has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe and calm the mucous membranes in the throat.

By reducing inflammation and irritation, the herbal extract can ease discomfort and pain associated with sore throats, making it easier to swallow and allowing for a more comfortable and normal digestion process.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eucalyptus globulus capsules that help with painful swallowing.

• Eucalyptol: This terpene helps with painful swallowing by reducing inflammation and relieving spasms in the throat muscles, allowing for smoother and less painful swallowing.
• Cineole: Also known as eucalyptol, cineole is a terpene that helps to numb the throat and reduce pain by blocking the production of pain-causing chemicals in the body.
• Caffic acid: A type of phenolic compound, caffeic acid has potent anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce swelling in the throat, making it easier and less painful to swallow.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of tasmanian blue gum used to make capsules for painful swallowing.

• Leaves: Eucalyptus globulus leaves are primarily used to make capsules for painful swallowing due to their high content of eucalyptol, which provides a soothing effect.
• Buds: Eucalyptus globulus buds are used to make capsules for painful swallowing as they contain a high concentration of eucalyptol, helping to ease discomfort.
• Leaves or barks: Barks from Eucalyptus globulus may also be used for these purposes, although the exact reason may vary as barks may be used for other purposes as well.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tasmanian blue gum for painful swallowing.

1. Harvest 20 grams of dried eucalyptus globulus leaves from a trusted source.
2. Dry the leaves further if they are not completely dry for 2 hours at 40 degrees celsius in a low-temperature oven.
3. Grind the dried leaves into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder to 1 teaspoon of powder.
4. Mix the powder with a filler material like rice flour to fill 100 empty gelatin capsules to 250 milligrams of powder per capsule.
5. Store the capsules in an airtight container in a cool dark place for up to 12 months.

9. Boswellia serrata

Frankincense capsules helps with painful swallowing because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

The herb Boswellia, also known as frankincense, contains boswellic acids that reduce inflammation in the esophagus and throat, alleviating pain and discomfort associated with conditions such as acid reflux, laryngitis, and esophagitis.

By decreasing inflammation, frankincense capsules ease constriction of the esophageal muscles, allowing for smoother swallowing and reducing the sensation of burning or difficulty swallowing.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Boswellia serrata capsules that help with painful swallowing.

• Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid: This triterpenoid compound has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help to reduce inflammation and pain associated with conditions like esophagitis, a common cause of painful swallowing.
• Beta-boswellic acid: This triterpenoid compound has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which help to reduce inflammation and modulate the immune response, thereby alleviating symptoms of painful swallowing.
• 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid methyl ester: Although this is a lesser known compound, research suggests it has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can help to reduce pain associated with painful swallowing.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of frankincense used to make capsules for painful swallowing.

• Roots: The roots of Boswellia serrata are commonly used due to their high content of boswellic acids, which have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
• Rhyzomes: Rhyzomes of Boswellia serrata are used as they contain a high concentration of boswellic acids, which help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
• Barks: The barks of Boswellia serrata are used to make capsules for painful swallowing as they also contain boswellic acids, which can help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic frankincense for painful swallowing.

1. Harvest 10-15 grams of dried boswellia serrata resin from mature trees following proper sustainable forestry practices.
2. Grind the dried boswellia serrata resin into a fine powder using a high-speed grinder for 1 minute.
3. Mix 2-3 grams of the ground boswellia serrata powder with 1-2 grams of pure gelatin powder in a bowl.
4. Add a small amount of distilled water to the mixture and mix well until a thick paste forms within 5 minutes.
5. Fill empty vegetarian capsules with the thick paste and seal immediately to preserve potency and shelf life.

10. Commiphora mukul

Guggul capsules helps with painful swallowing because they contain a unique blend of natural herbs that work together to reduce inflammation and ease discomfort in the throat.

The key ingredient, Commiphora mukul resin, has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe and calm irritated mucous membranes, allowing for smoother passage of food and liquids.

Additionally, guggul's antioxidant properties help protect against oxidative stress, further reducing inflammation and promoting a healthier swallowing process.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Commiphora mukul capsules that help with painful swallowing.

• Guggulsterones: Guggulsterones, a type of terpenoid, may help with painful swallowing by reducing inflammation and improving digestion, which can alleviate symptoms of conditions that cause painful swallowing.
• Commiphoric acid: Commiphoric acid, a phenolic compound, may help with painful swallowing by exerting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help soothe irritated tissues and reduce discomfort associated with swallowing.
• E-boswellic acid: E-boswellic acid, a type of triterpenoid, may help with painful swallowing by suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, which can help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with swallowing.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of guggul used to make capsules for painful swallowing.

• Roots: The roots are rich in guggulu lipid, a compound that helps to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with painful swallowing.
• Rhyzomes: Rhyzomes contain mucilage, a thick substance that soothes the mucous membranes in the throat and provides relief from painful swallowing.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic guggul for painful swallowing.

1. Grind 10 grams of dried commiphora mukul resin into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle for 5 minutes.
2. Mix the ground powder with 5 grams of herbal excipient like gum arabic in a clean glass bowl.
3. Add 5 milliliters of a vegetable oil like coconut oil to the powder mixture and stir well for 2 minutes.
4. Sift the powder mixture into empty gelatin capsules using a capsule filler machine for 10 minutes.
5. Label and store the herbal capsules in a cool dry place protected from light for 6 months.

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

The best combination of herbal capsules that help with painful swallowing is often found in a blend of Marshmallow root, Slippery Elm, and Licorice root.

Marshmallow root soothes and protects the mucous membranes in the throat, while Slippery Elm forms a protective barrier to reduce inflammation and irritation. Licorice root adds anti-inflammatory properties, reducing swelling and pain.

These three herbs work together to provide relief from painful swallowing, making them a popular choice for soothing sore throats and promoting a smooth, comfortable swallowing experience.

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

Ailments similar to painful swallowing that are treated with herbal capsules are sore throats, laryngitis, and tonsillitis.

Herbal remedies like slippery elm, marshmallow root, and licorice root have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help to reduce discomfort and inflammation in the throat and mouth.

These herbs can be found in capsule or liquid form and are often used in combination with other natural ingredients to provide relief from these common health issues.