Lost Voice: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

A lost voice, medically known as hoarseness or vocal cord pathology, refers to a condition where the voice is strained, weak, or partially or completely lost due to inflammation or irritation of the vocal cords.

Causes include overuse, infection, acid reflux, and smoking. If left untreated, a lost voice can lead to vocal cord scarring, chronic throat pain, and respiratory problems. To alleviate lost voice, herbal remedies like slippery elm, licorice root, and marshmallow root can be used in teas, infusions, or tinctures.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially those with allergies or underlying medical conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of lost voice, 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 lost voice?

The main causes of lost voice are laryngitis, a viral or bacterial infection that inflames the vocal cords, leading to inflammation and swelling.

Vocal cord strain or overuse can cause fatigue and irritation, resulting in a hoarse or lost voice. Other factors contributing to lost voice include vocal cord polyps or nodules, which can be caused by chronic vocal abuse or misuse, such as screaming, shouting, or singing without proper training. Allergies, acid reflux, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also cause irritation and inflammation of the vocal cords, leading to a lost voice.

Additionally, hormonal changes during pregnancy or menstruation, and certain medications like decongestants and sedatives, can also contribute to a loss of voice.

• Vocal Strain: Vocal strain is the most common cause of lost voice, caused by overuse or misuse of the vocal cords, leading to inflammation and swelling that can temporarily or permanently damage the vocal folds.
• Allergies: Allergies can cause lost voice by triggering postnasal drip, which can irritate the vocal cords and lead to inflammation and swelling.
• Respiratory Infections: Respiratory infections, such as the common cold or flu, can cause lost voice by infecting the vocal cords and leading to inflammation and swelling.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can cause lost voice due to fluctuations in estrogen levels, which can affect the vocal cords.
• Anatomical Abnormalities: Anatomical abnormalities, such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps, can cause lost voice by obstructing airflow and leading to chronic inflammation and swelling of the vocal cords.
• Medications: Medications, such as decongestants and antihistamines, can cause lost voice as a side effect by drying out the mucous membranes and irritating the vocal cords.
• Tobacco Use: Tobacco use can cause lost voice by damaging the vocal cords and leading to chronic inflammation and scarring.
• Aging: Aging can cause lost voice as the vocal cords and surrounding tissues naturally decline in function and elasticity.
• Neurological Disorders: Neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, can cause lost voice by affecting the nerves that control the vocal cords and leading to muscle weakness and atrophy.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for lost voice?

The main medicinal herbs used for lost voice are Zingiber officinale, Glycyrrrhhiza glabra, Echinacea purpurea, Asparagus racemosus, Adhatoda vasica, Panax ginseng, Acorus calamus, Trifolium pratense, Emblica officinalis, Curcuma longa.

Zingiber officinale's anti-inflammatory compounds like gingerols and shogaols help soothe the throat and reduce inflammation, while Glycyrrhiza glabra's licorice root helps protect the mucous membranes from irritation. Echinacea purpurea's immunomodulatory effects aid in fighting off infections that may cause lost voice. Asparagus racemosus, also known as Shatavari, has adaptogenic properties that help balance the body's energy and promote vocal cord health, whereas Adhatoda vasica's leaves contain vasaka alkaloids that have expectorant properties to ease congestion.

Additionally, Panax ginseng, Acorus calamus, Trifolium pratense, Emblica officinalis, and Curcuma longa possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help protect the vocal cords and promote overall health.

• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with lost voice due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce inflammation in the larynx and promote healing, and its warm and spicy properties, which stimulate digestion and relieve respiratory congestion.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with lost voice due to its anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties, which soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps with lost voice due to its immunomodulatory properties, which stimulate the immune system to fight off infections and promote healing, and its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce inflammation in the larynx.
• Asparagus racemosus: Asparagus racemosus helps with lost voice due to its expectorant properties, which relieve respiratory congestion and promote the clearance of mucus from the lungs and throat.
• Adhatoda vasica: Adhatoda vasica helps with lost voice due to its bronchodilatory and expectorant properties, which relieve respiratory congestion and promote the clearance of mucus from the lungs and throat.
• Panax ginseng: There is no scientific evidence that Panax ginseng helps with lost voice.
• Acorus calamus: Acorus calamus helps with lost voice due to its carminative and expectorant properties, which relieve respiratory congestion and promote digestion, and its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce inflammation in the larynx.
• Trifolium pratense: There is no scientific evidence that Trifolium pratense helps with lost voice.
• Emblica officinalis: Emblica officinalis helps with lost voice due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the larynx, and its demulcent properties, which soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa helps with lost voice due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the larynx, and its demulcent properties, which soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat.

What are the main herbal preparations used for lost voice?

The main herbal preparations used for lost voice are Decoction, Tincture, Capsule, Salve, Poultice, Lozenge, Gargle, Ointment, Cream, Syrup.

Decoction of herbs like licorice root and slippery elm is used to soothe the throat and promote healing. Tincture of herbs like thyme and eucalyptus is used to create an expectorant that helps loosen mucus and clear the airways. Capsule or syrup of herbs like marshmallow root and mullein is used to treat hoarseness and vocal strain by reducing inflammation and promoting vocal cord healing.

Various other preparations like Salve, Poultice, Lozenge, Gargle, Ointment, Cream, and Syrup of herbs like aloe vera and honey are also used to provide additional relief and hydration to the vocal cords and surrounding tissues.

• Decoction: A decoction of the medicinal herb Thymus vulgaris (Thyme) helps with lost voice by releasing its active compounds, which then soothe and calm the mucous membranes in the throat, thereby reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
• Tincture: A tincture of the medicinal herb Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice root) helps with lost voice by providing a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect on the mucous membranes in the throat, thereby reducing irritation and promoting vocal cord healing.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the powdered root of the medicinal herb Zingiber officinale (Ginger) helps with lost voice by releasing its active compounds, which then reduce inflammation and promote healing in the throat and vocal cords.
• Salve: A salve containing the medicinal herb Calendula officinalis (Marigold) helps with lost voice by applying a protective and soothing effect on the mucous membranes in the throat, thereby reducing irritation and promoting healing.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the medicinal herb Plantago major (Plantain) helps with lost voice by applying a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect on the mucous membranes in the throat, thereby reducing inflammation and promoting vocal cord healing.
• Lozenge: A lozenge containing the medicinal herb Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) helps with lost voice by providing a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect on the mucous membranes in the throat, thereby reducing irritation and promoting vocal cord healing.
• Gargle: A gargle solution made from the medicinal herb Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot) helps with lost voice by applying a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect on the mucous membranes in the throat, thereby reducing irritation and promoting vocal cord healing.
• Ointment: An ointment containing the medicinal herb Symphytum officinale (Comfrey) helps with lost voice by applying a soothing and protective effect on the mucous membranes in the throat, thereby reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
• Cream: A cream made from the medicinal herb Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera) helps with lost voice by providing a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect on the mucous membranes in the throat, thereby reducing irritation and promoting vocal cord healing.
• Syrup: A syrup made from the medicinal herb Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) helps with lost voice by providing a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect on the mucous membranes in the throat, thereby reducing irritation and promoting vocal cord healing.