Hoarse Voice: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

A hoarse voice, also known as dysphonia, is a condition characterized by a raspy, rough, or strained sound when speaking.

It can be caused by various factors, including vocal strain, laryngitis, acid reflux, allergies, and respiratory infections. Prolonged hoarseness can lead to breathing difficulties, throat pain, and fatigue. To alleviate hoarseness, herbal remedies such as slippery elm, licorice root, and marshmallow root can be used in teas, infusions, or lozenges.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional and follow proper preparation and dosage guidelines to avoid adverse reactions or interactions with medications.

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

The main causes of hoarse voice are inflammation, irritation, or damage to the vocal cords, which can be caused by factors such as overuse or misuse of the voice, vocal strain from screaming, loud talking, or singing, smoking, excessive drinking, acid reflux, infections like laryngitis or tonsillitis, or exposure to pollutants like dust, chemicals, or loud noises.

Viral infections such as the common cold or flu can also cause hoarseness due to the inflammation they trigger in the throat. In addition, certain medical conditions like thyroid problems, Parkinson's disease, or a tumor on the vocal cords can also cause hoarseness. Sometimes, hoarseness can be caused by a sudden change in voice due to a neurological condition or a side effect of certain medications.

Furthermore, allergies, sinusitis, or a postnasal drip can also irritate the vocal cords and cause hoarseness.

• Laryngitis: Laryngitis is the most common cause of hoarse voice due to inflammation of the vocal cords, typically caused by a viral or bacterial infection, which results in redness, swelling, and a decrease in the vocal cord's ability to vibrate, producing a hoarse or raspy sound.
• Postnasal Drip: Postnasal drip, caused by excess mucus in the throat due to allergies, colds, or sinus infections, irritates the vocal cords, causing inflammation and a hoarse voice.
• Acid Reflux: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux, causes stomach acid to flow up into the throat, irritating the vocal cords and leading to a hoarse voice.
• Vocal Strain: Vocal strain, caused by overusing the voice, singing, or shouting, can lead to vocal cord fatigue and inflammation, resulting in a hoarse voice.
• Allergies: Allergies, particularly those causing postnasal drip, can irritate the vocal cords and lead to a hoarse voice.
• Tonsillitis: Tonsillitis, an inflammation of the tonsils, can cause a hoarse voice due to the spread of infection to the vocal cords.
• Mononucleosis: Mononucleosis, also known as glandular fever, can cause a hoarse voice due to the inflammation of the lymph nodes and vocal cords.
• Thyroid Disorders: Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can cause vocal cord changes and a hoarse voice due to the increased or decreased production of thyroid hormones.
• Smoking: Smoking can cause a hoarse voice due to the inflammation and scarring of the vocal cords, as well as the production of chemicals that irritate the vocal cords.
• Aging: Aging can cause a hoarse voice due to the natural wear and tear on the vocal cords, as well as the loss of muscle mass and flexibility.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for hoarse voice?

The main medicinal herbs used for hoarse voice are Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Echinacea purpurea, Lavandula angustifolia, Thymus vulgaris, Thymus serpyllum, Curcuma longa, Mentha x piperita, Sambucus nigra, Astragalus membranaceus.

Glycyrrhiza glabra contains glycyrrhizin, which anti-inflammatory properties help reduce throat inflammation and alleviate hoarseness. Zingiber officinale has antispasmodic properties that soothe throat spasms and inflammation, while Echinacea purpurea's immunomodulatory effects may help combat underlying infections causing hoarseness. Lavandula angustifolia, Thymus vulgaris, and Thymus serpyllum have antimicrobial properties that combat bacterial and viral infections in the throat, contributing to a reduction in hoarseness.

Curcuma longa, Mentha x piperita, Sambucus nigra, and Astragalus membranaceus contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help soothe and protect the vocal cords from damage and promote healing.

• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with hoarse voice due to its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and protect the mucous membranes of the throat, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with hoarse voice due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that reduce swelling and fight infections in the throat, thereby alleviating hoarseness.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps with hoarse voice by boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and fighting off infections in the throat, which in turn helps to alleviate hoarseness and promote a healthy voice.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia helps with hoarse voice due to its calming and soothing effects on the nervous system, which can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation, thereby alleviating hoarseness and promoting a healthy voice.
• Thymus vulgaris: Thymus vulgaris helps with hoarse voice due to its antimicrobial properties that fight off infections in the throat, reduce inflammation, and promote healing, thereby alleviating hoarseness and promoting a healthy voice.
• Thymus serpyllum: Thymus serpyllum helps with hoarse voice due to its antimicrobial properties that reduce inflammation, fight off infections, and promote healing in the throat, thereby alleviating hoarseness and promoting a healthy voice.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa helps with hoarse voice due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that reduce inflammation, promote healing, and protect the mucous membranes of the throat, thereby alleviating hoarseness and promoting a healthy voice.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita helps with hoarse voice due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation, fight off infections, and promote healing in the throat, thereby alleviating hoarseness and promoting a healthy voice.
• Sambucus nigra: Sambucus nigra helps with hoarse voice due to its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and protect the mucous membranes of the throat, reduce inflammation, and promote healing, thereby alleviating hoarseness and promoting a healthy voice.
• Astragalus membranaceus: Astragalus membranaceus helps with hoarse voice due to its immunomodulatory properties that boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote healing in the throat, thereby alleviating hoarseness and promoting a healthy voice.

What are the main herbal preparations used for hoarse voice?

The main herbal preparations used for hoarse voice are Decoction, Tincture, Gargle, Salve, Poultice, Capsule, Lozenge, Cream, Tea, Suppository.

Decoction is a liquid solution made by boiling herbs like Licorice root, Thyme, and Sage to soothe the throat and reduce inflammation. Tincture is a concentrated liquid extract of herbs like Echinacea, Slippery Elm, and Marshmallow root that are applied topically to the throat or taken orally to ease hoarseness. Gargle, Salve, Poultice, Lozenge, Cream, Tea, and Capsule preparations of these herbs also provide relief from hoarseness by reducing inflammation, soothing the mucous membranes, and promoting healing of the vocal cords.

Suppository preparations, such as those containing Glycerin and Hyaluronic acid, help to lubricate and protect the vocal cords, thereby alleviating hoarseness.

• Decoction: A decoction of the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra, which contains glycyrrhizin, helps to soothe an inflamed throat and reduce hoarseness by reducing inflammation and pain, thereby allowing the voice to return to normal.
• Tincture: A tincture of the leaves of Thymus serpyllum, which contains thymol, helps to relieve hoarseness by reducing inflammation and fighting off infections in the throat.
• Gargle: Gargling with a solution of the sap of Commiphora molmol, which contains 15-hydroxyreseratic acid, helps to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in the throat, thereby alleviating hoarseness.
• Salve: A salve of the roots of Althaea officinalis, which contains mucilages, helps to soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat, thereby reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with hoarseness.
• Poultice: Applying a poultice of the roots of Trifolium pratense, which contains isoflavones, to the throat helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing, thereby alleviating hoarseness.
• Capsule: Taking a capsule of the seeds of Nigella sativa, which contains thymoquinone, helps to reduce inflammation and fight off infections in the throat, thereby relieving hoarseness.
• Lozenge: Sucking on a lozenge of the bark of Salix alba, which contains salicin, helps to reduce inflammation and pain in the throat, thereby alleviating hoarseness.
• Cream: Applying a topical cream of the flowers of Calendula officinalis, which contains triterpenoids, to the throat helps to soothe and protect the mucous membranes, thereby reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with hoarseness.
• Tea: Drinking a tea of the leaves of Hibiscus sabdariffa, which contains flavonoids, helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the throat, thereby alleviating hoarseness.
• Suppository: Inserting a suppository of the roots of Withania somnifera, which contains withanolides, into the throat helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing, thereby relieving hoarseness.