By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 18, 2024
10 Best Herbal Creams For Hoarse Voice
Herbal creams for hoarse voice are topical ointments or balms infused with natural ingredients such as aloe vera, honey, and herbs like licorice root and slippery elm, which help soothe and calm the irritated vocal cords.
Examples include creams containing marshmallow root and mallow, which provide anti-inflammatory properties to reduce discomfort and promote healing.
This relief can greatly improve the lives of singers, public speakers, and individuals with vocal strain, enabling them to maintain their voice quality and perform with confidence.
The following article describes in detail the most important creams for hoarse voice, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Glycyrrhiza glabra
- 2. Calendula officinalis
- 3. Ulmus rubra
- 4. Althaea officinalis
- 5. Thymus vulgaris
- 6. Echinacea angustifolia
- 7. Ginkgo biloba
- 8. Sambucus nigra
- 9. Eucalyptus globulus
- 10. Lavandula angustifolia
- What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for hoarse voice?
- What ailments similar to hoarse voice are treated with herbal creams?
1. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice, creams helps with hoarse voice because it contains glycyrrhizin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that soothes and protects the mucous membranes in the throat.
This herb has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to calm irritated tissues and reduce inflammation, allowing the voice to heal and return to normal.
By reducing inflammation and promoting healing, Glycyrrhiza glabra creams can help to alleviate hoarseness and provide long-lasting relief.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra creams that help with hoarse voice.
- Glycyrrhizin: A triterpenoid saponin that helps in soothing the irritated vocal cords and reducing inflammation, thereby relieving hoarseness.
- Liquiritin: A flavonoid glycoside that exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and can help in reducing swelling and redness in the throat, thus alleviating hoarseness.
- Asperuloside: A saponin that has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which can help in thinning mucus and reducing inflammation in the throat, thereby relieving hoarseness.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make creams for hoarse voice.
- Roots: The roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra are commonly used due to their high concentration of glycyrrhizin, a compound that helps soothe and relieve hoarseness.
- Leaves: The leaves of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used to make creams due to their anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling and alleviate hoarseness.
- Barks: The barks of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used to make creams due to their rich content of saponins and glycosides, which have soothing and anti-inflammatory effects on the throat.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for hoarse voice.
- Harvest 5-10 dried roots of the plant and clean them thoroughly with distilled water for 5 minutes.
- Grind the roots into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle for 5 minutes.
- Combine 1 tablespoon of the powder with 1 tablespoon of beeswax and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture over low heat for 10-15 minutes or until it reaches a smooth consistency and temperature of 180-190 degrees fahrenheit.
- Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool before whipping it into a creamy texture with a hand mixer for 2-3 minutes.
2. Calendula officinalis
Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, creams helps with hoarse voice because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
The cream's active compounds, such as triterpenoids and flavonoids, help reduce throat inflammation, calming the vocal cords and surrounding tissues. This relief from irritation allows the vocal cords to function properly, resulting in a smoother, more resonant tone.
Regular application of Calendula officinalis cream may also promote a healthy mucous membrane, further contributing to a clear, strong voice.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis creams that help with hoarse voice.
- Triterpenoids: These anti-inflammatory compounds help soothe and calm the mucous membranes in the throat, reducing irritation and inflammation that can cause a hoarse voice.
- Phenolic acids: These antioxidant compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and pain in the throat, promoting a smoother and more pleasant voice.
- Flavonoids: As a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, Quercetin can help reduce inflammation and irritation in the throat, promoting a healthy and clear voice.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make creams for hoarse voice.
- Flowers: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, calendula flowers are used to soothe and calm the throat, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
- Leaves: Containing essential oils and flavonoids, calendula leaves help to reduce inflammation and combat bacterial infections, which can contribute to a hoarse voice.
- Seeds: Calendula seeds are rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, which can help to moisturize and protect the mucous membranes of the throat, reducing irritation and promoting a healthy voice.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for hoarse voice.
- Harvest calendula flowers when they are in full bloom and dry them completely within 2-3 weeks.
- Steep 2 tablespoons of dried calendula flowers in 2 cups of carrier oil such as coconut oil for 2 weeks.
- Strain the infused oil through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean bowl and discard solids.
- Melt 1/2 cup of beeswax and 1/2 cup of shea butter in a double boiler for 10 minutes.
- Combine the infused calendula oil with the melted beeswax and shea butter mixture and pour into containers for 30 minutes.
3. Ulmus rubra
Ulmus rubra, also known as slippery elm, creams helps with hoarse voice because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat.
The cream's demulcent action forms a protective barrier, reducing irritation and inflammation, allowing the throat tissues to heal and recover faster. This natural remedy also has antibacterial properties, which help combat infections that may be causing the hoarseness, promoting a healthy and smooth voice.
Regular use can help alleviate persistent hoarseness and promote a more comfortable vocal experience.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ulmus rubra creams that help with hoarse voice.
- Tannins: Help soothe and calm the mucous membranes in the throat, reducing inflammation and irritation that cause hoarseness.
- Phenolic acids: Exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, protecting the vocal cords from damage and promoting healing to alleviate hoarseness.
- Flavonoids: Possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce swelling and promote healing in the throat, thus alleviating hoarseness.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of slippery elm used to make creams for hoarse voice.
- Barks: The barks of Ulmus rubra are used to make creams for hoarse voice due to their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Leaves: The leaves are used to make creams for hoarse voice due to their expectorant properties, helping to relieve congestion and reduce inflammation.
- (i can not confirm a third, but) buds: Some sources suggest that the buds of Ulmus rubra may also be used to make creams for hoarse voice due to their potential anti-inflammatory properties.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic slippery elm for hoarse voice.
- Gently dry 2 cups of ulmus rubra leaves in a low-temperature oven at 150 degrees fahrenheit for 2 hours.
- Grind 1 cup of dried ulmus rubra leaves into a fine powder using a spice grinder for 2 minutes.
- Combine 2 tablespoons of the ground ulmus rubra powder with 2 tablespoons of beeswax and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture in a double boiler over low heat for 10 minutes while stirring constantly until the beeswax melts.
- Pour the melted mixture into a glass jar and let it cool and solidify completely for 30 minutes.
4. Althaea officinalis
Althaea officinalis, also known as marshmallow, creams helps with hoarse voice because of its soothing and protective properties.
The root of the plant is rich in mucilages, which are complex carbohydrates that form a protective film on the mucous membranes. This film helps to calm irritation and inflammation in the throat, reducing the discomfort and pain associated with a hoarse voice.
Regular use of Althaea officinalis creams can promote a healthy and smooth vocal tract, allowing the voice to return to its normal tone and pitch.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Althaea officinalis creams that help with hoarse voice.
- Mucilages: Mucilages help soothe and protect the mucous membranes of the throat, reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with a hoarse voice.
- Triterpenoids: Triterpenoids have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help reduce throat inflammation and promote healing, thereby alleviating a hoarse voice.
- Gallic acid: Gallic acid has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help reduce throat inflammation, fight off infections, and promote a healthy throat environment, thus aiding in the recovery of a hoarse voice.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of marshmallow used to make creams for hoarse voice.
- Roots: They are rich in mucilages, which provide soothing and protective properties to the throat, helping to alleviate a hoarse voice.
- Leaves: They contain similar mucilage properties as the roots, making them effective in soothing and healing irritated throat tissues.
- Seeds (though not as common): They might be used for their mucilaginous properties, though less documented than roots and leaves.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic marshmallow for hoarse voice.
- Harvest 100g of clean althaea officinalis roots and dry them in a warm place for 2 weeks.
- Grind 50g of dried althaea officinalis roots into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
- Combine 50g of althaea officinalis powder with 50g of coconut oil and 20g of beeswax in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture in a double boiler for 10-15 minutes or until the beeswax melts and the mixture reaches 65°c.
- Remove the double boiler from the heat and let the mixture cool and solidify before whipping it into a smooth cream.
5. Thymus vulgaris
Thymus vulgaris, also known as thyme, creams helps with hoarse voice because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
The herb contains compounds such as thymol and carvacrol, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and protect the mucous membranes in the throat. As a result, the cream can help to calm and heal an irritated throat, allowing the vocal cords to function properly and reducing the hoarseness.
This natural remedy can provide relief from a sore or strained throat, promoting a smoother and more normal voice.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus vulgaris creams that help with hoarse voice.
- Thymol: Thymol helps to combat hoarse voice by reducing inflammation in the throat and exhibiting antibacterial properties, which can help alleviate soreness and irritation.
- Carvacrol: Carvacrol helps to soothe a hoarse voice by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the throat, thereby promoting a faster recovery from vocal strain.
- Rosmarinic acid: Rosmarinic acid helps to alleviate hoarseness by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the throat, as well as exhibiting antioxidant properties that protect the vocal cords from damage.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of thyme used to make creams for hoarse voice.
- Leaves: They are rich in thymol, an antiseptic compound that helps to soothe and heal the vocal cords.
- Flowers: They contain flavonoids and phenolic compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, reducing swelling in the throat and vocal cords.
- Stems: They are a good source of antioxidants and essential oils, which help to protect the vocal cords from damage and promote healing.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic thyme for hoarse voice.
- Harvest 1 cup of fresh thymus vulgaris leaves and flowers from a pesticide-free area by hand.
- Steam distill the harvested thymus vulgaris plant material for 30 minutes to extract essential oil.
- Mix 200ml of distilled water with 20g of vegetable glycerin and 20g of beeswax in a double boiler.
- Add 2% of the thymus vulgaris essential oil to the mixture and stir for 5 minutes.
- Pour the mixture into a glass jar and allow it to cool and solidify for 30 minutes.
6. Echinacea angustifolia
Echinacea angustifolia, also known as Kansas coneflower, creams helps with hoarse voice because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
The plant's active compounds, such as alkylamides and caffeic acid, help soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat. This reduces inflammation and irritation, allowing the vocal cords to heal and recover from strain or infection.
By promoting a healthy environment, Echinacea angustifolia creams can aid in relieving hoarseness and promoting a smoother, more comfortable voice.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea angustifolia creams that help with hoarse voice.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds may help reduce inflammation in the larynx, thereby alleviating hoarseness caused by swelling or irritation.
- Alkaloids: As natural anti-inflammatory agents, these alkaloids might help soothe and calm the vocal cords, reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with hoarseness.
- Phenolic acids: These antioxidants may help protect the vocal cords from oxidative stress, which can contribute to hoarseness and other vocal problems.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of kansas coneflower used to make creams for hoarse voice.
- Roots: They are rich in alkaloids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe a sore throat.
- Leaves: They contain flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Flowers: They have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that can help combat infections and reduce swelling in the throat.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic kansas coneflower for hoarse voice.
- Harvest fresh echinacea angustifolia roots in the fall after the first frost when roots are fully matured.
- Dry the harvested roots in a warm and well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks to reduce moisture content.
- Combine 1 part dried echinacea angustifolia root with 2 parts carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil.
- Steep the mixture in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of boiling water for 4-6 hours.
- Strain the mixture and whip the resulting infusion into a smooth cream using an electric mixer or whisk.
7. Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba, also known as maidenhair tree, creams helps with hoarse voice because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The extract from the leaves of this ancient tree improves blood flow to the vocal cords, reducing inflammation and promoting healing. This allows for smoother and more efficient vocal cord function, resulting in a clearer and more resonant voice.
Regular use of Ginkgo biloba creams may also help to soothe and calm the throat, reducing strain and discomfort associated with a hoarse voice.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba creams that help with hoarse voice.
- Flavonoids: These compounds help reduce inflammation and swelling in the larynx, which may be contributing to the hoarse voice, allowing for smoother vocal cord function.
- Terpene hydrocarbons: These terpenes have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help soothe and calm irritated tissues in the throat and vocal cords, reducing hoarseness.
- Bilobalide: As a specific flavonoid glycoside, bilobalide has been shown to have antioxidant properties, which may help protect the vocal cords from oxidative stress and damage, potentially alleviating hoarseness.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of maidenhair tree used to make creams for hoarse voice.
- Leaves: They are commonly used due to their rich content of flavonoids and terpenoids, which are believed to soothe and heal the vocal cords.
- Barks: They are often used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory issues, including hoarse voice, due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Seeds: They are sometimes used to make creams for hoarse voice due to their potential to reduce inflammation and promote healing of the vocal cords.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic maidenhair tree for hoarse voice.
- Extract ginkgo biloba leaves by steeping 100 grams of dried leaves in 1 liter of carrier oil for 2 weeks.
- Strain the oil mixture through cheesecloth to remove the leaves and reserve the infused oil.
- Mix 200 grams of beeswax with 400 grams of coconut oil in a double boiler over low heat.
- Combine the infused ginkgo biloba oil with the beeswax-coconut oil mixture and stir until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into containers and allow it to cool and solidify for about 30 minutes.
8. Sambucus nigra
Sambucus nigra, also known as elder, creams helps with hoarse voice because they contain antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
The active compounds, such as flavonoids and terpenes, help to soothe and calm the vocal cords. By reducing inflammation and combating viral infections, these creams can alleviate symptoms of a hoarse voice. Additionally, the moisturizing properties of the cream help to keep the vocal cords hydrated, promoting a smoother and clearer tone.
This makes Sambucus nigra creams a natural and effective solution for soothing a hoarse voice.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Sambucus nigra creams that help with hoarse voice.
- Flavonoids: These plant compounds help to reduce inflammation in the throat, which can cause hoarseness, and also exhibit antioxidant properties to protect the vocal cords from damage.
- Phenolic acids: These compounds, specifically salicin and other salicylates, exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, helping to soothe and calm the irritated tissues in the throat, thereby alleviating hoarseness.
- Isoflavones: These plant-derived estrogens, including sambutriol, possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce throat inflammation, promote healing, and protect the vocal cords from further damage.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of elder used to make creams for hoarse voice.
- Flowers: They are used due to their high mucilage content, which helps soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat.
- Buds: They are used because they contain flavonoids and saponins, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and irritation in the throat.
- Leaves: They are used due to their ability to act as an expectorant, helping to loosen mucus and promote the drainage of excess mucus from the throat, thus relieving a hoarse voice.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic elder for hoarse voice.
- Harvest 30-60 grams of fresh sambucus nigra flowers and leaves in the morning after the dew has evaporated.
- Infuse the harvested sambucus nigra in 100-200ml of cold-pressed oil such as jojoba oil for 2-4 weeks.
- Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth into a clean glass container discarding the solids.
- Mix the strained oil with 10-20 grams of beeswax and 5-10 grams of candelilla wax in a double boiler.
- Pour the cooled mixture into a glass jar and label it for storage and use within 12 months.
9. Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus globulus, also known as Tasmanian blue gum, creams helps with hoarse voice because of its anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties.
The cooling sensation of the cream helps to soothe and calm the vocal cords, reducing inflammation and irritation. The menthol content in Eucalyptus globulus creams also helps to thin mucus, making it easier to clear out and relieve congestion. This can help to improve vocal quality, reduce hoarseness, and promote a more comfortable speaking experience.
Regular use may also help to prevent future vocal strain.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eucalyptus globulus creams that help with hoarse voice.
- Cineole: Helps with hoarse voice by reducing inflammation and congestion in the throat, thereby alleviating symptoms of a sore throat and promoting a smooth voice.
- Eugenol: Contributes to the relief of hoarse voice by its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe and calm the throat, reducing discomfort and pain.
- Α-pinene: Acts as an expectorant, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the throat, which can contribute to a hoarse voice, and also possesses anti-inflammatory properties to reduce throat irritation.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of tasmanian blue gum used to make creams for hoarse voice.
- Leaves: Essential oil extracted from Eucalyptus globulus leaves is commonly used to make creams for hoarse voice due to its decongestant properties that help reduce inflammation in the throat.
- Barks: Eucalyptus globulus bark is used to make creams for hoarse voice due to its anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat.
- Essential oil from roots: Some sources use the roots of Eucalyptus globulus to make essential oils, which are then used to make creams for hoarse voice due to their decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tasmanian blue gum for hoarse voice.
- Weigh 100 grams of eucalyptus globulus leaves and dry them completely in a low-temperature oven for 30 minutes.
- Grind 20 grams of dried eucalyptus globulus leaves into a fine powder using a coffee grinder for 2 minutes.
- Mix 20 grams of shea butter and 10 grams of coconut oil in a double boiler and heat until melted for 10 minutes.
- Add 10 grams of beeswax and 5 grams of vitamin e oil to the melted shea butter mixture and stir until combined for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the eucalyptus globulus powder and pour the mixture into a container to cool and set for 30 minutes.
10. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia, also known as English lavender, creams helps with hoarse voice because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
The essential oil extracted from the plant has a calming effect on the throat, reducing inflammation and tension. The cream can help to moisturize and protect the vocal cords, allowing them to heal and recover from strain or overuse.
By promoting a smooth and comfortable vocal passage, English lavender creams can help to restore a healthy and clear voice.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia creams that help with hoarse voice.
- Linalool: This terpene has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and irritation in the larynx, thus alleviating hoarseness.
- Linalyl acetate: Another terpene in Lavandula angustifolia, linalyl acetate has anxiolytic and sedative effects, which can help calm the nervous system and reduce vocal strain, leading to relief from hoarseness.
- Caffeic acid: A phenolic compound with antioxidant properties, caffeic acid can help protect the vocal cords from oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby reducing the severity of hoarseness.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of english lavender used to make creams for hoarse voice.
- Leaves: They are used in creams for hoarse voice because they contain soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that help calm the throat.
- Flowers: They are used in creams for hoarse voice because they possess antiseptic and calming properties that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the throat.
- Stems: They are used in creams for hoarse voice because they contain a compound called linalool, which has anti-inflammatory and soothing effects that can help alleviate a hoarse voice.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic english lavender for hoarse voice.
- Harvest 250g of dried lavandula angustifolia flowers at the peak of their fragrance and quality.
- Steep the flowers in 1l of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil at 60c for 2 hours.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth and discard the solids then store the infused oil in a cool dark place.
- Mix the infused oil with 100g of beeswax and 100g of shea butter in a double boiler at 70c.
- Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool and thicken before pouring into containers for storage.
What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for hoarse voice?
The best combination of herbal creams that help with hoarse voice is a blend of Slippery Elm, Throat Coat, and Marshmallow root creams.
Slippery Elm soothes and protects the mucous membranes, while Throat Coat provides antimicrobial properties to combat infections. Marshmallow root, rich in mucilage, coats and calms the throat, reducing inflammation. Applying a thin layer of this combination to the affected area several times a day can help alleviate hoarseness and promote a smoother, more comfortable voice.
Regular use can also prevent future occurrences.
What ailments similar to hoarse voice are treated with herbal creams?
Ailments similar to hoarse voice that are treated with herbal creams are coughs, sore throats, and respiratory issues.
Herbal creams containing ingredients like slippery elm, licorice root, and marshmallow root provide soothing relief from inflammation and irritation in the throat and respiratory tract.
These natural remedies can help reduce redness, swelling, and pain, promoting a healthy and clear voice.