Laryngitis: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx, or voice box, causing hoarseness, soreness, and a scratchy voice.

Typically caused by overuse, viral infections, or exposure to irritants like smoke or chemicals, laryngitis can also be exacerbated by allergies and acid reflux. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent voice damage and even affect breathing. To alleviate symptoms, herbal remedies such as licorice root, slippery elm, and marshmallow root can be used in teas, infusions, or lozenges.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially for pregnant women, children, or those with underlying health conditions.

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

The main causes of laryngitis are viral infections, such as the common cold or flu, which account for approximately 90% of cases.

Bacterial infections, such as strep throat, can also cause laryngitis, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. Overuse or misuse of the voice, such as in singers or public speakers, can lead to vocal strain and subsequent laryngitis. Allergies, acid reflux, and smoking are also contributing factors, as they can irritate the larynx and lead to inflammation.

Additionally, exposure to pollution, dust, and chemicals can cause laryngitis in some individuals.

• Viral Infection: A viral infection, often caused by the common cold or flu viruses, leads to inflammation and swelling of the larynx, resulting in laryngitis.
• Overuse of Voice: Repeatedly using the voice for an extended period, such as in singing, public speaking, or shouting, causes strain and irritation to the vocal cords, leading to laryngitis.
• Smoking: Inhaling tobacco smoke damages the mucous membranes in the throat and larynx, leading to chronic inflammation and increasing the risk of developing laryngitis.
• Allergies: Respiratory allergies, such as asthma or hay fever, cause chronic inflammation in the airways, including the larynx, leading to laryngitis.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Gastroesophageal reflux disease, a condition where stomach acid flows back up into the throat, causes irritation and inflammation of the larynx, leading to laryngitis.
• Bacterial Infection: A bacterial infection, often caused by Streptococcus or Haemophilus influenzae, leads to inflammation and swelling of the larynx, resulting in laryngitis.
• Environmental Irritants: Inhaling environmental irritants, such as dust, chemicals, or pollution, causes irritation and inflammation of the larynx, leading to laryngitis.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause can lead to changes in the vocal cords and larynx, resulting in laryngitis.
• Medication Side Effects: Certain medications, such as antihistamines or decongestants, can cause dryness and irritation of the larynx, leading to laryngitis.
• Anatomical Abnormalities: Anatomical abnormalities, such as a deviated septum or a narrow airway, can cause chronic inflammation and irritation of the larynx, leading to laryngitis.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for laryngitis?

The main medicinal herbs used for laryngitis are Echinacea purpurea, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Thymus vulgaris, Sambucus nigra, Eucalyptus globulus, Verbascum thapsus, Lavandula angustifolia, Mentha x piperita, Ulmus rubra.

Echinacea purpurea is used to stimulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, while Glycyrrhiza glabra has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the mucous membranes. Zingiber officinale and Thymus vulgaris exhibit expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways. Sambucus nigra and Eucalyptus globulus are used to reduce inflammation and relieve congestion, while Verbascum thapsus helps to calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety.

Additionally, Lavandula angustifolia, Mentha x piperita, and Ulmus rubra possess antimicrobial properties and help to reduce inflammation, ultimately aiding in the recovery from laryngitis.

• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps with laryngitis by stimulating the immune system to produce white blood cells, which can help to fight off the underlying infection causing the inflammation and pain in the larynx.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with laryngitis by its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the swelling and inflammation in the larynx, as well as its demulcent properties, which can help to soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with laryngitis by its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the swelling and inflammation in the larynx, as well as its expectorant properties, which can help to loosen and clear out mucus and other debris from the airways.
• Thymus vulgaris: Thymus vulgaris helps with laryngitis by its antimicrobial properties, which can help to fight off the underlying infection causing the inflammation and pain in the larynx, as well as its expectorant properties, which can help to loosen and clear out mucus and other debris from the airways.
• Sambucus nigra: Sambucus nigra helps with laryngitis by its antiviral and antimicrobial properties, which can help to fight off the underlying infection causing the inflammation and pain in the larynx, as well as its expectorant properties, which can help to loosen and clear out mucus and other debris from the airways.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus helps with laryngitis by its expectorant properties, which can help to loosen and clear out mucus and other debris from the airways, as well as its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the swelling and inflammation in the larynx.
• Verbascum thapsus: Verbascum thapsus helps with laryngitis by its demulcent properties, which can help to soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat, as well as its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the swelling and inflammation in the larynx.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia helps with laryngitis by its antispasmodic properties, which can help to relax the muscles in the throat and reduce coughing and discomfort, as well as its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the swelling and inflammation in the larynx.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita helps with laryngitis by its expectorant properties, which can help to loosen and clear out mucus and other debris from the airways, as well as its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the swelling and inflammation in the larynx.
• Ulmus rubra: No reliable information was found about the use of Ulmus rubra for treating laryngitis.

What are the main herbal preparations used for laryngitis?

The main herbal preparations used for laryngitis are decoctions of marshmallow root, slippery elm, and licorice root to soothe inflammation and irritation.

Tinctures of echinacea, garlic, and elderberry are used to boost immunity and reduce the severity of laryngitis. Herbal gargles containing sage, thyme, and eucalyptus help to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in the throat. Poultices of plantain and calendula are applied topically to reduce swelling, while herbal salves containing arnica and comfrey are used to moisturize and protect the skin.

Capsules, lozenges, teas, lozenges, and creams containing ingredients like vitamin C, zinc, and aloe vera help to soothe and protect the mucous membranes, speeding up the healing process.

• Decoction: A decoction of herbs such as Thymus vulgaris (thyme) helps with laryngitis by providing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the throat and help alleviate symptoms.
• Tincture: A tincture of herbs like Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice root) helps with laryngitis by providing anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties that coat and soothe the mucous membranes of the throat.
• Gargle: A gargle made from a solution of herbs such as Echinacea purpurea (echinacea) helps with laryngitis by providing antimicrobial properties that help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in the throat.
• Poultice: A poultice of herbs like Plantago major (plantain) helps with laryngitis by providing anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and alleviate pain in the throat.
• Salve: A salve made from herbs like Calendula officinalis (calendula) helps with laryngitis by providing anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help soothe and protect the mucous membranes of the throat.
• Capsule: A capsule containing herbs like Echinacea purpurea (echinacea) helps with laryngitis by providing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help boost the immune system and alleviate symptoms.
• Lozenge: A lozenge made from herbs like Glycerine and Echinacea purpurea (echinacea) helps with laryngitis by providing soothing and protective properties that help coat and calm the mucous membranes of the throat.
• Tea: A tea made from herbs like Zingiber officinale (ginger) helps with laryngitis by providing anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that help reduce inflammation and alleviate congestion in the throat.
• Lozenges: Lozenges made from herbs like Echinacea purpurea (echinacea) help with laryngitis by providing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe and protect the mucous membranes of the throat.
• Cream: A cream made from herbs like Calendula officinalis (calendula) helps with laryngitis by providing anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help soothe and protect the mucous membranes of the throat.