When the vocal cords become inflamed, it can be difficult to talk. You can have short-term loss of your voice (acute) or a long lasting problem (chronic). Possible causes include infection, allergens (including smoke and dust exposure), and even heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Turn the page to learn how to speak up.
Thrifty Cure!
Apply a raw potato poultice to the soles of your feet to draw heat out of the body.
Cures from Grandma’s Kitchen
Did you know that berries have a cooling effect? Strawberries and raspberries both contain anthocyanins, which have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Why not blend them together into a honey lemonade? This is better than any lemonade you had as a kid!
Here’s how to make it:
2 cups (475 ml) water
1 cup (235 ml) peppermint tea
1/2 cup (120 ml) lemon juice
1/4 cup (38 ml) strawberries
1 tablespoon (20 g) honey (not for babies under 1 year old)
Combine all ingredients in a blender and liquefy. Makes 2 servings.
Drink up to a quart (946 ml) daily.
HERBS FOR LARYNGITIS AND HOARSENESS
Eat pieces of ginger or drink ginger tea, which are antibacterial and increase circulation to the chest. Hot peppermint or sage teas will stimulate circulation to the throat and help relax the vocal cords. Drink up to four cups daily.
It’s smart to suck on herbal lozenges periodically throughout the day to moisten your throat. Choose moistening slippery elm bark, licorice root, or marshmallow root and bronchodilating ginger, hyssop, or peppermint. Marshmallow root, plantain, slippery elm, and/or violet leaf will also moisten throats. You can use up to a dozen lozenges daily, when sick, but be aware that many contain sugar.
Skip This!
Avoid alcohol and caffeine when you have laryngitis or hoarseness. Both are dehydrating and aggravate the throat.
BENEFICIAL BEVERAGES FOR LARYNGITIS RELIEF
Drink plenty of fluids to keep the larynx moist. Gargle with 1 teaspoon (5 g) of salt or 2 drops of tea tree oil in a glass of water three times daily to combat any infection that might be present.
You can also drink 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of apple cider vinegar (10 g) and raw honey in a cup (235 ml) of warm water 3 times daily for its antibacterial and soothing properties. Cayenne pepper is also effective. Pour 1 cup (235 ml) of boiling water into a cup. Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and a few drops of lemon juice. Stir and sip slowly, the hotter the better.
SOOTHING PRACTICES FOR LARYNGITIS AND HOARSENESS
A steam inhalation can help you feel better fast. Just boil a pot of water and remove from the stove. Add 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil, 3 drops lavender essential oil, and 2 drops pine essential oil. Make a tent over your head and the pot and inhale.
And remember to rest your voice. Even whispering can stress the vocal cords more than talking in a regular voice. Write things down if necessary.
WHEN TO SEE YOUR M.D.
Get medical attention for the following:
• A child who has a fever over 103°F (40°C) that lasts for over 12 hours
• Pregnant women with a fever over 102°F (39°C).
• If you have a fever over 101°F (38°C) that is accompanied by a sore throat.
• If you have a fever over 102°F (39°C) for more than five days.
This Home Remedies For Laryngitis article is taken from :
The Country Almanac of Home Remedies - Brigitte Mars
