With Reflexologist Nuria Weaver
Home Remedies for Loss of Voice
The inflammation of the larynx can sometime make you lose your precious voice temporarily. This may result in some irritation of the vocal cords that may result in loss of voice. The condition for such an inflammation of the larynx is called laryngitis which can be either acute or chronic. The medical term for a disorder in the vocals is referred as Dysphonia. Nevertheless, there are some home remedies for loss of voice if it's an acute condition.
Causes of Loss of Voice
Some of the factors that cause loss of voice are:
- Bacterial infection or fungal infection
- Viral infection
- Excessive of smoking, alcohol consumption, coughing.
- In some cases the use of inhaled corticosteroids that can be done for asthma treatment.
Symptoms for Loss of Voice
- Dry sore throat
- Hoarseness
- Coughing
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Swollen lymph nodes that may be in the chest, face and throat
- Coughing out blood
- Difficulty in breathing and eating
- Increased production of saliva in the mouth
As said earlier, the problem can be acute if it lasts for few days or chronic which goes on for months. However, some of the methods you can try at home are listed below:
Herbs are going a long way nowadays in the treatment of many ailments and voice loss is one such common ailments.
- Fluids are effective for any kind of irritation in the vocal chords. Drink warm beverages which will relax the vocal muscles. In addition to this add a little of honey and lemon as these ingredients are absolutely effective for an absent, hoarse and tired voice.
- Some of the useful herbs that can be used in the treatment of voice loss are echinacea and ginseng that has been tested by many herbalists and nutritionists to cure infections and irritations like voice loss. These herbs boost the immune system and protect you from any kind of infections. The root of licorice is also soothing for the throat and can be used in the preparation of tea.
- Drinking water between eight to ten glasses in a day will keep the body and the larynx moist. For best results drink warm water.
As one of the reasons for loss of voice may be due to strain on the larynx, therefore the best approach to get back your voice is to reduce such kind of strain.
- The vocal chords can be soothed by inhaling a jet of steam. In a bowl of hot water, cover your head and the bowl with a towel and breathe in the steam calmly. To feel better, you can go for a hot shower as well. This is pretty good and also helps you to relax and feel better.
- Moistening the throat is also effective to combat the loss of voice. Apart from drinking water and other fluids, you can suck on some lozenges or chew a mint gum.
- Well, most of you should know this that caffeine that is present in tea, coffee; soft drinks are responsible for dehydration. Hence, the best suggestion for getting your voice back is by limiting caffeine intake.
- Alcohol can be another reason for a long term effect with the vocal chords. This also causes dehydration and should be avoided.
- Smoking either active or passive can make the condition worse. In fact, the throat will take a longer time to heal for a smoker.
- Don't opt for cough drops instead go for a home made cough remedy like the honey or any fruit flavored like that of mint to moisten the throat.
- For some old folk remedies for voice loss is gargling with some warm salt water. However, keep a note, never, overdo this as the salt particles can dry the membranes and worsen the irritations.
- You can also try out some garlic and ginger. These have natural antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties that can fasten the healing process.
- You can also prepare an effective medicine at home by using a teaspoon of honey and ginger juice. Put this in a cup of water and mix well. Drink this once in empty stomach. It is not necessary to mix water; you can have the mixture without water.
- Small peeled gingers are also effective for the healing process if taken directly.
- Another mixture that can be taken in the treatment of voice loss is by boiling some fenugreek seeds and some portion of eucalyptus in the water and use it for gargling purpose. This will provide a soothing effect and should be used for at least two to three times a day.
- Apple cider vinegar is an excellent remedy for any kind of sore throat and voice loss. Use a teaspoon of the apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and mix these well and drink it. This should be taken every hour depending upon the severity of the problem.
Apart from all the home remedies for loss of voice, resting the voice is the best you can do. Whispering and talking can only add to the pain and vocal trauma. Dry and dusty air can worsen your condition. Therefore either stay indoors and use vaporizer or humidifier or use a mask or scarf to cover your mouth and nose. You can also go for a light and effective localized massage to feel better which is good way of relaxation.
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