12 Healing Laryngitis Home Remedies and Natural Treatments

Inflammation of vocal cord (larynx) is called laryngitis. When you sing or speak loudly your vocal cord has to inflate that much to produce loud sound. It creates strains and spasm in your larynx and causes your voice to become hoarse like, or scratchy and sometimes you might not produce sound while speaking. This voice related health condition is not limited to loud speaking only. There are other common causes of laryngitis such as viral, fungal or bacterial infections. People with laryngitis does not always consult doctor as sometimes laryngitis is self-healing. Leaving it untreated is not wise choice consult your doctors for best treatment or you can always try best home remedies for laryngitis treatment.

Inflammation of voice cord or larynx can be short-term or chronic according to WebMd. In most cases acute laryngitis or temporary laryngitis is treated with mild antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. However you can naturally cure laryngitis with simple ingredients already present in your kitchen.
Long-lasting laryngitis can be the result of acid reflux (sometimes confused with heartburn) or gastric problems. Other factors can also prolong it, such as smoke, tobacco dust, alcohol, chronic sinusitis, and excessive consumption of sugar. It is more irritating than serious and you wish to reset your voice back to normal.

Here are some of the best laryngitis home remedies to treat the condition effectively.

Home Remedies for Laryngitis

At home treatments are effective and inexpensive. The ingredients can be found in your kitchen or dinning table so stop whispering and get your normal voice back.

1. Ginger

Ginger is an excellent home remedy for laryngitis. It is natural anti-fungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent. Ginger has soothing effect on throat and can cure bacterial and fungal infection(1). The health benefits of ginger also includes treating sore throat, reduce inflammation of throat and soothe voice box.
Ginger is used to treat throat pain and cough caused by viral infection. It is potent antiviral which makes it very effective in treating common cold and cough.
How to treat laryngitis with ginger:

• You will need few 1 inch size ginger and honey.
• Take 2 ginger and peel it.
• Chop the ginger into small pieces and put them in one cup of boiling water.
• Let it steep for 5 minutes then strain it over a new cup.
• Add 1 teaspoon of honey and stir.
• Drink this warm elixir to soothe inflamed throat.
• Alternatively, you can make some ginger tea and drink it twice a day.
• Here are 3 different ways to make tasty ginger tea with pictures.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar for laryngitis home treatment

Apple cider vinegar is strong antibacterial which makes it one the best remedy for bacterial laryngitis treatment. It is powerful anti-inflammatory agent which helps reduce inflammation of vocal cord and alleviate throat pain.
Having rough voice is embarrassing and generally infections are responsible for swollen larynx. Apple cider vinegar is also anti-fungal, antimicrobial, and anti-viral which makes it most used home treatment(2).
How to use apple cider vinegar for laryngitis treatment:

• You will need unfiltered, raw apple cider vinegar and honey.
• Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 3 teaspoons of honey.
• Sip this herbal mixture and hold it in your throat for 1 minute.
• Then drink all the solution slowly.
• Don’t eat or drink water or any fluid for next 30 minutes.
• Do this method of treatment twice a day for fast results.

3. Garlic Syrup

Garlic is powerful home remedy for fungal laryngitis. Fungal infections such as sores, warts or eczema are treated with garlic lotions. Garlic is super anti-fungal, natural expectorant and have anti-inflammatory properties(3). Swollen throat with rough voice is common symptoms of laryngitis.
Garlic syrup will inhibit spreading of fungal infection and reduce inflammation. Even inhaling vapors of boiled garlic can treat infected larynx.
How to get rid of laryngitis with garlic:

• You will need few garlic cloves and apple cider vinegar.
• Chop handful of garlic cloves and extract its juice.
• Mix 1 tablespoon each of garlic juice and apple cider vinegar.
• Drink this homemade syrup slowly.
• Use this remedy twice a day to speed up voice recovery.
• Alternatively, you can put some garlic cloves in your mouth and chew slowly.
• Drink the juice mixed with your saliva.
• Rinse your mouth with salt water to remove garlic smell.

4. Warm Compress

Inflammation of throat and hoarse voice is very common symptoms of laryngitis. Warm compress will reduce swelling of voice box and soothes your vocal cord.
It will improve blood circulation and expands blood vessels. As a result your own immune system will fight against infections and help you treat laryngitis naturally.
Infection in throat is also responsible for accumulation of mucus and result into constant coughing. Warm compress will ease thick mucus and help you in treating laryngitis cough.
How to use:

• You will need warm water and hand towel or bottle.
• Soak the towel in warm water and squeeze out excessive water.
• Place it over your vocal cord and hold it for 5 minutes.
• Repeat this process until your water comes down to room temperature.
• Alternatively, you can fill a bottle with warm water and roll it on your neck.
• Do this remedy 3 times day for fast recovery.

5. Honey

Honey is very soothing to our voice box and can help you get rid of dry throat. It is naturally antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory and this makes it best home cure for any mild infections.

Honey is another popular viral laryngitis home treatment. Applications of honey can reduce dryness of throat, swelling and pain caused by laryngitis.
You should prefer manuka honey over any other types of honey. Manuka honey is highly effective and considered as medical grade honey(4).
How to use honey as laryngitis home remedy:

• You will need honey(prefer manuka) and lemon juice.
• Take one glass of lukewarm water and slowly drink it.
• Now take one tablespoon of manuka honey and drink it slowly.
• Avoid eating or drinking any fluid for next 30 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
• Eat this by licking and manage to finish such 2 tablespoons of solution.
• This will clear your throat and reduce dryness.

6. Moist You Dry Throat

Laryngitis causes dry throat and makes you want water all the time. Keeping your throat moist can help you eliminate laryngitis. Dry throat will increase irritation and discomfort. There are certain homemade syrups you can use to moist your throat.

• Take one glass of warm water and mix 1 tablespoon of honey.
• Drink this frequently when ever you feel thirsty or sense dryness in throat.
• You can also sip on some herbal tea with antibacterial properties.
• Try to avoid sugary drinks as fungus thrives in sweet environment.
• If nothing comes to your mind then simply drink water frequently.

7. Licorice

Licorice works as natural expectorant to get rid of mucus in throat. Due to its antiviral and antibacterial properties licorice is an excellent home remedy for laryngitis. You can use licorice to cure irritation, dryness and inflammation of vocal cord.
Its anti-inflammatory properties are responsible for curing inflammation of larynx due to infection or over straining.
How to use licorice for laryngitis home treatment:

• You will need dried licorice root, cup and water.
• Pour one cup of water in saucepan and throw handful of licorice roots.
• Apply heat and bring water to boil.
• Let it steep for 5 minutes then strain it over a new cup.
• Drink this licorice water twice a day.
• Alternatively, you can mix 2 teaspoons each of lemon and honey.
• Stir well and drink this fusion drink of licorice for fast recovery.

8. Salt Water Gargle

Salt is potent antibacterial and antiseptic in nature. It is used to cure infectious disease. Due to its anti inflammatory properties, salt is considered best & simple laryngitis home remedy for fast recovery.
Salt dries out microbes from water due to osmosis effect.
How to use:

• Take one glass of hot water and add 2 tablespoons of common salt.
• Mix well so that salt gets dissolved completely.
• Sip some warm salt water and gargle for 1 minute.
• Spit it out and take new sip and repeat until glass is empty.
• This will help you cough out mucus and soothes aching throat.
• Do this remedy 3 times a day for fast recovery.

9. Lemon Juice

Lemon is very acidic in nature which can be used to kill bacteria and viruses. It also works as natural expectorant to get rid of mucus in throat(5).
Thanks to its antiviral and antibacterial properties, lemon can be used for treating laryngitis fast. It will loosen mucus and you can easily cough it out. Lemon will also detox your body from free radical and help you cure laryngitis pain.
How to use:

• You will need lemon, mint oil, and honey.
• Take one glass of lukewarm water.
• Mix 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
• Add 5 drops of mint oil and 2 teaspoons of honey.
• Stir well and drink this lemon juice slowly.
• Do this remedy 2 times a day to get rid of laryngitis fast.

10. Onion Juice

Ayurvedic medicines for laryngitis are using dried onion powder for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Onion contains organic sulfur which works as natural expectorant to get rid of mucus and help relieve larynx inflammation.
How to use onions as laryngitis home remedy:

• Take one onion and remove the first brown layer.
• Grate it into small parts and extract all juice.
• Drink this onion juice twice a day for fast recovery.
• Alternatively, cut 2 onions into small pieces.
• Put them into a saucepan and add one cup of water.
• Simmer them on low heat until you get thick syrup like solution.
• Take 1 tablespoon of this homemade syrup 3 times a day.
• Do this remedy daily until it clears your throat.

11. Green Tea

Green tea is a powerful combination of healing herbs. Drinking few cups of herbal tea can clear throat and help you get rid of hoarse voice caused by laryngitis.
Green tea contains an active compound called “Tannin”. It is antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory natural agent. Tannin is used to cure infections like eye sty and pink eye. Green tea is also good for better bowel movement and digestion.
How to use:

• Buy some quality green tea from general store.
• Dip one green tea bag in one cup of warm water.
• Let it sit inside for 5 minutes then remove it.
• Add 1 teaspoon of honey and stir well.
• Drink this healing tea twice a day as fast laryngitis remedy.

12. Slippery Elm

Slippery Elm is used as herbal remedy in North America from centuries for its healing abilities. People mostly uses it to treat GERD, sore throat and cough.
Mucilage is a substance found in slippery elm which becomes slick gel once mixed with water(6). This mucilage gel provide smooth coating on your throat, mouth and larynx.
How to use slippery elm as natural treatment of laryngitis:

• You will need some fresh slippery elm.
• Put some slippery elm in water.
• After some time it will form into a gel.
• Swallow 1 teaspoon of gel multiple times in a day to soothe voice box and sore throat.
• Repeat this remedy daily.

Tips to prevent laryngitis from recurring frequently

There are certain lifestyle changes and healthy habits you can adapt to prevent laryngitis from recurring frequently.

• Don’t shout out loud for long hours.
• Watching your team win is very enjoyable but screaming along with it can give your hoarse voice in the morning.
• Drink plenty of clear fluids daily. Drink at-least 8-10 glasses of water daily.
• Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol.
• Keep your self at bay from allergens and irritants.
• Mix 1 tablespoon each of lemon and honey into one glass of warm water. Drink this daily in the morning to soothe your throat and vocal cord.
• Give rest to your larynx by not speaking loudly.
• Avoid respiratory infections.
• Practice vocal exercise to strengthen you voice box.
• Don’t whisper as they apply more pressure and strain on larynx.
• Take warm drinks such as herbal tea and green tea.

Answers by Experts on some FAQ about laryngitis asked by Readers

You might have million questions once you have hoarse voice. Here are some possible explanation to our readers queries related to this medical condition.

Q1. What is laryngitis

Ans. It is a common disease which causes complete loss of voice or hoarse voice. This is a throat problem which affects an organ called larynx.
When larynx is under pressure or some infection causes inflammation of larynx then people suffer from disrupted voices.
In other words, laryngitis is inflammation of voice box which makes you sound different. Your voice becomes more scratchy and inaudible in most cases. There are instances where people with laryngitis are not able to speak properly for weeks.

Q2. What are some Common Laryngitis Symptoms

Ans. Here is the list of common and rare symptoms of laryngitis.

• Hoarse voice
• Raspy voice
• Inflammation of voice box
• Dryness of throat
• Feeling thirsty all the time
• Constant coughing
• Constant urge to clear the throat
• Trouble in swallowing food
• Scratchy or weak voice
• Tickling in throat

Q3. Pharyngitis or Laryngitis

Ans. Pharyngitis is defined as irritation or inflammation of tonsil caused by bacteria or viruses. It causes swollen tonsils which may be painful sometimes. However symptoms are similar to laryngitis such as unusual voice, dry throat, irritation, inflammation and pain while coughing.

Q4. How long you can have laryngitis

Ans. There are many factors responsible for the time frame till you will carry unusual voice. Your lifestyle and eating habit has a lot to do when it comes to quick recovery.
How long does it take for laryngitis to heal is the right question. If you shouted madly last night and that’s causing you laryngitis then you will recover in less than 48 hours. However, if viruses, bacteria or fungus has infected your larynx then it might take some time.
Infected voice box can take 2 to 4 weeks for full recovery. You can always speed up healing process by eating foods rich in antibiotic properties.

Natural treatment of laryngitis can take some time but these home remedies are highly effective. It will clear your throat from mucus and reduces inflammation. These remedies reduces strain from voice box and as a result you get back your normal voice. Many people with laryngitis uses home remedies all the time to get rid of its symptoms. Try these home remedies and natural treatments for fast healing.