Laryngitis

(see also Throat Sore)

Symptoms

The voice that becomes hoarse or lost completely is due to an inflammation of the voice box or the larynx. Laryngitis is often associated with upper-respiratory tract infections, so typically the throat is scratchy and sore, and fever is common. The cough which typically accompanies laryngitis sounds dry and barking. If the voice is entirely lost, it will take several days to recover it. If the cough and hoarseness cause difficulty breathing, croup is probably involved. Croup is particularly common in children and can be quite frightening if severe, as the child gasps for air. The anxiety and fear make breathing even more difficult. Hoarseness that does not resolve within a week should be evaluated by a professional, as it may be due to a tumor or enlarged thyroid.

Causes

Acute laryngitis is caused by the usual cold bacteria and viruses, and often follows infections of the throat or sinuses. However, overuse of the voice creates a predisposition for laryngitis,
especially chronic or recurring hoarseness. The vocal chords become overburdened from speaking for long periods, or from excessive yelling, singing or lecturing. Smoking heavily and inhaling other irritating toxins can predispose the larynx to infections. Sometimes, anxiety can be the cause of hoarseness. Laryngitis can occur as a hangover symptom after excessive imbibing of
alcohol.

Nutrition

Drinking warm vegetable broths will soothe the throat and larynx. The liquid and the nutrients provided by the vegetables will help support the body’s resistance to the infection causing laryngitis. Avoid sweet foods and drinks, as sugar interferes with the work of the immune system.

Nutritional Supplements

Zinc lozenges will help the sore throat and mobilize animmune system response. Throat sprays containing grapefruit seed extract will work to kill germs and viruses locally. Also available in liquid or tablets, grapefruit seed extract has antibiotic properties.

As with any infection, vitamin C is important for the immune system and should be taken to bowel tolerance. Bioflavonoids enhance the action of vitamin C, so taking vitamin C with bioflavonoids will be the most beneficial in fighting illness. (For more information on vitamin C to bowel tolerance, see Section 6, Nutritional Supplements.) Vitamin A is recommended to support both the immune system and mucous membrane healing.

Lactobacillus acidophilus are needed to replace the normal intestinal bacteria that are necessary for the health of the body and for prevention of further illness, especially when taking antibiotics. Lactobacillus acidophilus naturally occur in natural brand yogurts, but the capsules are stronger.

All of these supplements can be taken in lower dosages as preventives.

Daily dosages:

Most Important

Zinc lozenges, with 3 mg copper, 25 mg, every few hours

Helpful

Grapefruit seed extract, 3 capsules three times daily

Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg every few hours to bowel tolerance

Vitamin A, 25,000 IU

(avoid during pregnancy)

Acidophilus combination supplement, 3 capsules or 1 tsp.

Herbal Remedies

Herbal combinations purify the blood, fight infection and help alleviate allergies which cause laryngitis.

To kill the germs, gargle with sage tea every hour or at least three times daily.

Garlic is an effective alternative. Capsules provide the potency of garlic but reduce the odor of raw garlic.Take three capsules daily.

Tea tree oil also acts as an antiseptic. Add 5 drops to warm water to gargle.

Alternate gargle with 1 tbsp. each of lemon balm tincture and brandy.

Add unpasteurized honey to echinacea, ginger, garlic, sage, goldenseal, licorice and slippery elm herbal teas for hoarseness and coughs.

Use steam inhalations of wild thyme, sage, lavender or oak bark to disinfect, soothe and heal laryngitis. Oak bark has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and astringent properties. Wild thyme disinfects the breathing organs.

For fever, add 1 drop of sweat-inducing
eucalyptus or peppermint oil to the steam treatment.

Homeopathy

Choose one of the remedies below in a 6c strength, repeating hourly for up to four doses, then four times daily for several days. Take 2 tablets under the tongue.

Especially in the beginning stages, Aconite is useful for sudden infection that has brought on fever and anxious restlessness. Aconite should also be used for croup in children, especially when accompanied by fearful restlessness.

Phosphorus will help with a dry, hoarse, burning throat that is worse in the morning and evening. The chest feels tight and coughing causes pain. The cough tickles, brought on by inhaling cold air, by talking or laughing.

Alternatively, use Causticum if there is a constant need to clear the throat of mucus. There is often stress incontinence with the cough.

Spongia is another excellent laryngitis remedy that can also be used for croup. Symptoms indicating Spongia are an excessively dry throat and tickling, barking cough, worse at night and better with warm drinks.

For laryngitis from overuse of the voice during a stage performance or in singers, where the vocal chords are weak and break or there is stage fright, use Argentum nitricum. The throat is sore or feels as though a splinter is stuck.

Tissue Salts

Take 4 tablets under the tongue four times daily, or hourly for severe cases.

Ferr phos is particularly helpful in the first stages of an inflamed larynx due to overuse or with a cold. Typically, the larynx is sore and there is fever.

Kali mur is used in the secondary stages of laryngitis or in hoarseness from getting chilled. The cough is croupy or barking and there is lots of white mucus.

Kali phos helps in laryngitis associated with anxiety or exhaustion, where the vocal chords are weak.

Calc phos restores vitality to a weakened larynx with soreness in the throat and chest. It helps chronic hoarseness that gets worse with cold dampness, and on swallowing.

External/Physical Therapies

Hot wraps around the neck will help to heal and relieve the condition.

Soak cotton cloth in hot apple cider vinegar and wrap around neck.

Place raw crushed, heated cabbage leaves around neck.

Spread arnica salve on neck. Always cover any neck wrap or compress with a dry towel.

Boil 2 lbs. of small potatoes in their skins. Mash and spread on cotton cloth and place, while still hot, on the throat. Cover with a wool shawl.

To kill germs, gargle with concentrated whey every hour or at least three times daily. Liquid whey acts as an antiseptic.

Steam inhalations help soothe and heal laryngitis.

Place humidifier in bedroom if air is dry.

Other Suggestions

You may want to do a vitamin C flush (see Section 6, Nutritional Supplements).

Available Brand Name Products

Nutritional Supplements

Molkosan (Bioforce)

Ascorbate/Non-acidic Vitamin C (Ester-C)

Grapefruit Seed Extract (Nutribiotics)

Herbal Remedies

Salus Alpenkraft Herbal Cough Candies (Flora)

Echinacea Throat Spray (Natural Factors)

Echinacea Angustifolia Extract

(Nature’s Herbs)

Garlic, Odorless (Nature’s Herbs)

Golden Seal Root (Nature’s Herbs)

Licorice Phytosome (Nature’s Herbs)

Slippery Elm Bark (Nature’s Herbs)

Homeopathy

Aconite (Nelsons Homeopathy)

External Therapies

Benzoin Resin (Karooch Essential Oils)

Sandalwood Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)