[toc]Hoarseness or the lowering and roughening of voice can result from a persistent cough, cold or laryngitis. Hoarseness can also be caused by soreness in the throat or overstraining the voice. Herbs can be a very effective natural cure for hoarseness. Some of the best herbs for curing hoarseness are Slippery Elm, Marshmallow, Ginger, Cranberry, Peppermint, Stone Root, Licorice and Sage.
Herbs that soothe the throat and relieve the discomfort can help to overcome hoarseness. Hoarseness which is persistent and chronic must be treated by a doctor. Herbs can also lend a helping hand to the treatment plan. In this article, we will discuss and explore the top herbal remedies for alleviating hoarseness and restoring the voice back to its proper pitch and timbre.
8 Herbal Remedies For Treating Hoarseness
Licorice
Licorice is a natural demulcent and it also possesses anti-inflammatory properties which makes it a very effective herbal cure for hoarseness. It also has immune activating and expectorant properties so it can clear congestion in the throat which may be causing the hoarseness. Glycyrriza Glabra is the botanical name of this herb.
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It is also a mucous membrane tonic. This makes it very effective in soothing pharyngitis which is also a condition associated with hoarseness of the voice. Licorice root can be boiled, chopped and used to brew a tea which can be consumed to heal the voice. Licorice tea can help to restore the voice back to its normal state.
Marshmallow
Marshmallow is mucilaginous. This makes it very helpful for treating hoarseness. In fact, many cough syrups contain marshmallow. Marshmallow root has a cooling and soothing effect on the throat. Researchers have found that the root also boosts immune system functioning.
Thus, if the hoarseness of the voice is due to sore throat, the use of this herb can cure the infection causing it. If the hoarseness is due to the inflammation of the voice box or larynx, Marshmallow is equally effective as it is anti-inflammatory. You can take this herb in tea form. Marshmallow is also available in syrup and tincture form.
Slippery Elm
Ulmus Rubra is the botanical name of this herb. Slippery Elm is a mucilaginous herb which can ease soreness or inflammation in the throat or nasal passage. If hoarseness of the voice is due to any of these reasons, Slippery Elm is the ideal herbal remedy to use. Slippery Elm contains mucilage so it forms a protective coating in the throat and eases hoarseness. Lozenges made from this herb are freely available.
Tea made from this herb can also be ingested for good results. For best results, however, take 1 ounce of the bark of this herb and add it to 1 pint of water. Let the mixture remain untouched. Gradually a gel like concoction will form at the top of the vessel containing the mixture. Take this concoction out and sip a cup of it per day for relief from hoarseness.
Stone Root
Stone Root is an excellent tonic for soothing the mucous membrane and eases hoarseness due to this. Collinsonia Canadensis is the botanical name of this herb. It is also called Richweed. The roots and the rhizomes of this herb contain special medicinal properties and are used in many folk remedies.
This herb is available in the form of tincture, capsule as well as powder. Stone Root is a well known cure for singers who have strained their voices. 20 drops of the tincture of this herb can be taken for a maximum of 4 times in a day, for easing the hoarseness of the voice.
Sage
Salvia Officinalis is the botanical name of this culinary herb. Although chiefly a kitchen herb, Sage is also a remedy for many health conditions such as tonsillitis and sore gums. It is also used to ward off colds and influenza. Also known as Garden Sage, it is the leaves of this herb which contain its medicinal value. You can add the leaves to salads and consume these.
You can also shred the leaves and add them as seasoning to the dishes that you eat, in order to get the benefits of this herb. You can also make soups and broths using Sage and give these to the person suffering from a hoarse voice so he or she may recover completely. Sage leaves can also be made into a paste and mixed with water to be used as a mouth wash to ease hoarseness caused due to pharyngitis.
Ginger
Zingiber Officinale or Ginger is a herb with many curative properties. It is an astringent and it also antibacterial and analgesic in nature. Ginger also clears up what are known as the microcirculatory channels of the body which alleviates conditions such as nasal congestion and pharyngitis which may cause hoarseness of the voice.
You can crush fresh Ginger root into a paste and add some lime and honey to this. Consume this paste regularly to get the benefits of this herb. You can also brew Ginger tea using the chopped roots of this herb. Add Cardamom and Cloves to the tea to enhance its effectiveness.
Peppermint
Mentha Piperita is the Latin name of this herb. Peppermint is very helpful in aiding the person to get relief from hoarseness of voice caused due to cold or a sore throat. This is because Peppermint contains an active ingredient called menthol. Menthol clears up any congestion in the nose and throat and also soothes irritation in the throat.
You can make Peppermint tea using the fresh leaves of this herb. Peppermint lozenges and drops can also be taken to counter hoarseness. You can also add leaves of this herb to dishes and gravies to enhance the flavor as well as avail of the medical benefits of this herb.
Cranberry
Vaccinium Macrocarpon is the Latin name of this herb. It has been used by the Native Americans to treat kidney and bladder problems for a very long time. It has also been used as a remedy for stomach problems as well as scurvy. Cranberry juice is rich in antioxidants which heal throat and nose conditions which may cause hoarseness. You can also eat the berries of this herb either raw or dried for health benefits.
You can even make tea from the dried berries of this herb. Another way in which Cranberry can be taken is through the supplement form. Cranberry contains powerful and potent antioxidants and chemical compounds which fight bacterial infections. So, if the hoarseness is due to a bacterial infection induced sore throat, Cranberry can really be of great benefit.
