Saturday, October 28, 2017

A Veterinarian

What do you call a veterinarian with laryngitis? A hoarse doctor.What do you call a veterinarian with laryngitis? A hoarse doctor” (Anonymous)

Laryngitis causes a hoarse voice or the complete loss of the voice because of irritation and inflammation of the vocal cords. The vocal cords get inflamed and swollen when you have laryngitis. Overuse of the vocal cords leads to the distortion of sounds and hoarseness.
 
Laryngitis symptoms include a raspy voice, losing your voice completely, coughing, trouble swallowing, a dry or sore throat, a tickling, scratchiness in the throat, a constant urge to clear the throat, postnasal discharge, and fever. Most of the time ordinary laryngitis symptoms will disappear within two weeks.

 
Some causes of laryngitis include bacteria and viruses, overuse of the voice, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), allergies, smoking, alcohol use, exposure to irritants and toxins, and use of inhaled steroid medicines. By using the soothing and anti-inflammatory herbs, foods and essential oils below, you can reduce swelling and get your voice back soon.

  

1.   Apple cider vinegar is helpful when trying to balance stomach acid levels. It’s It also provides enzymes and probiotics, which improves your ability to digest foods properly. This will help people who have laryngitis due to acid reflux.

 

It can also fight infections. The use of vinegar to do this dates back to Hippocrates. Take two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in one glass of water three times daily to help cure acid reflux that causes laryngitis.  

 

2.   Garlic is popularly believed to be useful for the common cold, one of the main causes of laryngitis. It has antibacterial and antiviral properties, helping to kill bacteria and viruses that lead to inflammation and infection.

 

Garlic also acts as a natural expectorant that helps to loosen mucus. Whether you are using garlic raw or cooked, you can take advantage of its many benefits by chopping or crushing it. Add it to a soup, stew, salad or sauce. You can also eat one to two cloves of raw garlic daily. Combine it with raw honey if you don’t love the taste.

 

3.   Ginger helps to soothe inflamed mucous membranes of the larynx. It is used to warm the body and break down toxins in your organs. It’s also known to cleanse the lymphatic system and make decrease susceptibility to infections in the respiratory system.

 

Ginger  also decreases inflammation, swelling and pain (some of the most common laryngitis symptoms). To use ginger to relieve laryngitis, add raw ginger to a smoothie or juice, use ginger powder in a soothing soup, or drink a cup of ginger tea two to three times daily.

 

4.   Lemon essential oil inhibits the growth of bacteria and the spread of viruses that cause respiratory infections and laryngitis. It also detoxifies the body and loosens mucus in the throat so you won’t need to cough as forcefully or often.

 

This lets your voice box rest. To use lemon essential oil to relieve laryngitis symptoms, add one to two drops to a glass of warm water or tea, or combine the same amount with a teaspoon of raw honey. You can also inhale lemon oil directly from the bottle or add it to a diffuser at home.

 

5.   Marshmallow  root has been used traditionally to treat sore throat and cough. It contains mucilage that coats the throat and helps to relieve irritation. It also reduces swelling in the lymph nodes, speeds up healing time, and reduces aggravating dry cough.

 

This is why marshmallow extract is added to many cough syrups and throat lozenges. Don’t take marshmallow at the same time of day as prescription medications, as it can potentially interfere with some drugs.

 

6.   Peppermint essential oil is a helpful  for allergies, which is a common cause of laryngitis. It can offer relief from scratchy throats. It also acts as an expectorant, providing relief from allergy symptoms, as well as colds and coughs. It can discharge phlegm and reduce inflammation of the vocal cords.

 

Peppermint oil is especially helpful for people with laryngitis. It decreases contractions that cause you to cough, which reduces irritation to the vocal cords. You can use peppermint oil in a number of ways to treat laryngitis symptoms. For internal use, add one to two drops to a glass of water or cup of tea. You can also apply peppermint oil topically to the chest and throat, or diffuse it at home.

 

7.   Raw honey is one of the oldest traditional medicines considered to be important in the treatment of several ailments, which include respiratory conditions. It has antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities in addition to a high nutrient value. It maintains a moist environment, which helps to soothe irritation and relieve laryngitis symptoms like coughing and hoarseness.

 

Raw honey can also help to relieve seasonal allergy symptoms, which can cause laryngitis. It desensitizes them to the flora triggering their allergic reaction. To treat laryngitis, add raw honey to warm water or tea throughout the day.

 

8.   Rest your voice to get rid of laryngitis. Don’t talk unless you have to, and when you do, speak softly. Whispering actually irritates your larynx more than speaking softly. Be sure to avoid whispering. Even clearing your throat can further irritate your larynx.

 

Some other lifestyle treatments for laryngitis include: drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol, using a humidifier or vaporizer, sucking on lozenges or chewing gum, gargling salt and warm water, chewing your food, and eating smaller meals.

 

9.   Slippery elm has been an herbal remedy in North America since the nineteenth century. It is known for its ability to treat GERD, sore throat, and cough.

 

Like marshmallow root, slippery elm contains mucilage, a substance that becomes a slick gel when mixed with water. This mucilage coats and soothes the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines. This makes it ideal for sore throat, cough, and GERD.

 Skillful listening is the best remedy for loneliness, [talkativeness], and laryngitis. (William Arthur Ward)[i]



[i] Sources used:

·        “Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)” (https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/reflux-disease-gerd-1#1)

·        “Laryngitis Symptoms: 9 Easy Natural Treatments” by Dr. Josh Axe  

·        “Loquacious” from Dictionary.com

 

Dedicated to my wife, Bobbi Kinker, who had this.

 

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