Laryngitis

Description

Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx (voice box), the top of the part of the windpipe, the pharynx (located below the root associated with tongue) and/or the trachea (airway).

Symptoms

Symptoms of laryngitis include hoarseness, loss of voice, continuous need or urge to clear the throat, and a tickling sensation at the back of the throat. In some cases, laryngitis is accompanied by pain, fatigue, difficulty swallowing, and fever.

Cause

Laryngitis can be caused by viral, candida (candidiasis), and/or bacterial infections, excessive use of the voice, screaming, allergies, viruses, bronchitis, measles, diphtheria, and pneumonia. All of these possible causes must be examined by your doctor. Seek medical attention if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above.

Natural Cures

Aromatherapy: Inhaling the essential oils benzoin, lavender, frankincense, thyme, and sandalwood can help soothe rawness and speed healing.

Diet: Eat a natural, whole foods diet and consume plenty of filtered drinking water and herbal teas. Raw fruit and vegetables are also helpful. Avoid sugars, processed foods, and dairy products.

Herbal treatments: Gargle, but do not swallow, an infusion of red sage and yarrow several times throughout the day. Take 30 drops of an Echinacea tincture daily. Chamomile, bayberry, licorice, and sage tea are also useful.

Homeopathy: Useful homeopathic treatments for laryngitis include Aconite, Phosphorus, Spongia, Causticum, Belladonna, Kali bich., Drosera, and Carbo veg.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of applying water, ice, steam and alternating cold and hot temperatures to restore health. Treatments include total body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of warm and cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-treatment program. Many professionals including naturopathic physicians, physical therapists, and day spas use Hydrotherapy as part of their treatment routines. We suggest trying several at home hydrotherapy remedies. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these treatments to ensure they are right for you.

Hyperthermia: Hyperthermia involves unnaturally creating a fever in the body to boost immune function. Hyperthermia can be an effective method for ridding the body of toxins, heavy metals, and infectious viruses and bacteria that cannot survive in elevated body temperatures. We recommend several in-home hyperthermia treatments. Please seek the advice of your alternative health care practitioner prior to undergoing these sweat-inducing procedures to determine if they are right for you.

*Purified water is essential for any hydrotherapy or hyperthermia treatment. Remedies involving purifying water offer clear instructions.

Juice Therapy: The following juice combinations are known to help heal the throat: Carrot and blueberry, carrot and apple, carrot and celery, and carrot, beet, cucumber, and ginger root.

Nutritional Supplementation: Useful nutritional supplements for laryngitis include vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc oxide lozenges, acidophilus, and garlic clove capsules.

Alternative Professional Care

If your symptoms persist despite following the methods listed above, seek the help of the qualified medical expert. The following professional care therapies have all demonstrated the ability to be helpful for treating laryngitis: Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Detoxification Therapy, Environmental Treatments, Light Therapy, Magnetic Field Therapy, Naturopathic Treatments, Osteopathy, Reflexology and Chinese Medicine. (See References for explanations of these alternative therapies.)