You try to speak, but only a few words or a squeak comes out. Or perhaps your throat feels dry and painful for days, making it difficult to swallow. These symptoms suggest that you might have laryngitis.
What causes laryngitis? Is it a life-threatening condition? How can essential oils and other self-care methods and home remedies get rid of it?
Contents
An Overview of Laryngitis
The larynx, also called as the voice box, is a 2-inch long tube that houses the vocal cords. This play a crucial role in breathing, swallowing, and the production of sounds used for talking,
Laryngitis happens when your larynx or vocal cords become irritated or swollen due to voice misuse and overuse and health problems that cause inflammation or infection. It can be acute (lasting less than three weeks) or chronic (lasting over three weeks).
-
Acute Laryngitis
Acute laryngitis is common and temporary. It can be caused by overused vocal cords (like when you talk or yell too much), infection (bacterial, viral, or fungal), and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Bacterial laryngitis – Laryngitis caused by bacteria may coexist with a viral infection, making it difficult to distinguish between a bacterial infection and a viral infection. Some of the bacteria that are associated with bacterial laryngitis are beta-hemolytic stroptococci, Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. [1]
- Fungal laryngitis – It is rare for people to get fungal laryngitis, unless you have a weak immune system. It is often overlooked because it mimics other similar health issues, such as leukoplakia, which is characterized by thick, white patches that form on the tongue, gums, and the inner lining of the cheeks. [2]
- Viral laryngitis – This is the most common form of laryngitis. Adenovirus, influenza virus, human parainfluenza, and rhinovirus are often associated with viral laryngitis. [3] These viruses can cause various illnesses, including upper and lower respiratory infections, such as the common cold, the flu, pneumonia, sore throat, sinusitis, and bronchitis. Since it is usually self-limiting, going to the doctor may not be necessary. [4]
-
Chronic Laryngitis
Chronic laryngitis is also known as reflux laryngitis and infectious or allergic chronic laryngitis. According to a 2013 study from The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology, 3.47 in every 1,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with chronic laryngitis. [5]
There are many possible causes of chronic laryngitis. Some of these are [6]:
- Chain smoking
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
- Allergies
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Vocal cord lesions (cysts, polyps, and nodules)
- Too much exposure to highly toxic substances
- Chronic cold or flu complications
Common signs and symptoms of laryngitis include:
- Difficulty talking
- Low-grade fever
- Dry throat
- Dry cough
- Constant urge to clear your throat
- Loss of voice or weakened voice
- A tickle in the back of your throat
- Painful throat (Thus, swallowing is painful.)
- Abnormal changes in your voice (breathy, strained, raspy, and high- or low-pitched sound)
The symptoms of laryngitis are usually sudden, self-limiting, and severe during the first three days. Since laryngitis frequently happens alongside other respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold, the flu, or throat infection, you may also have these symptoms [7]:
- Headaches
- Swollen glands
- Painful swallowing
- A runny nose
- Tiredness
- Overall feeling of discomfort and low levels of well-being
What are the best treatments for laryngitis?
If you are suffering from chronic laryngitis, the goal of treatment is to find out what is causing it (gastroesophageal reflux disease, long-term smoking, drinking too much alcohol, etc.) to get the appropriate medications and/or therapies. For instance, if the cause is a bacterial respiratory infection, you may need antibiotics. Your doctor may also prescribe corticosteroids, which are medicines that relieve inflammation and allergic reactions.
Severe cases of laryngitis may require certain laboratory tests or medical procedures, such as fiber-optic laryngoscopy, which is a procedure that uses a small device for visualizing your throat or larynx (voice box). Your doctor may also perform a biopsy if he or she sees a suspicious area—collecting a sample tissue from that area for microscopic examination.
Acute laryngitis normally goes on its own within a few days or weeks. However, certain self-care measures, lifestyle changes, and home remedies could help relieve symptoms and heal your throat faster.
Here are some of the things you could do to prevent or relieve the symptoms of laryngitis at home:
- Voice rest. If your job requires you to use your voice a lot, set aside some time to be quiet during the day. Straining your voice could trigger inflammation, which could lead to laryngitis.
- If you are a chain smoker, quit. Nicotine, a key component of cigarette and tobacco, can cause gastroesophageal reflux disease or heartburn by relaxing the ring of muscle in the lower part of your esophagus (food tube).
- Keep hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids, except caffeinated and alcoholic drinks, will help prevent dryness or irritation to your throat.
- Maintain the proper indoor humidity levels. Aim for a humidity level of 40% to 50%. Breathing in moist air does not only prevent your airways from drying, but it also relieves congestion caused by upper respiratory infections, such as sinusitis, the flu, colds.
- Cover your mouth and nose to protect against air pollution. Wear a disposable mask or an air pollution mask, such as the 3M™ N95 mask to filter out harmful fume and bad particles in the air.
- Gargle with warm salt water. This will help reduce inflammation and soothe your painful throat.
Best Essential Oils for Laryngitis Symptoms
Essential oils have a wide range of medicinal properties that could benefit anyone battling laryngitis. They have the ability to open the airways, reduce pain and inflammation, and treat respiratory infections due to their antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal actions. Some essential oils, such as ginger and lavender essential oils, are good for heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Inhalation by diffusion or steam therapy is one of the most effective and safest ways to take advantage of the therapeutic effects of essential oils. But, before you use any essential oils, consult your doctor first to be sure they will not worsen your condition.
Now, let us go through some of the essential oils that you could use to treat laryngitis and its complications.
-
Ginger Essential Oil
Treating different kinds of illnesses involving the stomach and intestines is one of the most popular uses of fresh ginger and ginger essential oil. It is commonly used for relieving indigestion, diarrhea, flatulence, and morning sickness. A 2015 study has also shown that the essential oils from turmeric and ginger are effective remedies for gastric ulcer, which could cause heartburn. [8]
Ginger essential oil, when inhaled or diffused, also supports normal lung function and relieves discomforts or breathing problems caused by asthma, bronchitis, cough, and flu. To make breathing easy again, add 3 drops of ginger and thyme essential oils to hot (non-scalding) water or diffuser.
Side Effects and Contraindications
Ginger essential oil is strong, so I do not recommend using it internally without being supervised by a qualified aromatherapist or herbalist. Some of the possible adverse effects of consuming it in large amounts are heartburn, nausea, and ulcers.
It is usually safe to use topically if you dilute it properly. Just make sure to avoid direct sun exposure for at least 12 hours after use or to cover up when going outdoors during the day because it could cause eczema-like reactions (redness, itching, and burning sensation).
-
Lavender Essential Oil
Stress plays a role in many health problems, such as asthma, depression, headaches, and skin diseases. According to a study from Internal Medicine, nearly 50% of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux diseases) sufferers pointed out that stress is the biggest reason their symptoms get worse, even when they were taking their medicines. [9]
Lavender essential oil is one of the best stress-busting essential oils. It may even be as effective as mainstream anti-anxiety medications, such as lorazepam, but it doesn’t cause addiction or drowsiness. [10] So, if you suffer from acid reflux due to stress or lack of sleep, try inhaling or diffusing lavender essential oil to keep you calm and relaxed.
The essential oil extracted from True Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has powerful compounds, particularly linalyl acetate, which could reduce inflammation. [11] [12] Lavender essential oil also relieves pain. These qualities of this essential oil will highly benefit people with laryngitis, who may experience pain and swelling due to an inflamed voice box (larynx).
Side Effects and Contraindications
Lavender essential oil is known for being gentle and non-toxic (if used externally). However, most aromatherapists do not recommend this for pre-puberty boys and people taking medications that cause sleepiness.
-
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
If you always catch a cold or the flu, you might benefit from using eucalyptus essential oil. It is considered one of the best essential oils for treating different respiratory infections, such as colds, cough, the flu, bronchitis, sinusitis, and pneumonia. [13] [14]
It is common to lose your voice or experience changes in your voices because of laryngitis. The inflammation causes your vocal cords to swell, making it difficult to speak and painful to swallow. There is also a possibility that you will have shortness of breath.
Eucalyptus essential oil helps you breath better and feel less pain in your throat because of its anti-inflammatory and painkilling properties. And according to the National Association for Holistic (NAHA), it helps get rid of mucus and certain infection-causing germs (bacteria, fungi, and viruses) that collect in your airways and cause congestion. This is mainly because of its cineole (1,8-cineole) content. [15]
Mucus in the airways could make breathing difficult or cause your airways, particularly your throat, to become inflamed or irritated. Eucalyptus essential oil is a natural decongestant and expectorant, so when it is inhaled or diffused, it makes it easier for you to cough up mucus and other things that could irritate your airways.
Side Effects and Contraindications
Use eucalyptus essential oil carefully, especially if you have asthma. Because of its high cineole content, it could make your chest feel more restricted than relaxed. Avoid using this on children (6 years old and younger) and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
-
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint is often used internally or externally to support gut health. One way it helps is by encouraging healthy bile flow, which in turn helps break down and absorb fat in food. When you eat too much fried and fatty foods, the ring of muscle at the low end of your esophagus (food tube) called lower esophageal sphincter (LES) will relax, causing heartburn.
Peppermint essential oil may offer the same benefit as fresh peppermint (Mentha piperita). To make it more effective in treating heartburn, mix it with caraway oil. [16]
It is also an effective remedy for pain and certain strains of disease-causing microbes (bacteria, fungi, and viruses). [17] This means that it could assist your body in fighting infections that could lead to laryngitis.
Peppermint essential oil also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which are attributed to one of its active compounds known as rosmarinic acid. [18] Meanwhile, the menthol in peppermint essential oil soothes painful or irritated areas of your body by producing a cooling sensation when inhaled, consumed, or applied to the skin.
When diffused or inhaled, peppermint essential oil clears your airways of pollens and allergens that may cause or worsen laryngitis symptoms. Just add 3 to 5 drops to a diffuser to unclog your sinuses, reduce inflammation, and ease your painful throat.
Side Effects and Contraindications
When used on the skin, diluted peppermint essential oil is generally safe. However, this is not advisable for the following:
- Babies and children
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People who have certain illnesses, such as diabetes and gallbladder problems
- People who are under medication, especially those who are taking hyperacidity medications, such as omeprazole
Do not take peppermint essential oil by mouth if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease or other health problems that weaken your lower esophageal sphincter. Consuming it may cause vomiting, loose stools, nausea, rashes, breathing difficulties, and abdominal pain.
-
Thyme Essential Oil
Thyme essential oil offers multiple benefits, but it is more effective in treating upper and lower respiratory issues, such as bronchitis, which is one of the possible causes of chronic laryngitis. The use of this essential oil for bronchitis, as well as a whooping cough and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, has been approved by the scientific advisory board German Commission E. [19]
Aside from being an antibacterial, thyme essential oil is also a strong anti-inflammatory agent due to its high thymol content. A study from the Journal of Lipid Research revealed that thymol can significantly reduce the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which is a key component of the inflammatory process. [20]
In babies or children, laryngitis is often related to croup, which is a common viral respiratory infection that is characterized by a harsh, barking cough. Coughing is actually your body’s way of getting rid of irritants and infectious microbes. However, if it is non-productive or persists over a long period of time, it could irritate your airways and cause you to vomit. These can further aggravate your condition.
Thyme essential oil has a dual purpose. As an expectorant, it thins out accumulated mucus, so it is easier for you to cough it up. [21] But, because it is also an antispasmodic, it relieves muscle spasms that may cause uncontrollable coughing fits, which in turn could lead to cough-induced vomiting.
Side Effects and Contraindications
Thyme essential oil can be irritating, especially if you do not dilute it properly. In some people, it could cause nausea and vomiting.
Limit your use or totally avoid using this essential oil if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have sensitive skin
- Are allergic to thyme, basil, lavender, sage, and rosemary
- Have any of these health problems: hypertension, abnormally slow heartbeat (less than 60 beats per minute), gastritis, heartburn, peptic ulcer disease, and diseases involving the thyroid gland
-
Tea Tree Oil
There are times when laryngitis causes your lymph nodes t0 swell, especially if the cause is an infection. A swollen lymph node is usually a sign that your body is fighting microbes that cause infection. Although it is rarely serious, it can be tender and painful to touch.
Tea tree oil may help treat swollen lymph nodes because of its antibacterial action, which is mainly attributed to its active compound called terpinen-4-ol. [22] This compound is believed to increase the activity of your white blood cells, which enhances your body’s ability to fight off bacteria, viruses, and other microscopic organisms that could cause infections. [23]
Studies suggest that it could be a good remedy for infections involving the skin, airways, urinary tract, and reproductive organs. [24] [25] However, it would be more effective if you combine it with standard antibiotics instead of using it alone. [26] But, before you do that, make sure to consult your doctor first.
Laryngitis may also cause a dry cough and dry, sore throat. When inhaled, tea tree oil may help ease these symptoms by moistening your airways and reducing inflammation. If you want a more effective blend, combine tea tree oil with essential oils that have high levels of limonene (e.g., grapefruit essential oil and bergamot essential oil) and 1, 8-cineole (e.g., eucalyptus essential oil and rosemary essential oil). [27]
Side Effects and Contraindications
Topical use of tea tree oil is most likely safe if you dilute it properly in a mild carrier oil. However, using it internally could lead to serious side effects.
These are some of the side effects of using tea tree oil:
- Skin irritation
- Swelling
- Unable to walk or stand
- Confusion
- A prolonged state of unconsciousness
Essential Oil Blends for Laryngitis Symptoms and Causes
#1 – Pain-Relieving Blend
Ingredients and Materials:
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil
- 3 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 3 drops lavender essential oil
- 6 to 8 teaspoons of carrier oil (use for topical applications)
- Amber glass bottle with glass dropper
- Diffuser or a bowl of boiling water
- Diffusion or steam therapy: Add essential oils one drop at a time to your diffuser then let it run for half an hour. If you don’t have a diffuser, add the essential oils to a bowl of hot water, put a towel over your head, and inhale slowly and deeply for around 2 to 5 minutes. Be sure your eyes are closed and your face is at least 8 to 12 inches away from the steaming water.
- Topical: Pour your chosen mild carrier oil, such as almond oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil, in an amber glass bottle with glass dropper. Then, add the essential oils one drop at a time. Test a small amount on your inner forearm and wait for 24 hours for allergic reactions before liberal application.
#2 – For Vocal Cord Swelling
Ingredients and Materials:
- 4 drops German chamomile essential oil (anti-inflammatory)
- 4 drops eucalyptus essential oil (anti-inflammatory and painkiller)
- 2 drops thyme essential oil (reducing inflammation and breaking up mucus)
- Diffuser or a bowl of boiling water
- Follow the steps for diffusion or steam therapy from the previous essential oil blend recipe.
#3 – Medicinal Blend for Bacterial Respiratory Infections
Ingredients and Materials:
- 5 drops oregano essential oil
- 4 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 3 drops frankincense essential oil
- Diffuser or a bowl of boiling water
- Follow the steps for diffusion or steam therapy from the previous essential oil blend recipe.
Final Thoughts
Prognosis for laryngitis is usually good. If your symptoms don’t improve after two weeks, it could indicate a serious health condition. Set an appointment to see your doctor if you:
- Make high-pitched, wheezing sounds when inhaling (caused by a blockage in your windpipe or voice box)
- Find it difficult to swallow and breathe
- Have a persistent fever (above 39.4°C or 103°F)
- Excessive drooling
- Are coughing up blood
- Feel severe pain
So, what are your favorite essential oils for relieving laryngitis symptoms? Don’t forget to comment it below. I would love to know them!
References
[1] [3] John M Wood, Theodore Athanasiadis, and Jacqui Allen. (2014 Oct 11). Laryngitis. BMJ;349:g5827. Retrieved from https://www.bmj.com/bmj/section-pdf/777848?path=/bmj/349/7978/Clinical_Review.full.pdf
[2] Ravikumar A, Prasanna Kumar S, Somu L, and Sudhir B. (2014). Fungal laryngitis in immunocompetent patients. Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery. Vol. 66, Suppl 1, Pages 375-8. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24533421
[4] WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/what-is-laryngitis#2
[5] Stein DJ and Noordzij JP. (2013 Dec). Incidence of chronic laryngitis. The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology. Vol. 122, Issue 12, Pages 771-4. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24592580
[6] Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/laryngitis#causes
[7] Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/180271.php
[8] Liju VB, Jeena K, and Kuttan R. (2015 Jan). Gastroprotective activity of essential oils from turmeric and ginger. Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology. Vol. 26, Issue 1, Pages 95-103. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24756059
[9] Ken Haruma, Yoshikazu Kinoshita, Shigeru Sakamoto, et al. (2015). Lifestyle Factors and Efficacy of Lifestyle Interventions in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Patients with Functional Dyspepsia: Primary Care Perspectives from the LEGEND Study. Internal Medicine. Vol. 54, Issue 7, Pages 695-701. Retrieved from https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/internalmedicine/54/7/54_54.3056/_article
[10] Woelk H and Schläfke S. (2010 Feb). A multi-center, double-blind, randomised study of the Lavender oil preparation Silexan in comparison to Lorazepam for generalized anxiety disorder. Phytomedicine. Vol. 17, Issue 2, Pages 94-9. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19962288
[11] Peana AT, D’Aquila PS, Panin F, et al. (2002 Dec). Anti-inflammatory activity of linalool and linalyl acetate constituents of essential oils. Phytomedicine. Vol. 9, Issue 8, Pages 721-6. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12587692
[12] West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy: https://www.westcoastaromatherapy.com/lavender-vs-lavandin-vs-spike-lavender-essential-oils/
[13] Organic Facts: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-eucalyptus-essential-oil.html
[14] Oleg V. Pyankov, Evgeny V. Usachev, Olga Pyankova, and Igor E. Agranovski. (2012). Inactivation of Airborne Influenza Virus by Tea Tree and Eucalyptus Oils. Aerosol Science and Technology. Vol. 46, Issue 12, Pages 1295-1302. Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02786826.2012.708948
[15] National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA): http://naha.org/index.php/naha-blog/staying-healthy-using-essential-oils-rich-in-cineole/
[16] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: https://nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermintoil
[17] Mohammad Jamal Saharkhiz, Marjan Motamedi, Kamiar Zomorodian. et al. (2012). Chemical Composition, Antifungal and Antibiofilm Activities of the Essential Oil of Mentha piperita L. ISRN Pharmaceutics. Volume 2012, Article ID 718645, 6 pages. Retrieved from https://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn/2012/718645/
[18] Ray Sahelian, M.D. (2016 Feb 13). Rosmarinic acid supplement health benefit. RaySahelian.com. Retrieved from http://www.raysahelian.com/rosmarinic.html
[19] American Botanical Council, Thyme: http://cms.herbalgram.org/membersaccess.html?targetPage=http://cms.herbalgram.org/expandedE/Thyme.html
[20] Hotta M, Nakata R, Katsukawa M, et al. (2010 Jan). Carvacrol, a component of thyme oil, activates PPARalpha and gamma and suppresses COX-2 expression. Journal of Lipid Research. Vol. 51, Issue 1, Pages 132-9. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19578162
[21] Mercola: https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/07/13/20-health-benefits-thyme-oil.aspx
[22] Robert Tisserand: http://roberttisserand.com/2013/07/tea-tree-oil-quality-and-constituents/
[23] Budhiraja SS, Cullum ME, Sioutis SS, et al. (1999 Sep). Biological activity of Melaleuca alternifola (Tea Tree) oil component, terpinen-4-ol, in human myelocytic cell line HL-60. Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics. Vol. 22, Issue 7, Pages 447-53. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10519561
[24] C. F. Carson, K. A. Hammer, and T. V. Riley. (2006 Jan). Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews. Vol. 19, Issue 1, Pages 50-62. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1360273/
[25] Schnitzler P and Schön K, Reichling J. (2001 Apr). Antiviral activity of Australian tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil against herpes simplex virus in cell culture. Die Pharmazie. Vol. 56, Issue 4, Pages 343-7. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11338678
[26] Polly Soo Xi Yap, Beow Chin Yiap, Hu Cai Ping, and Swee Hua Erin Lim. (2014). Essential Oils, A New Horizon in Combating Bacterial Antibiotic Resistance. The Open Microbiology Journal. Vol. 8, Pages 6-14. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3950955/
[27] doTERRA: https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/science-research-news-alpha-pinene
Leave a Reply