A loss of voice is usually a sign for laryngitis which is an inflammation of your voice box (larynx) from irritation, overuse, or an infection.

Your larynx contains your vocal cords which are defined as two folds of mucous membrane covering muscle and cartilage.

The vocal cords normally open and close smoothly, creating sounds through movement and vibrations.

But, when you have laryngitis, your vocal cords swell and are irritated. A swelling in the larynx will result in a distortion to the sounds produced by air passing through it.

This will result in a hoarseness in your voice and can sometimes become almost inaudible. Laryngitis which is a condition causing a loss of voice may be short-lived or chronic.

The majority of laryngitis cases are triggered by a viral infection which aren’t a cause for panic.

An inflammation in the larynx is a cause of an infection or voice strain. Overusing and abusing your voice can cause the vocal cords to fold and swell which makes it unable to produce sound.

This is one of the most common causes of voice problems. Loss of voice may also occur along with an infection of the upper respiratory tract or with serious allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis.

In addition to inflammation of the larynx, there are also a variety of different types of nervous system conditions and diseases can cause loss of voice.

A condition called “Aphonia” occurs from conditions that impair the vocal cords, such as a stroke, cerebral palsy, and myasthenia gravis.

A loss of voice may also arise from conditions that cause an obstruction in the normal function of the vocal cords.

This may be a tumor, benign growths or nodules, bony growths, or goiters occurring near the part of the larynx may cause loss of voice.

Your loss of voice may be accompanied with other symptoms such as:

• Congestion

• Cough

• Earache

• Flu-like symptoms

• Sore throat

• Swelling

Loss of voice may accompany symptoms related to other body systems such as:

• Difficulty swallowing

• Loss of vision or changes in vision

• Numbness on one side of the body

• Rash

• Swelling or lump in the throat

• Tight feeling in throat

• Weakness on one side of the body

Since a loss of voice may be due to serious conditions such as a stroke, malignant tumors, or an allergic reaction, ignoring this and failing to seek treatment can result in more serious problems and permanent damage.

For you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:

• Adverse effects of treatment for loss of voice

• Paralysis

• Permanent loss of voice

• Progressive neurologic decline

• Spread of cancer

To alleviate symptoms from loss of voice, there are several natural remedies for the lost voice you can try, including:

See Also:

10 Natural Home Remedies For Hiccups

7 Natural Home Remedies For Children Cough

9 Natural Remedies For Swollen Feet

Use A Humidifier

Creating humidity or moisture in the air can greatly help soothe a dry and inflamed throat. You may also add essential oils to the air such as a menthol or eucalyptus.

Breathing dry air results in irritation and itchiness of the throat which can contribute to the inflammation of the vocal cords.

You can either use a humidifier or vaporizer at home. If you don’t have a humidifier or a vaporizer, you may just take a warm or hot shower and simply inhale the steam.

Essential oils may cause irritation to children, so remember to keep essential oils away from children and only use it when there are no kids around.

Ginger Root

Ginger in general is prized for its many health benefits and uses, It has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years and also works to suppress a dry and scratchy throat which is often accompanied with laryngitis.

Fresh ginger has been said to help soothe inflamed mucus membranes of the larynx. You can do this by adding 1-2 inch thin slices of fresh ginger root with 1 quart of boiling water. Let it simmer on the lowest heat for 39 minutes then strain it.

Gargle Apple Cider Vinegar or White Vinegar

Vinegar has been used for thousands of years to fight infections and ferment their food. Vinegar contains antimicrobial properties that are beneficial for removing bacteria.

Mix one or two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar into a glass of water, then gargle it, and spit.

Drink Plenty Of Fluids

Hydrating yourself by drinking plenty of water or liquids for hydration is a good way to fight off infections whenever you’re sick.

This is also useful in treating an irritated throat as it can loosen mucus as well as, flush out mucus in the throat.

Warm liquids such as tea and soup can also help alleviate congestion. Unfortunately, you should avoid any drinks containing caffeine or a carbonated drink which can cause dehydration.

Tea With Lemon

Tea is an effective and natural remedy in treating an irritated and itchy throat.

Herbal teas like chamomile tea and green tea contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which are beneficial for your immune system and at the same time soothing the throat.

It is best to add some honey with your tea as it also contains some health benefits and when combined with tea will help reduce mucus production and treat coughs and sore throats as effective as prescription medication.

Gargle Salt Water

This is also an effective yet simple way to treat a scratchy and irritated throat. Salt is known to contain antiseptic and antibacterial properties, perfect for treating sore throats.

Do this by mixing ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water. Gargle it thoroughly, then spit it out.

Avoid Smoking Cigarettes And Drinking Alcohol

Smoking can worsen an inflamed and hoarse throat because smoke can irritate the throat. Drinking alcohol, especially stronger drinks, can irritate the throat.

Simply avoid smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol to help reduce inflammation in the larynx. This is especially important when cigarettes and drinking are the cause of laryngitis.

Resting The Voice

Simply resting your voice can be a great help in improving the healing process of the inflamed larynx. When you have laryngitis, it is better to store your voice and quit talking too much for a while as it can make symptoms worse.