10 Essential Oils For Laryngitis And Other Respiratory Tract Infections

Laryngitis is typically caused by an infection or damage to the larynx (voice box). It occurs in two forms: chronic and acute. The acute form is usually a brief illness producing a sore throat and hoarseness. In most patients, an upper respiratory tract infection causes laryngitis.

Chronic laryngitis may be caused by smoking tobacco (most cases) and constant exposure to secondhand smoke, gastroesophageal reflux disease, alcoholic beverages consumption, and air pollution. Laryngitis is considered chronic when symptoms last longer than 3 weeks.

According to statistics, more than 21% of the population may develop chronic laryngitis during their lifetime.

Symptoms

Common symptoms can include:

  • a constant need to clear the throat;
  • irritating cough;
  • mild fever;
  • a sore throat;
  • difficulty speaking;
  • hoarseness.

Here are the top 10 essential oils for laryngitis:

#1 Chamomile

The medicinal use of this plant traces as far back as ancient times when the Romans, Egyptians, and Greeks used it to treat numerous medical disorders.

Chamomile essential oil penetrates the skin where its potent anti-inflammatory action can soothe mouth ulcers, irritated skin, bruises, and burns, as well as upper tract respiratory problems.

Also, it is one of the gentlest essential oils and is especially useful for children and babies with teething problems and tetchiness.

#2 Thyme

Thyme’s reputation as a protector and healer goes back thousands of years. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties which make it beneficial against many infections as well as for wound care.

Thyme essential oil also strengthens the human body’s defense mechanisms and is ideal for the treatment of exhaustion, both mental and physical.

#3 Lavender

Lavender derives its name from the Latin ”lavare” literally translating as ”to wash.” As a medicinal plant, lavender has been used for more than 2,500 years. For instance, ancient Greeks, Persians, and Romans added lavender flowers to their bathwater to help purify and wash their skin.

This oil is considered a natural remedy for numerous ailments from anxiety and insomnia to mood disturbances.

Lavender essential oil is also believed to have potent anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, that can help to heal bug bites and minor burns as well as to prevent and treat respiratory conditions.

#4 Ginger

This essential oil supports joints, reduces inflammation, relieves nausea, and improves digestion. As a circulatory tonic, ginger essential oil stimulates the action of the heart, by increasing the heart rate and blood pressure that is excellent for poor and sluggish circulation.

It also cools the body by inducing sweating, warms the chill from cold, helps with respiratory infections, and reduces the drainage of a runny nose.

All these benefits are due to its main components which include – Limonene, Germacrene, Beta-pinene, Terpinen4-ol, Sabinene, Beta-myrcene, and Alpha-pinene.

#5 Lemon

Lemon essential oil is produced from lemon peels, that have numerous volatile oil glands in their pits.

It is famous for reducing fever, treating flu and fatigue as well as it is an energizing essential oil with antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Historically, lemon oil has been used to improve respiratory and digestive health and to dissolve tension in the mind and body.

#6 Tea Tree

Tea tree oil helps by reducing inflammation levels in the body. In doing so, it can help reduce the human body’s allergic response. More importantly, it is effective against staph and E. coli infections when combined with eucalyptus essential oil.

#7 Peppermint

It has been popular with herbalists for millennia as a potent cleanser derived from the plant Mentha balsamea Willd, which is native to Europe. In the present day, it has received appreciation from the medical and scientific community.

The main component of the peppermint essential oil is menthol and provides the cooling sensation and the minty scent. However, it also contains other active and healthy ingredients, including – vitamins A, vitamin C, essential fatty acids, and minerals. Other active compounds include – eriocitrin, flavonoids, hesperidin, and luteolin.

#8 Geranium

It is steam-distilled from the aromatic green parts of the pelargonium, particularly the leaves. This essential oil has cicatrizant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties, the main reason why geranium was used in ancient herbal remedies for treating cuts, wounds, respiratory problems, and injuries.

More importantly, it is effective against a variety of bacteria, especially Salmonella enteritidis, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus, according to a study issued in the Iranian Journal of Microbiology.

#9 Myrrh

The health benefits of this essential oil can be attributed to its potent properties as an astringent, antimicrobial, antifungal, expectorant, carminative, stimulant, anticatarrhal, stomachic, diaphoretic, antiseptic, vulnerary, circulatory, immune booster, anti-inflammatory, and tonic natural remedy.

All these properties are most likely due to its high content of sesquiterpenes, that are plant compounds that can affect certain parts of the brain, especially the hypothalamus, amygdala, and pituitary, that produce many important hormones in the human body and control the emotions.

Plus, according to a South African study, when it is combined with frankincense oil, a special synergy occurs.

#10 Eucalyptus  

This essential oil has a strong influence on breathing and is best known for its effective use against respiratory problems, like – catarrh, colds, allergies, coughs, flu, bronchitis,  asthma, congestion, throat infections, and sinus problems.

Moreover, it contains potent purifying properties which are beneficial for the skin and can be used to treat burns, wounds, abrasions, cuts, scrapes, and sores.

References

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/laryngitis
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/laryngitis/

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