Remedies for voice loss?

Question

My mother recently had a vitamin pill "stuck" in her throat. We couldn't get it up with the Heimlich, but since she could breathe she let it melt. Since then, she can barely talk, her voice is hoarse and she can't talk above whispers. She is not in pain, since this isn't laryngitis. Any suggestions to help her regain her voice?

Answer 1

Even though she isn't in pain, she has some damage to her throat and/or larynx. You say "recently" but that's pretty vague. Was it a few hours ago or days or weeks?

It will help to gargle or swallow things that heal and soothe. I'm thinking drink Aloe juice and mucilaginous things like Slippery Elm gruel or Mullein tea. Chamomile would be good as it is mucilaginous and calming.

There is a product out there specifically for a hoarse throat, called Singer's Saving Grace, made by Herbs, Etc. Some health food stores have it, or you can order online. It has Jack-in-the-Pulpit, which actually relaxes the larynx when you spray it at the back of the throat. They all taste bad, but I recommend the mint flavor. http://www.herbsetc.com/Shopping/s/singe...

Answer 2

One of the best natural remedies for throat troubles is chamomile tea (or any herbal tea really, the type of tea doesn't matter so much) with lots of honey and lemon juice. The honey and lemon juice are the most important, because they are soothing to the throat and can help repair the damage done by the pill irritation. Other than that, salt water gargles might help so long as they don't cause pain, and she should not strain her voice by trying to talk. Good luck!