Hoarseness, or dysphonia, is characterised by a change in the tone of the voice, which becomes hoarse, low-pitched, or even almost inaudible (aphonia). This condition indicates that your vocal cords are no longer vibrating normally. Whether caused by a cold, a sore throat or vocal strain, treating hoarseness requires a targeted approach combining rest and natural remedies.
What is hoarseness and what causes it?
Hoarseness is a clinical sign of a dysfunction in the larynx. The causes of this vocal disorder are varied:
- Laryngitis: Inflammation, often of viral origin.
- Vocal strain: Overuse can cause benign nodules to form on the vocal cords.
- The environment: An excessively dry or smoky atmosphere directly irritates the vocal tract.
- Poor hydration: This leads to vocal fatigue, retrosternal burning and sometimes laryngeal spasms.
How can a hoarse voice be treated with herbal medicine?
Certain plants have long been the allies of speakers and singers in clearing the voice:
- Erysimum: ‘Singers’ herb’:Erysimum (Sisymbrium officinale) is the go-to plant for hoarseness and loss of voice. Thanks to its glucosinolates, it has expectorant and mucolytic properties. For adults, Erysimum mother tincture (TM) should be taken at a dose of 50 drops in a little water, three times a day.
- Phytolacca gargle: specifically designed to cleanse and soothe a sore throat. You can make a specific gargle: in half a glass of warm water, mix 1 teaspoon of Phytolacca decandra mother tincture and 2 drops of Eucalyptus citriodora essential oil.
Which homeopathic remedy should you choose for loss of voice?
Homeopathy for loss of voice allows you to target the specific type of hoarseness according to its cause and symptoms. The most appropriate homeopathic remedies for hoarseness fall into several categories:
General and local remedies
- Soothing gargle: Mix equal parts of Calendula and Phytolacca mother tinctures. Warning: contains alcohol; not recommended for children or pregnant women.
- Ready-to-use complexes: Homéovox®, Voxpax® (1 lozenge every hour) or Arum triphyllum compound (3 granules 3 times a day).
Choose your strain according to your symptoms
- Arum triphyllum: If the voice is hoarse (with a changing tone) following overuse of the vocal cords or exposure to the cold.
- Arnica montana: If you feel as though your throat is ‘scratched’ after significant vocal exertion.
- Aconite: In cases of sudden hoarseness caused by the cold, accompanied by a raspy cough.
- Cuprum metallicum: If the problem is relieved by a simple sip of cold water.
In cases of chronic hoarseness
- Phosphorus: If the pain is burning and worsens at dusk.
- Hepar sulfuris calcareum: For people who feel the cold and have a sensation of a splinter in the throat and a painful cough.
- Causticum: If the hoarseness is worse in the morning with a broken voice.
Our expert advice on protecting your vocal cords
To regain your voice after hoarseness, lifestyle habits are just as important as treatment:
- Complete vocal rest: This is the golden rule. Do not strain your voice or even whisper, as this puts further strain on the laryngeal muscles.
- Moisturise the mucous membrane: Lubricating mucus protects the vocal tract. Drink plenty of water to maintain this antiseptic and anti-oedema barrier.
- Humidify the air: Sucking on hyaluronic acid lozenges (Gelovox) helps keep the pharyngeal mucous membrane moist for longer.
- Protect your neck: If you are sensitive to the cold, cover your mouth and neck with a scarf.
Summary of remedies for hoarseness:
| Type of treatment | Key remedy | Objective |
| Plant | Erysimum (Cantharides) | To clear the throat and help expectoration |
| Gargle | Calendula Phytolacca TM | Local antiseptic action |
| Homeopathy | Arnica montana | Recovery after vocal strain |
| Hydration | Hyaluronic acid (Gelovox) | Maintaining vocal cord moisture |
Frequently asked questions: Hoarseness
Why is hydration vital for the voice? Poor hydration makes mucus thick and sticky, which hinders the vibration of the vocal cords and causes a cough or hoarseness.
Is whispering a good idea? No, whispering requires intense muscular effort in the larynx. It is better to remain completely silent.
How long can hoarseness last? Temporary hoarseness usually lasts a few days. If it becomes chronic or persists for more than two weeks, an ENT consultation is necessary.
