Fight Aphonia and Dysphonia with 5 Natural Remedies

Although the doctor may recommend rest, sucking on sweets, and using a specific mouthwash, you can also enjoy some natural remedies to alleviate the issue.
Fight Aphonia and Dysphonia with 5 Natural Remedies

Last update: 26 May, 2022

Aphonia is a term that specialists use for the condition that involves the total loss of your voice. Dysphonia, however, refers to the partial loss of your voice, with variations in tone and volume. Aphonia and dysphonia are produced due to irritation in the larynx or pharynx and are also common when you experience episodes of tonsillitis.

They are common in people who smoke and drink alcohol. However, in many cases, they affect singers, teachers, and those whose profession demands the use of their voice.

Other, less frequent causes include respiratory illness complications, damage to the vocal cords, and nervous and emotional problems.

While the symptoms tend to disappear in a matter of days, it’s a good idea to make some natural remedies (“like grandma would make“) that help to accelerate your recovery. Below, we share 5 interesting options that are very easy to make at home.

1. Onion and honey for aphonia

onions cut up on a table; drinks to soothe voice loss

The onion and honey remedy is a classic. You can make it with a white or red onion, but artisanal honey is essential because it has a better nutritional value.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 onion
  • 3 tablespoons of honey (2 2/3 oz.)

Preparation

  • Cut the half onion and process it in the blender until you have a juicy paste.
  • Once it’s processed, mix with a tablespoon of honey.
  • Take one or two spoonfuls a day, or when you feel irritation.

2. Pineapple and honey

This remedy has a delicious tropical taste because of its pineapple content. In fact, many people don’t even see it as a remedy but rather a syrup for pancakes, given how tasty it is!

Ingredients

  • 2 slices of pineapple.
  • Optional: honey.

Preparation

  • Cut the slices of pineapple
  • Process the pineapple in a blender until you get a liquid without any lumps.
  • Drink the juice 2 or 3 times a day until your symptoms are gone.
  • If you decide to add a touch of honey, ensure that it’s no more than a teaspoonful (1/5 oz.)

3. Lemon water

woman drinking water; aphonia and dysphonia cure

Lemon water has multiple uses, both hot and cold. To alleviate symptoms of aphonia and dysphonia, some people even drink it with a touch of honey.

Ingredients

  • The juice from 1/2 a lemon.
  • 1/2 cup of water (1/4 pint).
  • Optional: honey.

Preparation

  • Dilute the lemon juice in the half cup of warm water.
  • If you want, you can also add a few slices of fresh lemon to the water to strengthen the taste.
  • Consume this once a day, whilst you get better.

You may also be interested in: Properties of Lemon and Natural Remedies

4. Carrot and honey

Although this “grandma’s” recipe isn’t as popular as the others, it’s also useful to alleviate aphonia and dysphonia. Popular belief dictates that both the honey and the carrots help to soothe the throat and help to alleviate the symptoms in general.

Ingredients

  • 3 carrots.
  • Honey to taste.
  • 2 cups of water (1 pint)

Preparation

  • First, cut the carrots into various pieces and boil them in the cups of water.
  • After 10 minutes, take them off the heat and let them sit until they reach room temperature.
  • Finally, when they’ve cooled, squeeze the juice from them and then mix with the honey.
  • Take a spoonful when you feel the symptoms.

5. Thyme, lemon, and honey

Thyme, lemon and honey

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of water (1/2 pint)
  • The juice from 1/2 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon of thyme (1/5 oz.)
  • 1 tablespoon of honey (2/5 oz.)

Preparation

  • First, boil the cup of water and, once it starts to boil, turn off the flame and add the thyme.
  • Then, cover the liquid and let steep for 10 minutes.
  • Next strain and add the lemon juice and honey.
  • Consume in moderation whenever you feel symptoms.

You may also be interested in: How to Fight Off a Cough with Pepper and Honey

Are you hoarse or do you notice changes in your voice? If you’re dealing with aphonia or dysphonia, try one of these natural remedies and you’ll see how great they are for solving these problems.

Hoarseness, aphonia, or dysphonia?

Are you hoarse or are there changes in your voice? If you’re facing aphonia or dysphonia, follow what your doctor says, and, additionally, if they authorize it, try these natural remedies that we’ve mentioned.

Remember that some have a high-calorie content (because of the honey), so you may want to consume them sparingly.

Generally. these remedies help to alleviate symptoms and soothe the throat and calm the burning sensation caused by irritation. However, you should also remember that for these remedies to lead to lasting improvement – not just momentary relief – you must follow the doctor’s recommendations.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Jarić, S., Mitrović, M., & Pavlović, P. (2015). Review of Ethnobotanical, Phytochemical, and Pharmacological Study of Thymus serpyllum L. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM, 2015, 101978.
    http://doi.org/10.1155/2015/101978
  • Allan, G. M., & Arroll, B. (2014). Prevention and treatment of the common cold: making sense of the evidence. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association Journal, 186(3), 190–199.
    http://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.121442
  • Goldman RD. (2014). Honey for treatment of cough in children.
    ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4264806/

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.