Dysphonia is the technical term for when a person loses their voice. It is usually caused by inflammation in the throat or overstraining the voice after a lot of speaking or shouting. However, it can also be caused by serious illnesses such as laryngeal cancer. If the hoarseness hasn't gone away after two weeks, you should see a doctor. So what to do if you have hoarseness? These home remedies can help:

1. apple cider vinegar

It has an antimicrobial effect and strengthens the mucous membranes. Add a tablespoon to a glass of water every day and drink. Alternatively, you can mix three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with three tablespoons of water and then gargle with the solution.

2. cayenne pepper

Sounds strange, but it helps: the capsaicin contained in the chili pepper stimulates blood circulation, kills germs and liquefies thick mucus. Mix half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper with a little lemon in a glass of water and gargle.

3. healing clay

Mix three to four tablespoons of healing clay with three to four teaspoons of water. The paste should not be too runny. Then apply directly to the throat and wait until the mixture has dried. Wash off with lukewarm water. You can also apply the paste to a thin cloth and wrap it around your neck. Wrap another dry cloth around this cloth. Three times a day.

4. organic honey

Honey inhibits inflammation and has an antibiotic effect. Melt a teaspoon of it on the palate. However, it should be organic honey, preferably with a beekeeper's mark - honey from the supermarket has usually been heated because of its creaminess. This destroys the ingredients.

5. ice cubes

Simply suck an ice cube. The direct cooling has a decongestant effect and relieves hoarseness. The cold and the slowly released moisture also work against the urge to clear your throat.

6. cardamom

It contains active ingredients that help with hoarseness in two ways: They fight inflammation and moisturize the mucous membranes. Crush a cardamom capsule, pour boiling water over it, leave to infuse for ten minutes and drink. Or chew a cardamom pod slowly. This releases the active substances and releases them directly into the throat and pharynx.

7. curd compresses

Spread a finger-thick layer of normal curd cheese on a clean cotton cloth and then wrap. Place the compress on the throat until the curd becomes dry. The compress cools and has a gentle anti-inflammatory effect.

8. salt water

Dissolve salt in boiling water and allow to cool well, stirring occasionally. Gargle with it up to three times a day. The salt kills germs and dissolves mucus.

9. thyme

Almost everyone has this Mediterranean spice in their kitchen cupboard. It contains many essential oils that can relieve hoarseness. To make a large cup of tea, take a heaped teaspoon of thyme herb, pour 250 ml of cold water over it and bring the mixture to the boil briefly. Leave to infuse for ten minutes, then strain. The recommended daily dose is a maximum of five cups.

10. silence

If overstraining your voice by shouting, singing or talking for too long is the cause of hoarseness, then taking it easy will help. Whispering makes the whole thing worse - it's best not to say anything at all. Even if hoarseness or a scratchy throat tempt you to do so, you should never clear your throat. This causes the vocal folds to hit each other, the mucous membranes and muscles to swell even more and can cause permanent damage. Instead, take a sip of water.