The vocal cords are a band of muscle tissue fold located inside the larynx (voice-box). Vocal cords are also known as vocal folds. The function of the vocal cords is to produce sound for speech, protect the airways from getting choked by food, drink or saliva and regulating air flow in the lungs. During inhalation, the vocal cords move apart (get abducted). These vocal cords then adduct or come close together while swallowing and sound production. Any hindrance of nerve supply to the larynx may result in vocal cord paralysis. This condition is also known as vocal fold paresis, recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis, or vocal fold paralysis. Speaking, breathing and swallowing are the functions that get affected if the vocal cord gets paralyzed. Homeopathic remedies for vocal cord paralysis carry a good scope of treatment. Cuasticum, Gelsemium, and Cocculus Indicus are the top homeopathic medicines used to treat vocal cord paralysis.
Homeopathic Treatment for Vocal Cord Paralysis
The homeopathic mode of treatment is quite effective for managing vocal cord paralysis. From the long list of effective homeopathic medicines used to manage cases of vocal cord paralysis, the major ones are Causticum, Gelsemium, Cocculus Indicus, Lachesis, Stannum Met, Nux Vomica, and Phosphorus. Homeopathy is a symptom-based science where the symptoms provided by the patient provide the key towards the medicines required for a particular case. The chances of recovery in each and every case of vocal cord paralysis are highly variable. Various factors like the duration of complaint, intensity of symptoms, unilateral/bilateral involvement collectively decide the scope of homeopathic treatment. It needs to be noted that in cases of complete bilateral vocal cord paralysis (where the vocal cords are held tightly close together in the midline), there is a decrease in the airflow. This leads to a major difficulty in breathing. In such cases, urgent alternative help (other than homeopathy) should be taken. The homeopathic medicines for vocal cord paralysis should be taken after consulting a well-qualified homeopathic physician.
Homeopathic Medicines for Vocal Cord Paralysis
Causticum – Homeopathic Medicine for Hoarseness of Voice in Vocal Cord Paralysis
Causticum is a natural medicine for hoarseness of voice in cases of vocal cord paralysis. In cases needing Causticum, hoarseness of voice is most marked in the morning and evening. There is also an inability to speak loudly. Shortness of breath may also be present
Gelsemium – Homeopathic Remedy for Weak Voice in Vocal Cord Paralysis
Gelsemium is a natural remedy prepared from the bark of the root of a plant Gelsemium Sempervirens, which is commonly known as Yellow Jasmine. This plant belongs to the natural order Loganiaceae. Gelsemium is indicated for cases of vocal cord paralysis that causes the voice to become weak. A burning sensation in the larynx may also be felt.
Cocculus Indicus – Effective Homeopathic Medicine for Tremulous or Broken Voice in Vocal Cord Paralysis
Homeopathic medicine Cocculus Indicus is prepared from the seeds of a plant named Indian Cockle. The natural order of this plant is Menispermaceae. Cocculus Indicus helps in managing tremulous voice or broken voice in cases of vocal cord paralysis. Oppressed or difficult breathing may be an accompanying symptom.
Lachesis – Effective Homeopathic Remedy for Loss of Voice in Vocal Cord Paralysis
Lachesis offers a natural treatment for loss of voice in cases of vocal cord paralysis. This remedy is most indicated for vocal cord paralysis of the left side. Episodes of choking on eating may also be present along with the above features.
Stannum Met – Natural Homeopathic Medicine for Hoarse and Weak Voice
Homeopathic preparation Stannum Met works well in cases of vocal cord paralysis presented with either hoarse or a weak voice. Hawking mucus may improve voice quality. A need to take frequent deep breaths may accompany the above symptoms.
Nux Vomica – Natural Homeopathic Remedy for Vocal Cord Paralysis with an Inability to Speak Loudly
Nux Vomica is a homeopathic cure indicated for vocal cord paralysis where the person is unable to speak loudly. A frequent throat clearing may be present along with a cough while eating.
Phosphorus – Natural Treatment for Vocal Cord Paralysis with a Hoarse Voice
Phosphorus is another homeopathic medicine that is used to treat hoarseness of voice in cases of vocal cord paralysis. The voice may also be husky or rough. Prolonged speaking worsens the complaint.
Causes of Vocal Cord Paralysis
The causes of vocal cord paralysis include an injury to the vocal cord or recurrent laryngeal/vagus nerve, tumors, certain viral infections, thyroid surgeries, and cancer in rare cases.
Symptoms of Vocal Cord Paralysis
While both the vocal cords may get paralyzed, in most cases only one cord is affected. The symptoms of vocal cord paralysis include – hoarseness of voice, effortful speech, breathy voice, weak voice, vocal fatigue, and inability to speak loudly. Other symptoms that may appear in cases of vocal cord paralysis are – shortness of breath, choking and coughing after eating/drinking, throat clearing and aspiration of food/drink in the lungs.
Forty years ago I had a neurofibroma on a nerve to my vocal cords. Tumor removal caused some nerve damage. I couldn’t speak above a whisper for 6 months, with constant coughing and a scratchy throat. Over time it healed, and my voice seemed mostly back to normal, but weak.
For several years I’ve had a problem with much mucus in my throat, with coughing to try to get rid of it. I’m sure the coughing has caused some irritation. I recently started taking allergy meds and that has lessened the mucus some. It’s late in my life, but I really want to start singing. I feel my voice needs more help before I can do that. Do you have any homeopathic treatments that you think would help? Thank you!
Due to thyroid carcinoma, undergone Thyroidectomy. After surgery, having Bilateral vocal cord palsy and followed by posterior cordotomy surgery. But still having Bilateral vocal cord palsy condition and currently with Tracheostomy tube.
Tracheostomy tube is in closed condition in day time but while lying down for sleep having discomfort. Hence while lying down for sleep, Tracheostomy tube must be opened. Kindly advise to overcome the problem.
My problem shortness of breath and low voice.my both vocal cords not working. Which Madicin could I take?
I’m Nasrin July 20, 2023 l got thyroid gland surgery still now my vocal cords don’t work. I am short breath and low voice. Doctor said my vocal cords paralyzed. Doctor advised vocal cords surgery. Can I try homeopathy medicine. Which medicine can I use.
I have paradoxal vocal cord dysfunction. Can you recommend a homeopathy for this? Thanks!
My sound seems feeble than before
Hi Dr. Sharma,
I am from India, I am diagnosed with unilateral right vocal cord paralysis which began immediately after a bad viral fever and cold two months back, an Endoscopy and a CT is done, in which they diagnosed the same. My ENT physician says that we need to wait for at least 6 months, sometimes the voice can come back. In the meantime I am searching for the homeopathic treatment to help myself. Can you please suggest.
Mahendra
Peace be upon you, I am a young man, I am 25 years old, all I wake up from sleep is my nose is blocked on one side, often on the right
With mucus stuck on the right vocal cord
If you sit inhaling steam and read the Quran, a very viscous and strong white mucus appears
Mucus causes hoarseness on the right side of the vocal cord just from doing a steam inhalation session that reduces hoarseness a lot
Mucus feels stuck on the vocal cord and makes it difficult to vibrate vocal tricks
Please note that I have a stomach bug that causes esophageal reflux several times at night
Tonsillectomy was performed 5 months ago
Hello Dr. Back on November 29th my mother had a stroke and her voice has been high pitched, kinda childlike every since. Her memories are fine. Her thinking is fine. She wasn’t even paralyzed for any amount of time. Never even Her face. But her voice is high pitched. The doctors said they’ve never seen this. Any suggestions/ diagnosis for this? I think it’s Dysarthia. Any natural remedies to heal this?
I have unilateral vocal cord paresis from fine needle aspiration of the thyroid. I can speak but suffer from Diplophonia when I sing especially during the passagio. Being unable to sing has caused me deep sadness and I am searching for a solution. Which of the homeopathic remedies listed in your article above would be most effective? the Diplophonia results from a weak vocal cord due to the nerve injury. The injury occurred four years ago. Thank you.
I was diagnosed with idiopathic unilateral right vocal cord paralysis which began immediately after a bad viral cold. An MRI was done, which came back normal. My ENT physician wants to wait until performing a temporary fix to inject the cord. In the meantime I am searching for the best supplements or homeopathic treatment to help myself. While the various homeopathic supplements are interesting, they are also confusing. I am an otherwise healthy guy. Any suggestions?
Hello Dr Sharma.
I am an african male of 61 year old, in December 2023 i lost my voice, i consulted an ENT and was told it was recurrent laryngeal paresis, i am a non smoker, used to drink occasionally, prior to my diagnostic result i was suffering from phlegm which made me constantly tried to clear my throat for five months,
i am so depressed because of my hoarse voice.
Stephen
South Africa
Hi! I had vocal cord surgery to remove a cyst and wanted remedies to help strengthen my voice.
Thanks!
Marwa
Can you get Lachesis over the counter. And How would you take it.
I had a cervical disc replacement and they paralyzed my left vocal cord. Looking for help to treat the problem.
I am dignosed with right vocal cord palsy due to partial denervation of vocal cord muscle.All the tests including scrobography,Neck CT scan,EMG of vocal cords done .
My vice is breathy and l loose air while talking.I am unable to speak two three sentences at a stretch properly.
The voice sometimes get better
Please suggest
Hello!
I have been diagnosed with left vocal cord paralysis, resulting from a thyroidectomy. The surgeon discovered that the cancerous thyroid had wrapped around one part of a split nerve to the left vocal cord. In order to remove the cancer she had to sever one part of the split nerve. However, she believes the other part of the split nerve still goes to the vocal cord.
I just met with a speech specialist who wants to inject some calcium behind the left vocal cord to bring it closer to the right cord to have a better chance of having a voice.
What would you recommend in my case?
I have unilateral vocal cord paresis from fine needle aspiration of the thyroid. I can speak but suffer from Diplophonia when I sing especially during the passagio. Being unable to sing has caused me deep sadness and I am searching for a solution. Which of the homeopathic remedies listed in your article above would be most effective? the Diplophonia results from a weak vocal cord due to the nerve injury. The injury occurred four years ago. Thank you.
Dear Doctor.Sharma,
I had an accident in January 2023, I had inner bleeding, oedema, which was treated with steroid treatment in the hospital. Owing to the accident, my left vocal cord paralysed, it does not oscillate( vibrate) but they close and open almost entirely. I can’t sing in a higher voice, which I could before the accident. I am a teacher so I should be able to speak a lot, but I soon got tired. My voice is slightly harsh. I took argentum nitricum and graphites for the scar, which is on my left vocal chord. I also had a polyp which I managed to cure with homeopathy or tube fonatio. I applied both. I spat it out about a year ago. Do you think it is possible to make my left vocal chord vibrate again after such a long time with homeopathy? Doctors at Otorhinolaryngology Clinic say it is not. I look forward to your reply. All the best, Adrienne Zováth from Hungary