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Rooted

Respiratory

Laryngitis / hoarseness

4 plants

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Post-viral or post-yelling hoarseness is rest. Marshmallow sips coat; sage is a traditional gargle. Menthol/peppermint can irritate some airways. Persistent unilateral hoarseness in a smoker is ENT, not elm bark. Reflux laryngitis is a GERD page plus voice hygiene, not mint.

Primary plants

  1. Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)
    1
    MarshmallowStrong traditional

    Althaea officinalis

    Mucilage sip for an irritated pharynx/larynx.

    Typical. Cold maceration, sip. Separate from orals.

    Safety. Binding.

  2. Sage (Salvia officinalis)
    2
    SageStrong traditional

    Salvia officinalis

    Traditional gargle for mouth/throat.

    Typical. Tea gargle, not essential oil.

    Safety. Thujone in excess. Pregnancy caution.

Supportive plants2
  • Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra)
    Slippery elmStrong traditional
    Ulmus rubra

    Inner-bark mucilage, same job.

    Typical. Inner bark slurry/sip.

    Safety. Outer bark no. Binding.

  • German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
    German chamomileStrong traditional
    Matricaria chamomilla

    Gentle steam/tea. Asteraceae can be the wrong call in atopic people.

    Typical. Flower tea.

    Safety. Asteraceae.

Clinical notes

  • Stridor, drooling, or a rapidly worsening sore throat is epiglottitis/abscess until proven otherwise.

When this is not enough

  • Stridor, suspected epiglottitis, hoarseness >2–3 weeks, smoker with unilateral symptoms, hemoptysis

Rooted is a private clinical reference for licensed practitioners. It is educational, not a treatment protocol, and not a substitute for the chart, the exam, or pharmacy review. Plant medicines interact with drugs and can harm liver, kidney, heart, pregnancy, and children.

All respiratory diagnoses