When experiencing a sore or itchy throat due to laryngitis, many people look for peppermint candies that provide a cooling sensation to soothe the symptoms. However, peppermint may not only fail to alleviate laryngitis symptoms but could also negatively impact throat health, so caution is advised.

When experiencing throat issues due to reflux laryngitis, consuming peppermint may cause stomach acid to reflux, worsening the symptoms of laryngitis. Reflux laryngitis is a condition in which excessive stomach acid secretion or dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter allows stomach acid to rise up to the larynx, causing inflammation.

Peppermint stimulates the cells that produce stomach acid, increasing acid secretion, and relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, which prevents reflux, thereby reducing the sphincter's ability to prevent reflux. Eating peppermint candies naturally increases the amount of stomach acid that refluxes into the esophagus and larynx. When reflux laryngitis is caused by excess stomach acid, consuming peppermint candies that stimulate acid secretion is like pouring oil on a fire.

It is difficult to consider it effective for both chronic and acute laryngitis. Eating peppermint candies stimulates saliva production, making the throat feel temporarily moist and giving the impression that the condition has improved. However, as the menthol component of peppermint volatilizes, it draws heat away from the surrounding area, and at the same time, moisture from the larynx and bronchi also evaporates. When the mucous membranes lack moisture, symptoms such as coughing, foreign body sensation, and sore throat worsen, and inflammation does not easily subside.

The best way to maintain throat health is to drink water frequently. Water acts as a kind of lubricant in the throat. The mucous membrane in the throat should not dry out, as this helps inflammation heal quickly and reduces the strain on the throat when producing sound. It is recommended to drink lukewarm water at a temperature similar to body temperature, as it does not cause any irritation to the inflamed area. Using a humidifier to prevent the surrounding environment from becoming dry is also effective. If you are tired of plain water, it is also good to drink tea brewed with bellflower root or ginger. Bellflower root is rich in saponin compounds that promote mucus secretion in the bronchi, and ginger contains anti-inflammatory ingredients that help reduce inflammation.

On the other hand, coffee and green tea containing caffeine can irritate the stomach lining and cause reflux, so it is best to avoid them. Caffeine, which promotes fluid excretion from the body, may also suppress mucus secretion in the bronchi. Spicy and salty foods that irritate the stomach or esophagus should be avoided, and it is appropriate to compose a diet with soft foods that are easy to swallow if possible. Alcohol and cigarettes are also not good, and one should not lie down immediately after a meal. It is recommended to refrain from eating anything and to empty the stomach three hours before sleep.

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I thought it would be good for my throat.

It seems it might not be helpful after all.

Please avoid when you have a sore throat.