Although snoring may sometimes be associated with a sleep disorder such as apnea, the University of Maryland Medical Center states that it commonly occurs for unknown reasons. Most people who snore are not aware of it, but the snoring can become a sleep disruption for anyone sharing the bed or trying to sleep within earshot of the snorer. Nasal congestion, sinus blockage, swollen tonsils or other cold and allergy symptoms may contribute to snoring. Herbs that address these conditions may help reduce common snoring.
Always check with your health care provider before using herbal remedies.
Immature Bitter Orange
Immature bitter orange has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat snoring. Its high vitamin C content boosts the immune system, and it has some antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. SoothingSleep.com reports that immature bitter orange contains synephrine, which helps relieve allergy symptoms and nasal congestion. However, large doses may have unwanted effects similar to caffeine, since synephrine is a stimulant.
Jasmine Essential Oil
Jasmine essential oil is extracted from the fragrant blossoms of common jasmine. Breathing vapors of the essential oil helps clear nasal passages and the entire respiratory tract. According to OrganicFacts.net, jasmine essential oil helps break up phlegm and mucus so you can breathe easier, even if you have a cold or allergies. By helping to open the airways, jasmine essential oil can help prevent snoring.
Follow your doctor's recommendations for using jasmine essential oil.
Eucalyptus Oil
The Bastyr Center for Natural Health explains that eucalyptus oil can provide relief from sinusitis and upper respiratory inflammation and excessive mucus, whether the cause is viral or bacterial infection or allergies. The main component of eucalyptus oil is known as eucalyptol, or cineole. Cineole in capsule form is used in naturopathic medicine to reduce respiratory inflammation and mucus production. Cineole capsules can irritate the stomach lining, and should never be used if you have peptic ulcers or gastric issues.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil can be used to help clear nasal passages and mucus, according to StopSnoringExperts.com. Breathing the aromatic vapors of peppermint oil helps open airways, which can reduce snoring. The Bastyr Center for Natural Health recently issued a report on a study of one popular commercial essential oils treatment, where peppermint was featured as one of the oils used in the blend. The essential oils were mixed in water and used as a throat spray or gargle at bedtime. The study results showed a reduction in snoring as rated by bed partners in 82 percent of the test subjects using the treatment. Always consult with your doctor about the proper use and dosage of peppermint oil.
References
- Soothing Sleep: Herbs for Snoring: Of Gardens and Bedtime
- Organic Facts: Health Benefits of Jasmine Essential Oil
- Bastyr University, Bastyr Center for Natural Health: Eucalyptus Oil Relieves Sinusitis
- Stop Snoring Experts: Herbs to Stop Snoring
- Bastyr University, Bastyr Center for Natural Health: Snorers: Help Your Partner Get More Z's
