For centuries now, humans have used essential oils to treat a variety of ailments. Aromatherapy experts tout the use of essential oils for snoring.
While science currently does not have enough evidence to support it, the benefits of essential oils for snoring have long been claimed by many individuals.
This article talks about essential oils for snoring and the precautions associated with their use.
Table of Contents
Overview of essential oils
Essential oils are made from certain plants by removing their natural chemicals. Such chemicals give scents and flavours to the plants, and collecting them is like catching the plant’s essence.
Naturally, pure essential oils are derived by steaming or grinding various parts of the plant. It is often the plant bark, stems, seeds, leaves, and herbs that are used in creating essential oils.
Aromatherapy makes use of essential oils to improve your health, whether physical, mental, or spiritual. For aromatherapy, essential oils are typically inhaled or diluted and added to the skin. Do not ingest essential oils.
Clinical studies have shown that essential oils can reduce anxiety and nausea in cancer patients. Many reports also demonstrated the antibacterial effects of essential oils that are applied topically.
Snoring and its possible solutions
Approximately 45% of adults typically snore at least occasionally, and 25% are habitual snorers. Snoring is more than a disturbance. Snoring can consequently lead to a sleeping partner’s insomnia and sleep issues. It may also suggest a severe condition called sleep apnea.
There is limited data on the use of essential oils for snoring. A recent clinical trial funded by the makers of an essential oil throat spray has shown that certain individuals can effectively reduce snoring with their particular blend of essential oils. Nonetheless, to alleviate snoring, it is not clear why or how such oils work.
10 best essential oils for snoring
Many essential oils have been recommended for treating snoring and improving sleep. Some of these essential oils are:
Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint oil has purifying effects that make it easy to breathe and clear the sinuses. Furthermore, when stuffed up the snoring gets louder, inhaling peppermint oil can help make you less stuffed up, and reduce snoring.
Thyme essential oil
Snoring can be minimized by putting a touch of thyme oil on your feet at night, according to experts in the field of aromatherapy massage.
Cedarwood essential oil
Cedarwood possesses a woody smell that can help relax muscles and reduce anxiety. Also, It can help you enter a relaxing, sleep-friendly state.
Eucalyptus essential oil
Some studies show that eucalyptus can aid in breaking the mucus in your respiratory system, including those at the back of your throat and your sinuses. People use eucalyptus oil to relieve symptoms of bronchitis and asthma.
Lemon essential oil
Research has shown that the fresh citrus scent of lemon oil improves the mood. Through reducing anxiety and encouraging feel-good emotions, it can help reduce snoring.
Pine essential oil
Pine oil has both antimicrobial and antioxidant effects as an essential oil extracted from pine needles. Pine oil is also used by professionals in aromatherapy to treat sore joints and stressed muscles. Massage therapy is an effective treatment of insomnia.
Fennel essential oil
Fennel may have some effects that are anti-inflammatory in nature. Certain people may use it to reduce their nose and throat inflammation and increase airflow into their nasal passages.
Clove essential oil
Clove is a medicinal herb with a variety of uses, such as removing phlegm in the throat. It may help break up the mucus located at the back of the throat when you lie down to sleep. Thus improving your snoring.
Sage essential oil
Sage oils have been known and used for their medicinal value for a long time. Sage oil, can be protective against respiratory infections, such as a common cold. It may also help to improve breathing.
Citronella essential oil
In reality, drinking alcohol is a common and known cause of snoring. Citronella oil has detoxifying effects that can help you sweat and urinate the toxins out. Thus reducing the incidence of snoring.
Safety precautions for essential oils
When using essential oils for snoring, the following precautions must be adhered to, so as to prevent severe side effects.
- Always dilute essential oils before use: The dilution is done with a carrier oil. The standard dosage is 4 to 6 drops of coconut oil, olive oil or other carrier oil per ounce of essential oil.
- Please always read and follow the warnings on essential oils.
- Always keep essential oils away from the eyes.
- Never ingest essential oils, as some of them are highly toxic.
- Communicate to your doctor if you are taking drugs or have pre-existing conditions before using essential oils in any form or way
CHECK ALSO: 3 best essential oils for pink eyes and how to use them effectively
5 proven ways to use essential oils for snoring
There are many methods to use essential oils for snoring; some of them are:
• Diffuse in the atmosphere and breathe in
• Use diluted oil in a hot bath
• Introduce a few drops of oil to a cup of water and gargle for 30 to 60 seconds
• Rub diluted essential oils on the body
• Rub drops of diluted essential oil on your feet.
In conclusion
Snoring can be a serious issue that keeps you and your family from enjoying a good night’s sleep. Essential oils can help lower your symptoms and encourage healthy sleep.
If you still have trouble sleeping or snoring while sleeping, see a specialist. They can help you find if essential oils are suitable for you, or help proffer other solutions.
Frequently asked questions on Essential oils for snoring
What are the best remedies for the treatment of snoring?
What worked for another might not work for you. So you will need to try out each of these remedies listed here and know which works best for your body. One thing is certain, “snoring can be stopped and treated:
Some of the remedies to snoring include:
1. If you drink alcohol a lot, then you must reduce the intake of alcohol, especially at night before bedtime.
2. Exercise regularly to reduce weight gain because studies have proven that overweight is one of the primary key factors to snoring.
3. While lying on the bed to sleep, always make use of the pillow to raise your head. This will help keep your body at comfort while you sleep, thus preventing you from snoring.
4. Sleeping by the side can also help you feel relaxed, thereby reducing the way you snore.
5. Make use of essential oils for snoring as Aromatherapists suggests.
How can essential oils be used to reduce snoring?
Essential oils can be used for snoring in the following ways:
• Diffuse in the atmosphere and breathe in
• Use diluted oil in a hot bath
• Introduce a few drops of oil to a cup of water and gargle for 30 to 60 seconds
What are the essential oils recommended to treat snoring?
Some of the essential oils recommended are Citronella essential oil, thyme essential oil, peppermint essential oil, clove essential oil, pine essential oil, cedarwood essential oil, and many others.
What precautions are associated with the use of essential oils?
The following precautions should be adhered to when using essential oils, they are:
1. Always dilute essential oils before use. The dilution is done with a carrier oil. The standard dosage is 4 to 6 drops of coconut oil, olive oil or other carrier oil per ounce of essential oil.
2. Please always read and follow the warnings on essential oils.
3. Always keep essential oils away from the eyes.
Never ingest essential oils, as some of them are highly toxic.
4. Communicate to your doctor if you are taking drugs or have pre-existing conditions before using essential oils in any form or way.
