Essential Oils for Snoring: How They Work
The markets for essential oils for snoring are so drenched with products that it’s no longer easy to spot the right product. Certainly, there are many genuine products out there. But you can’t be sure whether you’re falling for a fake.
When it comes to choosing an essential oil for Snoring, the hoax maybe even more abysmal than thought. This is because new customers are often unfamiliar with the market.
In this article, I will give you a detailed run-through of essential oils and demystify their functions for snorers. I will also provide a rundown of how they should be used for maximum benefits.
Essential oils are among the oldest remedies to Snoring. In fact, communities have used essential oils to cure snoring since the dawn of time. Today, this century-old snoring solution is still being used alongside other snoring aids such as Nasal dilator to nasal strips, mandibular advancement devices, and CPAP.
What makes essential oils appealing for snorers is that oils are all-natural, easy-to-use, and non-addictive.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are lightly fragrant volatile substances that can occur in various leaves, petals, fruits, and roots of plants. Studies suggest that volatile oils possess anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-viral actions.
Aside from these actions that can correctly serve as anti-snoring solutions, these volatile oils have possible effects of reducing stress and emotional excitability.
But before we go deeper into how essential oils and Snoring relate, it is important to revisit the habit of Snoring.
How Does Snoring Take Place?
Snoring occurs when air does not flow smoothly through the nasal and throat passages. Mostly this is usually due to relaxed muscle tissues found in the respiratory tract.
When one is awake, the muscle tone of the soft tissues remains intact, and air flows freely through the oral cavity. However, when sleep, the muscles relax, causing the tissues to obstruct the airway.
It is when airflow is obstructed that tissues vibrate and result in a snort (snoring sound).
Hence, we could say that Snoring is no more than the vibration of tissues in the throat.
Many people resort to snoring reliefs without the knowledge of exactly how Snoring occurs. They only hunt snoring aid products. However, what people don’t know is this approach has high chances of failing.
How do Essential Oils Work to reduce snoring?
At the most basic level, essential oils have anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, or antispasmodic properties that tighten the muscle in the soft tissues around the nose or throats.
This makes them ideal for clearing the airway in the respiratory tract.
Are essential oils Suitable for Snoring?
Some essential oils work better in clearing airways and easing decongestion than others. Some are incredibly fit to be used as anti-snoring agents. Here are some of the most useful.
1. Lemon
Initially, the lemon essential oil was used as an all-natural treatment for throat infection, respiration enhancement, and treatment to ease symptoms of asthma.
The antispasmodic essential oil is super elaborate in relieving nasal congestion, which can stop or reduce snoring.
2. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus essential oil is an excellent antispasmodic that treats asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, and colds. It is known for relieving congested airways, enhancing respiratory systems, reducing asthma symptoms, and treating coughs, colds, and fever.
If you’re headstrong on Snoring, eucalyptus essential oil gives you the anti-snoring help you need.
However, there is plenty of eucalyptus oil. For that reason, when you’re looking eucalyptus essential oil to relieve a congested nose, search for the one with Eucalyptus globulus Latin name.
3. Thyme
Thyme essential oil contains thymol, an antispasmodic, antiseptic, and anti-microbial that treats coughs, sore throats, cystitis, and insomnia. The active ingredient in thyme can soothe the nervous system and ease the respiratory tract to help breathe efficiently.
4. Peppermint
A bit aggressive to use on the skin, peppermint is a potent oil that provides an answer to respiratory problems and sinus congestion. The primary active ingredient in peppermint is methanol, which is an analgesic and can calm tension and release muscular aches because of its anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it apt as a snoring aid.
5. Cypress
Cypress has anti-microbial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, which primarily treat coughing. But it is also suitable for decongesting the breathing system. To use it, you have to inhale it through the nasal passage.
6. Fennel
Fennel’s essential oil has a suite of active ingredients that are designed to relieve digestive and menstrual issues. Its ability to thin out mucus makes it a powerful decongestant.
7. Lavender
The raw ingredients of Lavender oil have sedative properties that make it useful for calming sinus congestion. This is the number one natural snoring aid that soothes and provide restful sleep.
8. Marjoram
Do cold, or allergy causes your Snoring? Marjoram essential oil has active ingredients that clear the sinuses, which can ease nasal congestion and reduce or stop snoring. Besides, it has antioxidant properties, which makes it a natural treatment for sleep apnea, the greatest culprit of Snoring. And it will only take limited exposure to take effect.
9. Myrrh
Myrrh comes from a sap-like resin and is commonly used to relieve colds, cough, bronchitis, congestion, and works excellently to get rid of phlegm. These properties make it practical to decongest the nasal passage.
10. Pine
Pine oil is a natural anti-inflammatory that can reduce spasms and help keep the airways open during sleep. It contains a chemical pinene—a teepene with strong antiseptic properties that can counteract snoring.
11. Rosemary
This is one of the most potent essential oil. It has powerful anti-inflammation, antispasmodic, and decongestant properties.
When inhaled, rosemary oil treats respiratory treatment and might ease decongestion.
12. Spearmint
Contrary to the aggressiveness of peppermint, spearmint is gentler. It is an anti-inflammatory, calmative, sedative, which is far less harsh than peppermint for Snoring relief.
13. Yarrow
Yarrow is another anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and astringent expectorant. For yarrow to work effectively as a congestion remedy, it will require you to blend it with an equal amount of Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Thyme.
14. Cedarwoods
This essential oil is useful in several aromatherapy applications. Its ability to reduce inflammation is what makes it appropriate to relieve congestion. It can clear your sinus before going to bed.
15. Clove
Clove is an expectorant, spasmolytic commonly used in cooking and baking. However, it is an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-viral, which combines to present a solution to reduce snoring.
16. Sage
Sage is an anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial that is used as a gargle. The use of sage essential oil traces its root back to the Romans, who refers is as sacred herbs.
The oil has ketones, which have healing properties and can thin mucus. Besides, it boosts the respiratory and lymphatic system function, which, when dysfunctional, causes snoring.
The Best 4 Essential Oil for Snoring
Not all essential oils work well as anti-snoring aids. And among those that do, some are outstanding than others. Here is a brief analysis of those that work best.
* Thyme Essential Oil
On the top position, comes thyme. It’s considered the best for snoring relief because it stretches beyond supporting respiratory wellness to improving the immune system and nervous system. Keeping these body systems healthy have a significant effect on improving one’s sleep, as well as decrease snoring.
* Marjoram
Marjoram essential oil comes second best because it has a reputation of thorough clearing the sinuses and open airway passage. Improved airflow in the nose makes an individual breathe easier and soothe snoring sleeper.
* Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is recommended by pharmacists as a herbal decongestant. The essential oil opens the nose, clears mucus, and allows better breathing. These properties make it appropriate to ease snoring.
* Pine
The fourth essential oil for Snoring is pine. Pine supports respiratory conditions and promotes airflow through the nose because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which subsequently reduces snoring.
Which brands should you buy essential oil from?
The answer to that question isn’t straightforward since no single brand suits everyone. Even so, customer reviews can be a solid lead to the best essential oil choices.
Among all essential oil brands, two appear to stand out in the userbase:
- Young Living
- And Doterra
Why Young Living Brands?
The Young Living brand is one of the most celebrated businesses that deal with essential oils. In addition to preparing critical oils, it blends oil-infused products with optimal levels of specific naturally occurring essential oil constituents to maximize their potency. The brand itself claims to be non-compromising on standards, and this can be confirmed by its relentless and loyal user base.
Why doTerra Brand?
Unlike other brands, all essential oils from doTerra are CPTG certified, pure, tested grade. And since the purity of essential oil is the most critical characteristic, doTERRA stands out in assuring what’s in the bottle is precisely what the brand is telling you.
With that said, here is a follow-up question:
Should you Use Essential Oil Alone or as a blend?
Some essential oils, like Eucalyptus, lavender, and Thyme, work well on their own. In contrast, others must blend to form a powerful anti-snore aid.
For instance, a blend of lemon, lavender, and essential pine oils can relieve a congested nose effectively. Other great combinations are:
- A combination of pine oil with eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, and marjoram serves as a better anti-snoring aid than each individual ingredient.
- Fennel essential oil combines seamlessly with lavender and lemon to offer a range of health benefits beyond anti-snoring remedy.
- Marjoram essential oil blends well with lavender and lemon to get you a comfortable sleep and relaxation.
How to Use Essential Oils as Snoring Aid?
Plenty of essential oil usage methods can work effectively to relieve snoring. So let’s breakdown some of the most effective ways.
a) Diffuser
All the essential oils can be breathed straight from the bottle through a room diffuser or a personal aromatherapy diffuser.
A diffuser disperses essential oil into the air. They come in plenty of models that you can utilize. To use a diffuser correctly, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
b) Apply on legs
Most oil, especially thyme, works well when massaged onto the bottom of the big toe. From the reflexology perspective, the big toe is the area that affects the throat.
For safe use, however, dilute an essential oil with a carrier oil before applying it on the skin to avoid skin irritation.
c) Inhalation by Steam Method
The easiest method of inhalation is to open a bottle of pure essential oil and inhale a few times deeply without allowing the undiluted essential oil to touch your skin.
Besides direct inhalation, there is the steam method—the advance inhales method. Here is a step-by-step procedure to utilize the inhale-by-steam process:
- Place a bowl of hot water on a table and add a few drops of essential oil
- Place a towel over your head and the bowl
- Close your eyes and deeply inhale the steam for several minutes
- Repeat a few times throughout the day
The only problem with this dispensing essential oils in the air is that some essential oils can be dangerous to pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, or pets in the environment.
d) Dry Evaporation
This method is more straightforward and only requires some types of dry material, such as a cotton ball or fabric. It might involve a few drops of essential oil on a small dish or tissue tucked inside a pillowcase.
Here is the step-by-step procedure on how to execute the dry evaporation method:
Add a few drops of essential oil to the dry material
Hold it to your nose and inhale (all the same, you can allow the scent to disperse naturally).
You can add the material to the vent in your car, your shirt collar, or your pillowcase
e) Bathwater and Shower
It is part of best practice to store essential oils outside of the bathroom due to heat and humidity. However, you can also use it in the shower as a snore-aid.
For showers:
- Mix several drops of essential oil in a carrier oil and stream it onto the washcloth.
- Then rub upward to your heart, starting with your legs.
- Add five drops of the oil or blend to the shower floor, right beyond where the waterfalls, and inhale the
For Bathwater:
Add a few drops of essential oils to your shampoo, condition, or body wash
To inhale essential oils while you’re in the shower, you can add a few drops to the shower walls
Similarly, you can add a few drops of diluted essential oil to a warm washcloth that can be used for inhalation
And when using it in a water bath, dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil. Similarly, you can use a vital salt bath or bubble bath product
f) Humidifier
Some ultrasonic manufacturers do not support the use of essential oil.
With that in mind, check on the manufacturer’s directions before you add essential oil to your humidifier.
To use essential oils in a humidifier, Add a few drops into the water tank. This will vaporize the oil slowly throughout the room.
For maximum results, use a cool-mist setting and clean your humidifier regularly.
Use of Carrier Oils with Essential Oil
Essential oils are potent and might cause skin irritation when applied directly to the skin. To use it safely on the skin, dilute it first.
Carrier oil is an oil that dilutes essential oils and carries them on the skin so that they do not harm the skin. Most carrier oils are unscented and don’t interfere with crucial oil therapeutic properties.
If you’re allergic to any nut, you must avoid oils derived from tree nuts.
Precautions When Using Essential Oils
Essential oils can be a potential danger when not used with care. Here are some of the precautions you should take:
- Do not take the essential oil internally
- There is a group set of people who shouldn’t use essential oil without a doctor’s recommendation, which include older adults, younger children under the age of 12, pregnant and breastfeeding women
- Consider pets in your environment as some essential oils might be dangerous for pet
- When under medication, or have any health concerns like high blood pressure, low immunity, or epilepsy, consult your doctor before using essential oil
- And if you’re looking for a personalized treatment plan, speak to a certified aromatherapist.
Who should use this?
- A person with sleep apnea
- Persons who want to improve respiratory health
- People who want to relieve nasal congestion
- Persons who wish to promote healthy sleep patterns
- Someone looking for an anti-snoring product that does not form a dependent habit
Who shouldn’t?
- Persons with sensitive skins as essential oils can be aggressive to the skin
- People with potential skin allergies
- Children below the age of 12
How You Shouldn’t Use Essential Oil
Essential oils can be aggressive on your system. Therefore, pay close attention to the following instructions.
- Do not apply directly near sensitive areas such as the eyes, ears, and mouth
- Avoid using them on inflamed, broken, or irritated skin
- Don’t ingest any essential oil as it can be harmful and even fatal
Potential Side Effects of Essential Oils as Anti-snoring Aid
- Essential oils have irritation or burning property when applied on the skin. To solve this, always use carrier oil before applying to the skin
- People with underlying problems like asthma may react to breathing fumes of essential oils
- Accidental ingestion of essential oils can be dangerous and potentially fatal
- Some essential oils can be aggressive to pets always research oils that are safe to use around a pet.
- For children under the age of 12, pregnant women, and people with an underlying respiratory infection like asthma, or pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure should console with the doctor before using any essential oils.
- In case your spouse or anybody near you has an allergy to a specific essential oil, a person may develop asthma symptoms. In 2011, research published an allergy case study in which a person developed asthma symptoms after exposure to peppermint.
What about oils from a nut and People with allergies
There are nearly 100 varieties of essential oils, and most of them do not contain allergens.
However, a 2012 review of case studies show that oil from nuts may cause allergic reactions.
When allergies manifest as skin irritations, you can resort to carrier oils. Remember, if you’re allergic to nuts, don’t go for carriers derived from tree nuts such as almond and argan oil.
What’s the takeaway?
Apart from their anti-snoring advantage, essential oils have a variety of health benefits. They boost immunity, relax the body and mind, improve digestion, and expel phlegm. Their capacity to tone the respiratory system is what makes them ideal for people who snore.
However, as with any other self-directed healing answer, remember that our bodies react differently to certain substances and different people have different tastes. A given choice of oil might work well on your Snoring problem but put you entirely off with its scent. That is why it is advisable to identify an essential oil that works, and then find the best way to apply it so as to deliver the sound and perfectly scented sleep you deserve.
