Essential oils are all the rage right now, especially among those who want to live a more ‘natural’ lifestyle. There are some oils that are particularly good for clearing the airways and easing congestions
And truth be told, there are a lot of fascinating essential oils out there that offer all kinds of helpful benefits!
But are there really any quality essential oils for snoring… or is that mostly a wives tale?
Well, as it turns out, there are quite a few essential oils that will work for snoring.
Some of them may work better than others… but for the most part, they all have at least something to offer.
So let’s break down some of the most talked about essential oils for snoring, starting with one that a lot of people probably recognize.
Recommended Article: We rate the best anti snoring mouthpieces and name the number 1 brand for 2021.
What Will I Learn?
First, A Quick Note On Safety
Keep in mind that every essential oil is different. And unless doing so is specifically stated by a trustworthy source to be safe, never ingest essential oils!
Many of them can be diffused, turned into compresses, or dripped into a hot bath… but taking an essential oil internally can definitely be dangerous!
So do your research, and always make sure that you are putting safety first before using any product… including essential oils.
With that being said, let’s move on to talk about some of the most talked about essential oils for snoring.
Thyme
This small herb grows small leaves on thin stems. It is used in a lot of different dishes as a seasoning, but it is also known for having a wide range of medicinal uses.
The active compound in Thyme is called thymol. It can be used not only as a sanitizing agent, but also for aromatherapy… where it is well-known for providing relief for respiratory ailments.
Thyme oil can be toxic in high concentrations. So it should always be diluted before being used. It should also not be ingested. But it can be used as a compress to help clear up snoring and other respiratory problems.
Peppermint
Peppermint oil has been used medicinally for thousands of years. It is even mentioned in the ancient records from Rome, Greece, and Egypt.
It is used to treat IBS and other digestive problems… though it can also be used to treat the common cold, and can even be helpful for tension headaches.
There is surprisingly little scientific evidence supporting peppermint as a snoring treatment… but people who are knowledgeable about it swear by its effectiveness, especially when used in conjunction with other essential oils.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus comes from a tree that is native to Australia.
It is used to treat asthma and nasal congestion, and can even be used as a tick repellent!
It should be noted that, at its full strength, Eucalyptus oil should not be ingested!
To use it to treat snoring, you can mix a teaspoon of it into boiling water and inhale the steam, or rub some onto the chest and around the nose.
Cypress
Studies have proven that Cypress oil is not only antimicrobial, but that it is also antibacterial and antifungal. It is primarily used to treat coughing, hemorrhoids, warts, cuts, infections, and acne.
To use it correctly, it is recommended that you mix it with another type of oil… usually jojoba or coconut oil… and then apply it to the skin.
You can also use it in a diffuser, or add a few drops to your bathwater.
If you take a bath right before bed, add a few drops to help soothe your nasal passages. Or, set a diffuser up by your bed and diffuse Cypress to help stop your snoring problems.
Fennel
Fennel is a pleasant-smelling perennial herb with beautiful yellow flowers. It first came from the Mediterranean, but can now be found literally all over the world.
It is most commonly used to treat digestive problems, heartburn, and skin problems… but it can also be used for snoring. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it can be used to help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages… and thus, help to prevent and treat snoring and other related nasal issues. It may also be useful for for those suffering from sleep apnea.
Lavender
Lavender is perhaps one of the most well-known essential oils, and for good reason. Its home is northern Africa, though it also lives in the mountains of the Mediterranean.
Lavender oil is quite toxic when swallowed, so it cannot be ingested. But it can be used to treat a number of illnesses and conditions when used correctly. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is antiseptic. It is used to treat anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, depression, upset stomach, fungal infections, and wounds.
But it can also be used to treat snoring, especially when combined with other essential oils to create a mixture that can be diffused.
Lemon
Lemon essential oil, contrary to what many people believe, is actually extracted from the peels of lemons… not the lemons themselves.
It can be applied to the skin or diffused in the air. It is used to treat a variety of different ailments, including exhaustion, viruses, bacteria, inflammation, and depression.
If you are congested or have a cold, Lemon oil can actually do a lot to help clear it up. Set it up in a diffuser and inhale it to help relax the muscles of the throat. It is known to carry the antioxidant properties of vitamin C as well, which will also help to clear up a sore throat or stuffy nose.
Lemon is another essential oil that cannot be ingested!
Marjoram
Marjoram holds a rather interesting place in Greek mythology. As legend has it, Aphrodite, the goddess of love, grew the plant… saying that the smell was a sign of impending good luck.
The Greeks even believed that if Marjoram was found growing on a grave, it was a sign that the deceased had ‘found happiness’ on the other side!
You can make tea from the plant and use it to treat a runny nose, cold, or cough. It can also be used to treat other conditions… such as gall bladder issues, stomach cramps, nerve pain, depression, and migraines.
According to research, taking 2 drops of Marjoram oil daily along with an asthma medication can improve lung function after just 3 months!
Myrrh
Myrrh oil comes from a sap-like resin, which comes from a thorny tree known as Commiphora Myrrha. It is most commonly used to relieve colds, coughts, bronchitis, and congestion, and works quite well to get rid of phlegm.
It is also known to lift negative moods when inhaled, and induce a feeling of ‘spiritual awakening.’
For best results, use as an aromatherapy ingredient just before you go to bed. It can help to decongest the nasal passages, leaving you sleeping better and snoring less!
Pine
Pine essential oil is actually created from the needles. It is most commonly used in aromatherapy to help create an uplifted mood and relieve stress, though it can also be used to soothe itchiness, inflammation, sinusitis, and asthma.
It is actually really good for breathing ailments, including coughs and colds.
For this reason, and because it has anti-inflammatory properties, it is super-useful for helping to treat snoring.
For best results, use in aromatherapy treatments or in a diffuser right before bed to help soothe the sinuses.
Rosemary
Rosemary gets its name from the latin term ‘Dew of the Sea.’ It is also related to the herbs Lavender, Sage, Basil, and Myrtle.
Rosemary is one of the most powerful essential oils, because it contains a number of very strong ingredients. These include α -Pinene, Camphor, 1,8-Cineol, Camphene, Limonene, and Linalool.
It is literally packed with natural healing abilities. It is…
- An anti-inflammatory
- Antiseptic
- An expectorant
- A bronchodilator
- A cough suppressant
- A decongestant
- Antimicrobial
- An Analgesic
And many more!
It is best used in aromatherapy. If used this way, it can be used to support and treat respiratory function.
Spearmint
This herb derives its name from its unique spear-shaped leaves. It can be brewed into a tea, is tasty, and is also super good for you!
It is most commonly used to treat digestive troubles. It is high in antioxidants, can be used to treat hormone imbalances, and may also reduce facial hair in women.
Spearmint also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. This is why it is commonly used in toothpaste, though this also means that it can fight bacteria.
When it comes to snoring, Spearmint helps by reducing excess acid in the stomach. You can drink it as a tea before bed to help calm the stomach and nerves… and in turn, the airway passages!
Yarrow
Yarrow gets its name from an old English word that literally means ‘healer.’ In ancient China, Yarrow was considered sacred… and was thought to bring about the meeting of heaven and earth.
It is commonly used for treating acne, severe rashes, scars, wounds, oily skin, sinus congestion, constipation, indigestion, and many other ailments.
One common snoring and congestion remedy is to combine 5 drops of Yarrow with equal amounts of Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Thyme to a base of olive oil to create a chest rub. Massage this onto the chest before bed to help relieve nasal congestion and soothe the airway.
Cedarwood
Cedarwood essential oil is used in a variety of different aromatherapy applications. It helps to soothe irritation, has anti-inflammatory properties, helps to minimize itchiness, and also guards against toxins and pollutants.
When it comes to snoring, the most beneficial property of Cedarwood is its ability to reduce inflammation.
It can, for example, be used to soothe coughs and the airway passages, to reduce the buildup of phlegm, and to relieve congestion.
For best results, add a few drops to a diffuser. Deeply inhaling the oil from a diffuser can really help to clear out the sinuses before bed.
For even better results, combine it with other oils. Lavender, Frankincense, Lemon, Cypress, Jasmine, or even Rosemary are excellent choices to mix with Cedarwood.
Clove
Clove oil comes from the clove tree, also known as Syzygium Aromaticum. It is produced through the distillation of the dried flower buds, though it can also sometimes come from the leaves and stems.
Clove oil has many benefits. It is antimicrobial, a pain reliever, helps to relieve an upset digestive system, and also works to help alleviate problems with asthma and coughing.
It helps to treat snoring by treating the airways and eliminating congestion.
For best results, use a diffuser and spread the aroma of the Clove oil throughout the room.
Sage
Sage is used in many different cooking dishes… though its roots go much deeper. During the middle ages, it earned the nickname ‘Sage the Savior’ for its many varied medicinal benefits.
Sage has antibacterial properties, is antifungal, and helps to eliminate inflammation.
But it can also be used effectively to treat snoring!
The anti-inflammatory properties of sage can help to reduce swelling in the throat. Sage tea can be gargled for this purpose. Or, you can drink a tea made with sage leaves and honey.
Citronella
This interesting essential oil is best known for being an insect repellent. But it can also be used to treat flu symptoms, infections, fatigue, and headaches.
In addition to these, it can also be used as a soothing and calming agent.
For best results, diffuse citronella to spread the scent throughout the room. You can also, however, create a massage oil out of it by combining it with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba. It is recommended that you use no more than 15 drops of oil per every ounce of carrier oil. This will give you a 2.5 percent dilution.
Valerian
Valerian is actually very commonly used for sleep disorders. It is especially useful for insomnia… though it is also used to help treat anxiety, restlessness, depression, and stress.
Because some people are not too keen on the smell of Valerian oil, it is sometimes mixed with oils like Lavender, Vetiver, or Sweet Orange.
It helps to treat snoring by getting rid of tension and restlessness.
What Are the Best Essential Oils for Snoring?
Obviously, there are quite a few different oils that can be used to help treat snoring problems.
But as for which one is best… it seems to be a toss-up between Thyme, Marjoram, and Eucalyptus.
All three of these oils deliver incredible benefits when used correctly.
You could even mix different oils together to create a special blend. A bit of trial and error does wonders to figure out exactly which oils will tend to help you the most.
FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get at Dawn Study on the topic of essential oils for snoring.
Any essential oils with anti-inflammatory benefits could potentially help with sleep apnea. But don’t forget… OSA is actually a very dangerous sleeping disorder!
If you are concerned that you might be suffering from it, you should always check in with your doctor and mention it to them!
There are many different ways to help stop your snoring problem. Losing weight, avoiding alcohol, and quitting cigarettes can do a world of good.
Of course, you can also use essential oils and other natural remedies as well!
For best results, consult this list (or another list you can trust online) to find the most likely oils that may help you.
You can then either order the oils and have them delivered to you, or stop by your local health food store to pick some up.
At any rate, always make sure you research how to use them properly!
There is a very good chance that, with the right oil, you can actually really help to minimize the negative downsides of snoring, and start sleeping better and more peacefully!
In Conclusion
Here at Dawn Study, we strive to deliver information that is not only complete… but that is also researched, factual, and helpful.
Hopefully, this post has helped you to understand which essential oils can be used for snoring, how well they work, and what about each one in-particular makes them useful.
Of course, further study is always needed. Before ever using an essential oil, make sure to research how to do so safely… and remember to never ingest an oil unless you can be 100% sure that it is actually safe to do so.
The only way to know this for sure is to do thorough research, and seek to understand as much about your chosen oils as possible before giving them a try.
The good news is that you can actually find some fantastic essential oils for snoring, and some of them tend to work really, really well!
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