Can essential oils decrease snoring? – Health

ISLAMABAD, (Online) – Essential oils have been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments. They’re made by extracting natural chemicals from certain plants. These chemicals give plants their odors and flavors, so extracting them is like capturing the essence of the plant.

True essential oils are extracted naturally, either by steaming or crushing various parts of the plant. Essential oils are often made from tree bark, roots, flowers, leaves, and herbs.

Aromatherapy uses essential oils to improve your physical, mental, or spiritual health. In aromatherapy, essential oils are typically inhaled or diluted and applied to the skin. Do not swallow essential oils.

Clinical trialsTrusted Source have shown that essential oils can reduce nausea and anxiety in people with cancer. Other studiesTrusted Source have pointed to the antibacterial effects of topically applied essential oils.

Although science doesn’t currently have the evidence to support it, many people have long sworn by the effects of essential oils for snoring.

About 45 percent of adults snore at least occasionally and 25 percent snore habitually. Snoring can be more than an inconvenience. Snoring can lead to insomnia and issues with a sleeping partner. It can also be an indicator of a serious condition called sleep apnea.

The data on using essential oils for snoring is limited. A preliminary clinical trial sponsored by the makers of one essential oil throat spray showed that their particular blend of essential oils can effectively reduce snoring in some people. However, it’s not clear why or how these oils work to reduce snoring.

Essential oils for snoring

Many essential oils are touted for treating snoring and improving sleep.

Buy essential oils for snoring online.

Thyme

According to experts in the field of aromatherapy massage, rubbing a bit of thyme oil on your feet at night can reduce snoring.

Peppermint

Peppermint oil has purifying effects that help clear the sinuses and make it easier to breath. If your snoring gets worse when you’re stuffed up, inhaling peppermint oil may help.

Eucalyptus

Early research shows that eucalyptus can help break up the mucus in your respiratory system, including your sinuses and the back of your throat.

People use eucalyptus oil to relieve the symptoms of asthma and bronchitis.

Cedarwood

Cedarwood has a woody smell that can help reduce anxiety and relax muscles. It may help you enter a state of relaxation helpful to sleep.

Lemon

The fresh citrus scent of lemon oil has been shownTrusted Source to improve mood. It may help by reducing anxiety and promoting feelings of well-being.

Clove

Clove is an herb with a variety of medicinal uses.

Clove oil is used to loosen phlegm in the chest. It may help break up phlegm that moves to the back of your throat when you lie down to sleep.

Pine

An essential oil derived from pine needles, pine oil has both antimicrobial and antioxidant propertiesTrusted Source.

Aromatherapy experts also use it to massage stressed muscles and sore joints. Massage therapy is an effective insomnia treatment.

Fennel

Fennel may have some anti-inflammatory properties. Some people can use it to reduce inflammation in their nose and throat and improve the flow of air through their nasal passageways.

Sage

Sage oils have long been used for their medicinal value. Sage oil may be effective against respiratory infections, such as the common cold. It might also help improve your circulation.

Citronella

Drinking alcohol is actually a common cause of snoring. Citronella oil has detoxifying properties that may help you urinate and sweat out toxins.

Lavender

Lavender is the most commonly used oil for the treatment of insomnia. It promotes relaxation and may trigger the release of melatonin, the sleep hormone.

It’s often helpful for the partners of people who snore, too.

Marjoram

Marjoram has expectorant properties that may help break up some of the mucus obstructing your breathing during the night.

Valerian

Valerian root has powerful sedative effects, so it’s commonly used in natural sleeping supplements.

Valerian oil may help promote a restful night’s sleep for you, with limited position changes, or serve as a sleep aid for your partner.

Essential oil throat spray for snoring

In preliminary trials from 2004, which haven’t been evaluated by the FDA, an essential oil throat spray called Helps Stop Snoring showed some positive results. This particular throat spray is a blend of many of the oils discussed in this article, including:

• peppermint

• lemon

• clove

• pine

• sage

• eucalyptus

• thyme

• lavender

• fennel

Essential oils for sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious condition in which your breathing constantly stops and starts while you’re sleeping. These episodes are typically so quick that you don’t notice them, although you may have as many as 30 per hour.

The most common type of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, happens when the muscles in your throat relax too much. When this happens, your airways narrow and you’re unable to get a good breath.

A less common type of sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, happens when your brain has trouble signaling your breathing muscles.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• loud snoring

• episodes of stopped breathing witnessed by your sleep partner

• suddenly waking up with gasping, snorting, or shortness of breath

• excessive sleepiness after a full night’s sleep

• trouble staying asleep

Sleep apnea is caused by physical obstructions in your airway or by neurological problems. Essential oils are unlikely to help improve these problems, however, lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or losing weight can make a big difference.

Quitting smoking can be very difficult. Visit a doctor to create a smoking cessation plan that’s right for you.

How to use essential oils to treat snoring

There are several ways to use essential oils for snoring:

• diffuse into the air and breath in

• add diluted oil to a hot bath

• add a few drops of oil to a cup of water and gargle for 30 to 60 seconds

• add essential oil to a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and massage into your skin

• add a few drops of diluted essential oil to the bottoms of your feet

Precautions

Essential oils should always be diluted in a carrier oil. The typical recipe is 4 to 6 drops per ounce of sweet almond, coconut, or another oil.

Always read the labels on essential oils and follow their directions. Keep essential oils away from your eyes.

Some essential oils are toxic. Never swallow them.

If you’re on medications or have preexisting conditions, talk to your doctor before using essential oils in any way.

When to see a doctor

If you believe that you or your partner has sleep apnea, make an appointment with a doctor. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.

If your snoring has become severe and is interfering with your life, go to a doctor. They can run diagnostic tests to help determine what’s causing your problems.

These tests may include:

• An X-ray. In an X-ray, your doctor will look at the structure of your airway.

• An inpatient sleep study. In this type of sleep study, you’ll be hooked up to equipment to monitor your breathing while you sleep. This is known as a polysomnography.

• A home sleep study. You can also do a sleep study at home. Your doctor will give you equipment to monitor oxygen levels and other vitals while you sleep.