Essential oils for snoring

Snoring occurs when the tissue and muscles of the throat, mouth and tongue relax during sleep.  This causes a vibrating noise when the person breathes.  This can be annoying for the snorer and for the people around them.  There are many different snoring treatments available.  In this article, we specifically examine eight essential oils for snoring.  Essential oils can be used to treat snoring on their own or you could use them in conjunction with your usual anti-snoring device.

Snoring is common, but if you think it is an issue for you, please see your Doctor to check there is no underlying health issue causing your snoring.

Using essential oils for snoring

Essential oils are highly concentrated organic compounds extracted from a plant’s leaves, flowers, roots, seeds, stems, wood, fruit or bark.  They have been used for health and beauty purposes for thousands of years across many cultures.

They are generally considered to be safe, but as with all health products, precautions need to be taken.  Most of the oils discussed below are intended to be used in an oil diffuser, which is fantastic because you can put it on in your room at night and allow the steam and oils to open up your airways while you sleep.  You can use a mixture of the below essential oils in your diffuser to create a delicious smelling anti-snoring aroma.  Put your diffuser on about half an hour before bed to ensure the scent fills the room.

Some of the oils listed can be applied topically.  Always use a carrier oils to dilute the essential oil when putting it on your skin.  Popular carrier oils include coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil and almond oil.

Many essential oils have not been tested properly on pregnant women, so if you are expecting, please do not try these oils without talking to your doctor.  Similarly, if you have a serious illness or are taking medication, please check with your doctor before using essential oils.

Thyme essential oil for snoring

Thyme oil is arguably the best essential oil for snoring.  Thyme is great for improving respiratory health and also soothes the nervous system.  This leads to improved breathing and better sleep.  Thyme also supports the immune system, so it is often used to help alleviate the symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis and, of course, snoring.

The scent is fresh and herbaceous and can be enjoyed in a diffuser in the bedroom.

Thyme oil can also be massaged into the foot when mixed with a carrier oil.  Reflexologists suggest focusing on the bottom of the big toe because this area relates to the throat.

Eucalyptus essential oil for snoring

Eucalyptus oil is a well-known treatment for cold and flu symptoms.  Eucalyptus is a natural decongestant and can open your airway and nasal passages so you can breathe more easily.  For this same reason, it is also a top snoring remedy.

Eucalyptus oil has a strong woody, earthy aroma which will complement some of the other oils mentioned (such as thyme, lavender, lemon, and pine) in your diffuser.

Peppermint essential oil for snoring

Peppermint oil is another natural decongestant.  Peppermint can help people to breathe, which is why it is often used to treat asthma and sinusitis and is also a popular snoring remedy.  The active ingredient in peppermint oil, menthol, has anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can also assist with headaches and muscle pain.

The intensely cool scent of peppermint is popular in essential oil blends, and a few drops in the diffuser will give your bedroom a refreshing boost.  Because peppermint has some energising properties, combine it with a more relaxing oil (such as lavender) to ensure a good night’s sleep.

Marjoram essential oil for snoring

Marjoram oil is another essential oil that will open your airways and improve breathing, helping to relieve respiratory congestion, asthma, and bronchitis.  This makes it another terrific essential oil for snoring.  It’s also a warm, calming herb used to relieve anxiety and stress, which makes it a popular essential oil for sleep.

Closely related to oregano, marjoram has a woodsy, floral aroma which is quite pleasant.  Try popping it in a diffuser at night with lavender and/or lemon.

Lavender essential oil for snoring

Lavender oil is known for its calming and relaxing properties.  It is the most popular essential oil in sleep remedies due to its mild sedative properties.  It is also effective at treating cold and flu symptoms, which is why we have included it on this list.

Lavender oil has an earthy floral scent that people seem to love or hate.  If you are a hater, don’t bother with this one.  If you or your partner appreciates the soothing aroma, then it’s a great oil to balance the other herby anti snoring oils.

Lemon essential oil for snoring

Lemon oil is made from the lemon rind and has that pungent rind smell.  Lemon oil can be used to treat cold and flu symptoms and to boost your immune system.  Some experts theorise that lemon oil could assist snoring because of its ability to promote contraction of the skin and tissues (including those in the mouth and throat).

Lemon is another oil with energising properties, so when used for snoring should be blended with a calming oil (lavender is a good option).  Lemon also blends well with peppermint and eucalyptus oils in a diffuser.

Sage essential oil for snoring

Sage comes in a range of different varieties, so make sure you check what sort of sage essential oil you are purchasing.  For this purpose, we recommend clary sage.  Clary sage oil is often used to treat respiratory problems or asthma because it thins mucus and reduces congestion.

The fresh herbaceous scent of sage oil combines well with lemon, lavender or pine oils.

Pine essential oil for snoring

Pine oil has antiseptic properties and is thought to open up the vessels in the respiratory system, making it another candidate for reducing snoring.  This oil is often used to treat bronchitis, sinusitis and colds.

Pine oil blends particularly well with eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, and marjoram in a diffuser.

Please note:  This article is not to be used as medical advice.  Please consult a medical professional before using any sleep treatments. This post may contain affiliate links.