DIY Anti-Snoring Shot
An occasional snuffle and raspy breathing while sleeping is not generally concerning. It happens to every one of us at times. However, when snoring is persistent, it might be a red flag that can point to a health issue.
Snoring may increase daytime sleepiness by disturbing the sleep process. Imagine how it also disrupts the sleep of people sleeping next to you.
Fortunately, doctors are there to help rectify the issue. Many anti-snore products like patches, nasal strips and mouthpieces are also becoming widely available. Herbal supplements are also there to manage this socially awkward sleeping problem.
What Causes Snoring?
More often, snoring is associated with a condition called sleep apnea. It is a sleep disorder where breathing stops and starts.
Snoring is also experienced in obesity, nasal obstruction and pregnancy. Consuming alcohol before sleeping also increases the risk of snoring as the throat muscle relaxes.
If you have a cold or allergy, the obstruction of the airways may cause temporary snoring. People with deviated septum are also prone to snoring in their sleep.
Snoring is more prevalent in men. Those with a family history of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are risk factors.
If you are sleep-deprived, you may snore in your sleep. Chronic sleep deprivation can further increase the episodes of snoring if not treated. There’s a powerful remedy I used and I will tell you about later in this article.
What Can Prevent Snoring?
An otolaryngologist or ENT doctor may be able to diagnose the causes and provide medication for snoring. A pulmonologist may also be able to treat it if snoring is caused by a respiratory issue.
After diagnosing the causes, some treatments may include:
CPAP Machine
A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine is used for individuals with sleep apnea. The machine will supply the needed oxygen and help stabilize the breathing.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes greatly improve snoring problems not caused by underlying health issues.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, snoring is best managed by:
- Avoid alcohol especially close to bedtime.
- Quitting smoke to avoid respiratory problems like upper airway irritation and swelling.
- Losing weight to manage obesity.
- Reducing dust mites and pet dander in the home.
Proper Sleep Position
Sleeping on the back may cause snoring because the position narrows down the airway. It is recommended to sleep on your side by pressing a pillow on your side to help you stay that way through the night.
Sleeping on your stomach also prevents the soft palate from collapsing on the back of the throat, producing a vibrating sound.
⇒ What Happens When You Sleep On The Left Side? (Video)
Good Sleep Habit
Strive to achieve the required number of sleep hours to prevent sleep deprivation and improve sleep quality. Chronic sleep disorders are best managed by prescription medicines that should only come from qualified health professionals.
I used to stay in bed from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. without being able to sleep. Turning around and not finding my spot. My back started to hurt before I could fall asleep. And when pain started, it was a certainty I will not get more than a few hours of sleep.
Without a herbal sleep aid, I wouldn’t have kept my brain sharp. My mood would swing during the next day. My spouse would have to sleep in another room, and that left me empty on the inside.
A mix of the most powerful sedatives found in nature such as Valerian, Hops, Chamomile, and Passionflower can actually do the job and help you sleep within minutes. Here’s where I got mine from.
Surgery
A surgical procedure may be done to reconstruct and stabilize the throat structure if snoring is caused by its anatomical position.
Surgery is also advised in people with nasal obstructions to help increase the air intake to the nose.
Some elective surgical procedures like nerve implants and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) may treat snoring caused by sleep apnea.
Herbal Remedies for Snoring
Treating mild snoring problems at home is possible through lifestyle changes and using medicinal herbs.
Although herbal remedies are mostly supported by anecdotal evidence, their uses can be traced back to the ancient civilization. Herbal teas and essential oils are the most basic remedies for snoring and sleep problems.
Thyme
Thyme tea and thyme oil are both effective to use against snoring. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) can help with nasal congestion and irritation caused by common colds and allergies. It has a purifying quality that may improve respiratory wellness to alleviate snoring.
Peppermint
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) contains menthol as its active ingredient. When taken internally, it loosens congestion and soothes the throat to open up the airways. Peppermint oil is also best when inhaled or used in a diffuser.
Often, snoring is simply a result of congested airways. My husband pointed out that I tend to snore more during colder weather. At first, I couldn’t understand why, but then it clicked—it’s not the cold itself causing it, but rather the body’s response to it: increased mucus production and inflamed airways.
Now, winter is coming, so I’m stockpiling the best herbal aid during the cold and flu season. It’s made by one of America’s Top Herbalists, and its potency is confirmed by the many reviews left on her own website:
Spearmint
Spearmint (Mentha arvensis) has a similar anti-snore property as the peppermint. However, spearmint contains a lower amount of menthol with a vaguely sweet flavor. If you want a subtle mint tea that is not too pungent, spearmint is an excellent option.
Sage
Sage (Salvia officinalis) encourages better sleep by facilitating proper digestion. Sleeping while your stomach is still active increases the risk of snoring. Sage tea speeds up digestion, calms the body and relieves stress to help with sleep.
Chamomile
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is the best herb to take for chronic sleep problems. It is a very powerful sedative that improves sleep quality and manages sleep apnea. Chamomile is also a great respiratory and digestive aid.
I’d mention here the other potent herbs that help you fall asleep and actually help you get the rest you need to help your body regenerate – Valerian, Hops and Passionflower. You can find them all in the Sleep Blend Tincture.
Black Cumin
Black cumin (Nigella sativa) is not widely known in sleep and anti-snore products. However, a randomized trial reported significant data on black cumin in improving non-restorative sleep. By treating sleep deprivation, black cumin extract may also reduce the risk of snoring.
Olive Oil
Applying olive oil to the nostril before sleeping lubricates the nasal passage. It may reduce inflammation to lessen throat vibrations.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenumgraecum) are one of the best anti-snore remedies. It is effective against allergies and stomach acid that may contribute to snoring, sleep apnea, and other sleep-related problems.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal (Hydrastis candensis) is often sold as a liquid or powder food supplement for treating chest and nasal congestion. It is also effective against hay fever and digestive problems and may aid in reducing snoring.
Ginger
Ginger tea is a pantry staple you can easily reach to alleviate snoring. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) can reduce inflammation, treat congestion and cure digestive problems.
Simple Anti-Snore Shot Before Bedtime
Give yourself and the people sleeping within earshot the much-needed rest with this simple two-ingredient recipe. It needs peppermint and chamomile which will help ease congestion, reduce inflammation and promote better sleep.
If you have a cold, and wake up to raspy breathing, take a shot of this herbal remedy to sleep well into the night.
Ingredient
- 1 tsp dried peppermint leaves, shredded
- 1 tsp dried chamomile flowers
- 1 cup boiling water
- Bronchial Blend Tincture (20 drops)
- Honey, optional
Steps
- Pack the peppermint and chamomile in a tea bag or tea ball infuser.
- Place it in a cup and pour boiling water over it.
- Let steep for at least 5 to 8 minutes and add the tincture drops.
- Remove the infuser or tea bag and sweeten it with honey, if you want.
To Use: Take a cup of this anti-snore herbal shot before bedtime to decrease snoring. You may also use fresh leaves and flowers if desired. Fresh peppermint leaves (or spearmint) can be chewed directly but many people prefer it as a tea.
Peppermint and chamomile tea are likely safe for consumption. However, avoid chamomile if you are allergic to plants in the ragweed family.
Allergies, lung inflammation, COPD symptoms, and other respiratory issues are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to underlying health problems. It’s crucial to ensure there’s nothing deeper beneath these conditions that could significantly impact your quality of life.
It’s important to approach the problem from multiple angles: understanding the right diet to reduce respiratory inflammation, managing allergies and avoiding triggers, using herbal remedies to alleviate symptoms, incorporating the right vitamins and supplements, exploring essential oil steam treatments, and even practicing exercises to help clear your airways.
You can find all this essential information in one of the most thorough wellness guides available: The Holistic Guide to Wellness: Herbal Protocols for Common Ailments. It covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Pain Management
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Anxiety and Stress
- Digestive Issues
- Adrenal Fatigue
- Parasites
- Brain Health
- Hair Loss
… and many other effective protocols. Explore all the protocols here!
I was wondering when you’d post this! I took that sleep tincture before, and it knocked me out into such a deep, restful sleep that I didn’t even snore. My wife noticed, and let me tell you—happy wife, happy life!