Herbal Remedies That Can Help Fight Snoring

Snoring can be a minor nuisance, or a major one, although not usually for the snorer. Snoring is caused by the narrowing of the airway during sleep and there are many factors that can lead to this. Some causes of snoring include:

• Anatomy of your mouth and face.
• Congestion due to cold, allergies or other illness.
• Weight.
• Sleep apnea: Obstructive Sleep Apnea leads to constriction of throat tissues, blocking the airway. OSA is a serious condition.
• Alcohol consumption.
• Nasal problems, such as a deviated septum.
• Sleep position: Most people find snoring is worse when lying on their back.

Depending on the specific cause of snoring, there are measures you can take to decrease it, such as sleeping on your side, or avoiding alcohol. However, sometimes there are many factors contributing, and in the case of anatomy or nasal issues, snoring can seem unavoidable.

If snoring is a persistent issue, why not look to herbal remedies? Often herbal remedies work just as well as pharmaceuticals, with the added benefits of being safer and all natural. Here are some remedies to try, in order to fight snoring.

Mint

Not only can mint aid in stopping snoring, it also smells great! Both peppermint and spearmint are mentholated, and can help open up your airways and decrease snoring. You can chew peppermint and spearmint directly, but that can be too powerful for many. Both can be brewed in tea, or simply added to water before bed.

Sage

Sage aids in digestion, which can lead to a better sleep and less snoring. It has the added benefits of being calming and stress relieving. It’s delicious added to food, but more effective when burned. You can purchase sage sticks which can be safely burned before bedtime, creating a healthy and relaxing environment.

Spices

Spicy foods are known to open up our airways. Eating a hot spice such as cayenne pepper before bed can help open up your nasal passages, letting you breathe better and snore less. Cayenne pepper and other spices should, however, be avoided if you suffer from heartburn and indigestion.

While herbal remedies can be helpful in cases of mild snoring, medical help should be sought if you suspect you’re suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This is often characterized by periods of heavy snoring, followed by periods of decreased breathing or no breathing at all. There are many ways to treat sleep apnea, from dental mouthpieces, to surgery. If you suffer from sleep apnea, contact Dr. Silberman today to discuss treatment options.