Many people prefer not to have invasive surgery or to purchase over the counter aids to stop snoring. They would like to know how to stop snoring naturally to avoid clumsy or expensive devices and painful procedures. There are herbs and exercises to stop snoring. If herbs are chosen, they should harmonize with any other medication the person is taking because they can interfere with its effectiveness.
Herbal Remedies to Stop Snoring Naturally
Any remedy for snoring must treat the cause of the snoring in order to stop it. Herbal remedies generally treat nasal congestion. Eucalyptus or peppermint oil drops in a vaporizer or humidifier in the bedroom while sleeping will open the airways in the nose and throat and is how to stop snoring naturally due to congestion from a cold or allergies. Marjoram oil may also open air passages. A jar of marjoram oil can be left open in the bedroom from one hour before bedtime. A ginger-based tea with added honey taken just before bedtime will coat the throat and act as a decongestant.
There are also herbal pills that are made from natural enzymes and herbs that reduce nasal congestion. Many contain Echinacea and Fenugreek which are blended with the enzymes. One pill should be taken a half an hour before bedtime to open the nasal passages. There are also herbal nasal sprays that are made with the same ingredients and have the same effect. A saline solution can also be used as a nasal spray to open the nasal passages. It should be made with one cup of sterile water, one teaspoon of sea salt and one teaspoon of baking soda. They can be mixed and put in a small spray bottle such as a baby nasal bulb.
Exercises to Stop Snoring
Throat exercises that strengthen the soft palate can be very effective against snoring. They are the most cost-effective remedy for many causes of snoring. Stop snoring exercises should be done 30 minutes a day. Research has shown that certain vowel sounds and curling the tongue in a particular way strengthens the muscles in the upper respiratory tract.
A few of the stop snoring exercises are:
• Close the mouth and purse the lips for 30 seconds at a time
• For three minutes several times a day repeat the vowel sounds out loud
• After placing the tongue behind the front teeth, slide it backwards and repeat for three minutes a day
• With an open mouth, move the jaw to the right for 30 seconds then to the left for 30 seconds
Singing and playing the didgeridoo are also good stop snoring exercises. They will strengthen the muscle in the throat and soft palate and eventually reduce snoring.
Herbs and exercises to stop snoring can be very effective for some people, but if the problem is obstructive sleep apnea, a doctor should be consulted.