Snoring: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Snoring is a loud, raspy breathing sound that occurs when the flow of air through the upper airways is partially blocked, typically due to the relaxation of the throat muscles during sleep.

This condition can be caused by factors such as obesity, nasal congestion, allergies, or anatomical abnormalities in the nasal passages or throat. Chronic snoring can lead to sleep deprivation and negatively impact cardiovascular health, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Fortunately, herbal remedies like thyme, eucalyptus, and peppermint can help alleviate snoring by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as some may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of snoring, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of snoring?

The main causes of snoring are anatomical and physiological factors, including a narrow airway, elongated soft palate, and uvula, which can cause turbulence in airflow, resulting in the characteristic sound of snoring.

Other contributing factors include obesity, as excess weight can cause fat to accumulate in the throat, further narrowing the airway. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids can also obstruct airflow, while a deviated septum can cause nasal congestion and lead to mouth breathing, increasing the likelihood of snoring. Additionally, sleep position, such as sleeping on one's back, can cause the tongue and soft palate to relax and obstruct the airway.

Smoking and alcohol consumption can also exacerbate snoring by relaxing the muscles in the throat and reducing airflow.

• Obesity: Obesity is the most common cause of snoring due to excess body weight causing fat to accumulate in the throat, narrowing the airway and causing the tissues to vibrate during sleep.
• Sleep Position: Sleeping on one's back causes the tongue and soft palate to fall back and block the airway, leading to snoring.
• Nasal Congestion: Nasal congestion caused by allergies, colds, or sinus infections can cause mouth breathing, which leads to the tissues in the throat vibrating and producing snoring sounds.
• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a medical condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, which can cause the tissues in the throat to relax and vibrate during sleep, leading to snoring.
• Aging: Aging causes the muscles in the throat to weaken, which can lead to the tissues vibrating and producing snoring sounds during sleep.
• Genetics: Genetics can play a role in snoring as some people may be born with a narrower airway or other anatomical features that can cause snoring.
• Smoking: Smoking damages the tissues in the throat and causes inflammation, which can lead to snoring during sleep.
• Tongue Size: An unusually large tongue can fall back and block the airway, causing the tissues to vibrate and produce snoring sounds during sleep.
• Jaw Alignment: Misaligned jaws can cause the tongue and soft palate to fall back and block the airway, leading to snoring.
• Sleep Disorders: Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can cause the airway to collapse, leading to snoring and other breathing problems during sleep.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for snoring?

The main medicinal herbs used for snoring are Zingiber officinale, Valeriana officinalis, Eucalyptus globulus, Echinacea purpurea, Melissa officinalis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Lavandula angustifolia, Passiflora incarnata, Ginkgo biloba, Thymus serpyllum.

Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce swelling in the nasal passages and throat, thus reducing snoring. Valeriana officinalis, or valerian root, promotes relaxation and improves sleep quality, which can help alleviate snoring caused by sleep apnea. Eucalyptus globulus and Thymus serpyllum, both known for their decongestant properties, may help open up airways and reduce congestion that can lead to snoring.

Additionally, Echinacea purpurea, Melissa officinalis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Lavandula angustifolia, Passiflora incarnata, and Ginkgo biloba have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation, further reducing snoring.

• Zingiber officinale: The use of Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, may help alleviate snoring by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses, which can contribute to snoring.
• Valeriana officinalis: Valeriana officinalis, or valerian root, may help reduce snoring due to its sedative and relaxing properties, promoting a good night's sleep and reducing the likelihood of snoring.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus, or eucalyptus oil, has decongestant properties that may help relieve nasal congestion, which is a common cause of snoring, by loosening and thinning mucus in the airways.
• Echinacea purpurea: There is no direct evidence that Echinacea purpurea helps with snoring, but it is sometimes used to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation, which may indirectly contribute to overall health and potentially alleviate snoring.
• Melissa officinalis: Melissa officinalis, or lemon balm, has a calming effect and may help reduce stress and anxiety, which can contribute to snoring by promoting a restful sleep and reducing the likelihood of snoring.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, may help alleviate snoring due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can help reduce inflammation and promote relaxation in the airways.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia, or lavender, has a calming effect and may help reduce stress and anxiety, which can contribute to snoring by promoting a restful sleep and reducing the likelihood of snoring.
• Passiflora incarnata: Passiflora incarnata, or passionflower, has a sedative effect and may help reduce snoring by promoting a good night's sleep and reducing the likelihood of snoring.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba may help alleviate snoring due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and promote relaxation in the airways.
• Thymus serpyllum: Thymus serpyllum, or thyme, has antimicrobial properties and may help reduce snoring by alleviating respiratory infections, such as bronchitis, which can contribute to snoring.

What are the main herbal preparations used for snoring?

The main herbal preparations used for snoring are Tincture, Decoction, Lozenge, Capsule, Cream, Salve, Suppository, Gargle, Powder, Capsules.

Tincture of thyme and eucalyptus is used to reduce inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages and throat. Decoction of marshmallow root is used to soothe and protect the mucous membranes, reducing snoring caused by dryness. Lozenges containing eucalyptus and menthol are used to relieve congestion and calm the throat.

Capsules of passionflower are used to reduce stress and anxiety which can contribute to snoring.

• Tincture: A tincture prepared from the plant Passiflora incarnata may help with snoring by promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension in the throat, thereby reducing the likelihood of airway constriction.
• Decoction: A decoction made from the plant Thymus serpyllum may help with snoring by its expectorant properties, which help to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, reducing congestion and promoting easier breathing.
• Lozenge: A lozenge prepared from the plant Echinacea purpurea may help with snoring by its anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling in the throat and promote healing of the mucous membranes, thereby reducing the severity of snoring.
• Capsule: A capsule filled with the plant Valeriana officinalis may help with snoring by promoting relaxation and reducing stress, which can contribute to the development of snoring by promoting muscle tension in the throat.
• Cream: A cream prepared from the plant Calendula officinalis may help with snoring by its anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling in the throat and promote healing of the mucous membranes, thereby reducing the severity of snoring.
• Salve: A salve prepared from the plant Plantago lanceolata may help with snoring by its expectorant properties, which help to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, reducing congestion and promoting easier breathing.
• Suppository: A suppository prepared from the plant Aloe barbadensis may help with snoring by its anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling in the throat and promote healing of the mucous membranes, thereby reducing the severity of snoring.
• Gargle: A gargle solution prepared from the plant Mentha piperita may help with snoring by its anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling in the throat and promote healing of the mucous membranes, thereby reducing the severity of snoring.
• Powder: A powder prepared from the plant Eucalyptus globulus may help with snoring by its expectorant properties, which help to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, reducing congestion and promoting easier breathing.
• Capsules: Capsules filled with the plant Ginkgo biloba may help with snoring by improving blood flow to the nasal passages and sinuses, reducing inflammation and congestion, and promoting easier breathing.