One of the reasons people snore is because they are congested. Allergies, colds, smoking, anything that irritates or inflames the airways can contribute to snoring. A natural remedy that can combat snoring is honey. Honey is good for reducing inflammation and congestion in the body. Add honey to your favorite tea or mix it with lemon juice and sip it throughout the day to relieve nasal congestion that can cause snoring. The lemon juice and honey mixture contains antibacterial properties to help clear congestion.
Gargling with cayenne pepper is also helpful in clearing congestion. Take a teaspoon of cayenne pepper and place it in a glass of water. If you gargle with this mixture you should feel the heat in your throat. Pepper helps clear congestion by drawing blood to the throat.
Nasal congestion can also be relieved by using a humidifier or by increasing the humidity in the air. A humidifier can be purchased for as little as $20 and there are several types that can add cool or warm moisture to the air. The nasal passages can become inflamed when the air is too dry. The added moisture in the air helps them shrink, thus giving relief to the victim. You can also create your own humidifier using a pot and a towel. Put water in a pot and let it boil. When it starts to boil, turn off the heat, place your face over the pot and inhale the steam. Putting a towel over your head traps the steam and gives you more steam to breathe. This will help relieve your stuffy sinuses and you don’t have to spend any money.
Essential oils can also be used to help with congestion. Essential oils come in many different varieties, but basil, eucalyptus, and peppermint are commonly suggested to help clear clogged sinuses. Applying basil oil to the chest 2-3 times a day will relieve sinus congestion. Alternatively, one can simply inhale the scent without placing it on the body and get the same results. Eucalyptus oil can be rubbed on the chest and under the nose to help clear the sinuses. It can also be added to hot water and inhaled using your home humidifier. Peppermint oil can also be used by placing a few drops under the nose or adding a few drops to a humidifier.
Lemon balm, basil, and peppermint are herbs that can be used to combat congestion. Lemon balm leaves can be placed in a glass of warm water and used as a gargle. This herb has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Drinking the juice of the boiled leaves gives even better results. Basil leaves can be boiled in water and this tonic can be consumed several times a day. Basil has antiseptic properties. Finally, mint leaves have anti-inflammatory properties and can be boiled in water, like the others, and consumed as a tea.
Apple cider vinegar is touted as a cure for many things and can also help with a stuffy nose. Two teaspoons diluted in 8 ounces of water can provide immediate relief from sinus problems. It can also be drunk neat, but apple cider vinegar has a very strong taste and is known to ruin tooth enamel if taken alone for a long period of time.