Snoring can interfere with a good night’s sleep, either for you or the person who sleeps next to you. There are nights that snoring is so ferocious that it is impossible to drown out the noise. Since sleeping with noise canceling headphones isn’t the most comfortable, it’s time to find a better way to handle the problem. If you or someone you know has to deal with snoring, the essential oils in this article may come to your rescue. 

What Causes Snoring?

There are several factors that contribute to snoring. Alcohol consumption, body weight, allergies, general congestion, and the anatomy of the mouth can all cause snoring. After you fall asleep and transition from light sleep to deep sleep, the muscles in the roof of the mouth, tongue, and throat relax. The tissues in the throat relax enough to partially block the airway and vibrate. Airflow becomes more forceful the more narrow the airway is, increasing the tissue vibration that causes louder snoring. 

Because snoring has several different causes, different remedies may work to address specific causes. Essential oils can be a great way to naturally combat snoring, but they won’t always work to get rid of snoring. If snoring is caused by general congestion, colds, or allergies, essential oils are a great place to start. Use the following oils to help encourage healthier breathing and reduce or eliminate snoring. 

Thyme Essential Oil

Arguably one of the best essential oils for snoring, thyme essential oil works to improve respiratory health and soothe the nervous system. This combination may lead to better breathing and sleep. The scent is fresh, herbaceous, and helps to support immune function. If snoring is a result of asthma, bronchitis, or laryngitis symptoms, thyme essential oil is an excellent choice for your diffuser. 

Vetiver Essential Oil

A lot of sleep experts recommend people to use vetiver oil to reduce snoring. Vetiver essential oil works to improve breathing by allowing you to inhale and exhale more fully. Improving airflow is a great step towards reducing snoring. As a bonus, several studies show that vetiver essential oil may reduce anxiety and promote better sleep. 

Marjoram Essential Oil

The effectiveness of marjoram essential oil as a snoring remedy varies from person to person. This is because each person reacts to marjoram’s aroma, or any aroma for that matter, in a different way. A few studies of people who snored reported that participants stopped snoring on the first night using marjoram essential oil. Other snorers had to use it in a diffuser for six weeks to stop snoring. It works to open up the airway passages, which is why experts believe it helps you to not snore. 

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus is one of the best herbal decongestants in existence, helping to open your airways with its anti-inflammatory properties. Working to clear out mucus in the nose and respiratory tract, eucalyptus essential oil eases your ability to breathe freely. For the best results, eucalyptus essential oil is best taken via steam inhalation. It exhibits a strong, earthy, woody aroma that is quite wonderful.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Similar to eucalyptus essential oil, peppermint essential oil helps promote decongestion. By allowing you to breathe more easily, peppermint essential oil is great for relieving symptoms of sinusitis and asthma. This essential oil also happens to be a popular snoring remedy. The active ingredient, menthol, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that help clear up your airways. Peppermint has a cool refreshing aroma and combining it with lavender essential oil in a diffuser is a great way to promote relaxation and healthier sleep.

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Essential oils have been used by generations of people across many different cultures for natural treatment of ailments. Historians say that herbal remedies date back as far as the Paleolithic period, 60,000 years ago. Some cultures used essential oils for wound healing, while others used them to fight off infections like the common cold. 

Unlike pharmaceuticals, a single plant, herb, fruit, or vegetable exhibits a multitude of health properties. Lavender, for example, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-anxiety, and antidepressant properties. Like many natural remedies, essential oils have more anecdotal evidence than research-backed scientific evidence. Nevertheless, essential oils are very popular in the world of natural remedies and alternative medicine.

Many people incorporate essential oils into DIY health and beauty products, but inhaling their aroma via a diffuser may be great for relieving cough and cold symptoms. Next time you have a cough or experience congestion, consider experimenting with the following essential oils. There are even studies that support their abilities to relieve symptoms!

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Exhibiting a forest-like scent, eucalyptus essential oil has antiviral and antimicrobial properties. For anyone who has been in a eucalyptus-scented steam room, breathing the aroma works to relieve chest congestion and aid breathing. The menthol in eucalyptus helps to warm the nasal cavity while causing an immune response, a combination that helps accelerate recovery. One study found that the antimicrobial properties may fight off bacteria that cause cough or cold symptoms. 

Lavender Essential Oil

There are many studies surrounding lavender essential oil. It may help to lower stress levels, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, improve mood, and relieve a hacking cough. Due to the antimicrobial properties, lavender essential oil works to fight bacteria and viruses responsible for respiratory infections. It’s best to inhale the aroma through a diffuser, but you can also put some under your pillow at night, which may promote relaxation in the process. 

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary essential oil is great for boosting hair growth, but it is also known for its healing properties. Many aromatherapists use rosemary essential oil because it soothes the respiratory system by decreasing congestion and making it easier to breathe. Other studies confirm that rosemary essential oil works to break up mucus and reduce inflammation. Researchers attribute these abilities to the primary compound cineole, which is a natural monoterpene. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

According to a 2013 study, peppermint essential oil can be used to help relax the muscles of the windpipe, the bronchial muscles. Researchers believe this is why inhaling the oil’s aroma eases breathing in people with coughs. Peppermint essential oil also contains menthol, which provides a cooling sensation upon inhalation that can numb or soothe a sore throat. Menthol also works to fight off bacteria in the respiratory tract, while simultaneously opening the sinuses and reducing congestion. 

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is one of the most common essential oils in the world of natural beauty and alternative remedies. Several studies show that the anti-inflammatory properties may work well against cold-related symptoms, including sore throat and chest congestion. Inhaling tea tree oil’s aroma may protect against respiratory infections and seasonal allergies. One study found that tea tree oil exhibits antiviral properties, which may work to fight viruses or bacteria that lead to the common cold. 

Oregano Essential Oil

A tried and true remedy for coughs and colds, oregano essential oil acts as an expectorant to clear up chest and sinus congestion. If you have a respiratory tract infection, this is great news, as chest congestion can increase the pain of coughing. Oregano essential oil also has a warm and welcoming scent, which can promote better sleep. Adding a few drops to a diffuser or under your pillow can help you sleep better and breathe through the night. 

Thyme Essential Oil

Thyme essential oil contains thymol, which exhibits antibacterial activity that may be effective against respiratory ailments like asthma or bronchitis. The oil also has a high level of carvacrol, which may be helpful in protecting against viruses and bacteria. Next time you have a sore throat, put thyme essential oil in a diffuser to ease your cough and breathing. Similar to oregano essential oil, thyme essential oil exhibits an herbaceous scent that may improve sleep.

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Fall is upon us, which means that the beautiful autumn foliage is about to happen. For many people, the changing of leaves triggers violent allergy attacks, causing major sneezing, coughing, or general congestion. Allergies can affect everyone differently, especially with each passing season, but they don’t have to dictate your ability to breathe. You can use essential oils to help decongest the sinuses. 

Popularly used in aromatherapy, essential oils exhibit an array of health benefits. The powerful aromas of certain essential oils help to unblock a stuffed nose. In doing so, essential oils promote sinus drainage and may even reduce inflammation and fight bacteria in the process. The goal is to open the airways and rid the nasal passages of built-up mucus. 

One of the best ways to do this is to use steam in combination with essential oils. Now, it’s not as though everyone has a steam room in their home or even at a gym near their home. Use the power of hot water in your shower and some DIY aromatherapy shower steamers. Think of these like little bath bombs that you drop in your shower. As they melt, they release the aromas from the essential oils. Combined with the steam of the hot water, the aromas promote decongestion and easy breathing. See which essential oils help out below. 

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

If there is one essential oil associated with decongestion, it’s eucalyptus essential oil. Many over-the-counter products that promote decongestion contain eucalyptus essential oil for that reason. A 2009 study monitored two groups, one of which took a placebo and the other took cineole, which is a compound in eucalyptus. The group that took cineole in pill form proved to relieve congestion. It’s better to inhale eucalyptus’ aroma, though, as it may relieve headaches, runny nose, and nasal obstruction.

Thyme Essential Oil

Thyme is a traditional herb belonging to the mint family. Not only is it a culinary staple in many cuisines, but it also exhibits numerous healing properties. The essential oil of thyme offers many antibacterial and expectorant properties, which promote decongestion. Studies have shown that it works to clean mucus deposits from nasal passages and the chest. Many people who use thyme essential oil also experience relief from sinus headaches, bronchitis, and asthma symptoms. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

Similar to eucalyptus essential oil, peppermint essential oil provides a cooling effect after inhalation. Not only does this feel great, but it also helps to unblock sinuses. Peppermint essential oil contains menthol, which is a compound that fights bacteria and helps to open the airways. Menthol may even affect mucus receptors in the nose, promoting decongestion for better breathing. Combine peppermint essential oil with steam to enhance the benefits. 

Pine Essential Oil

The enchanting smell of pine can make your house smell like a forest, and it also helps to improve air quality by battling microorganisms. Pine essential oil contains monoterpenes and antiseptic properties, which work to promote decongestion and fight bacteria in the respiratory system. Many people also find that pine essential oil has a warming effect on the chest, providing much needed relief. 

DIY Aromatherapy Shower Steamers

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup citric acid
• 1/3 cup arrowroot powder
• 1/8 cup kaolin clay
• 1 spray bottled filled with water
• 1 tablespoon 100% pure menthol crystals
• 100 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 50 drops peppermint essential oil
• 30 drops pine essential oil
• 15 drops thyme essential oil

Instructions:

• Combine the baking soda, citric acid, arrowroot powder, and kaolin clay in a non-metallic mixing bowl and whisk until combined. 
• Drop in the essential oils and give everything a quick mix. 
• Spray the mixture with a little water and immediately whisk the mixture. It’s best to wear disposable gloves to protect your hands, especially since citric acid can be harsh on sensitive skin.
• Get a silicone mold (like an ice cube tray) and pack the mixture into each mold. Allow the shower steamers about 24-48 hours to harden completely. They should feel hard to the touch when ready. 
• Carefully peel back the silicone and gently push each steamer out of the mold. 
• When ready to use, drop one in the shower once the water is hot. Allow the aromas of the essential oils to promote decongestion. The steamer will naturally dissolve and simultaneously release the aromas. 

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There’s a secret that everyone deserves to know if they want to cut down on on toxins that exist in the home. It’s not the average answer that involves throwing out processed foods (we stand by that statement!); rather, it’s to get rid of store bought shampoos. Too often do commercial hair care products contain harmful toxins that prevent your hair from being as healthy as possible. That’s not good news if you’re already losing your hair. 

What Causes Hair Loss? 

Hair loss is an uncomfortable topic of conversation for a lot of people. It raises insecurity levels because it can be quite embarrassing. Hair loss with age is typically hereditary, especially when it comes to baldness. It can also be attributed to hormonal changes, medications or supplements, hairstyles and treatments, or high stress levels. There are ways to help combat hair loss, though.

Some people prefer to ignore hair loss, while others want to get ahead of it and do what they can to prevent it. We understand that you may want to avoid treatments and surgeries, and that’s the wise thing to do. There are natural ingredients that nourish the scalp and help encourage healthier hair growth. Consider the following ingredients as examples. 

Rosemary Essential Oil

The rosemary herb is good for more than enhancing the flavor of roasted potatoes. One of the primary benefits of rosemary essential oil is that it helps to stimulate hair growth. It contains beneficial antioxidants that help to encourage cellular regeneration on the scalp. Researchers believe that this helps improve thickness and overall growth. Additionally, rosemary essential oil contains carnosic acid, which has exhibited the ability to restore nerve & tissue damage on the scalp. It also helps to increase circulation to the scalp, which can help follicles thrive. 

Castile Soap

Castile soap may not have the ability to generate impressive hair growth, but it doesn’t cause the damage that commercial shampoos do. It’s a safe, non-toxic soap that gently cleanses the scalp. Many people with eczema, psoriasis, or other scalp issues use it for that reason. Another benefit is that it doesn’t irritate the scalp or hair. In fact, it helps preserve the scalps natural oils for optimal scalp health. This helps to keep hair follicles healthy and ultimately promotes a steady hair growth rate. 

Thyme Essential Oil

According to anecdotal reports, thyme essential oil is beneficial for the hair and scalp. Experts believe that the antimicrobial and antibacterial properties help eliminate bacterial build-up on the scalp. In doing so, thyme essential oil helps to unclog hair follicles to allow for optimal hair growth. Similar to tea tree oil, thyme essential oil is very potent, so you must dilute it. If you have sensitive skin, it may be beneficial to do a small patch test to determine sensitivity levels. 

DIY Shampoo To Fight Hair Loss

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup filtered water
• 1/4 cup liquid Castile soap
• 1/2 teaspoon jojoba oil
• 6 drops rosemary essential oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 drops thyme essential oil
• 2 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the water, Castile soap, and jojoba oil to a glass container. This could be a foaming soap dispenser or any glass bottle with a pump.
• Mix well and then pour in the essential oils. 
• Mix the oils and then screw on the top. Your shampoo is ready.
• Although it is much thinner than regular shampoo, it does get soapy!

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Do you look at your hair in the mirror every day, hoping that it miraculously grew three millimeters overnight? Growing your hair to your desired length can be quite the journey, especially if you aren’t nourishing it with the right ingredients. Lucky for you, there are specific ingredients, including essential oils, that accelerate the hair growth process.

You may not know this, but almost all of your hair care products already contain essential oils. Unfortunately, these products also contain a variety of harmful chemicals that can strip your hair and scalp of beneficial nutrients. Who needs products that contain a minuscule amount of essential oils when you can go straight to the source? Are we right or are we right?

How To Use Essential Oils For Hair Growth

Get your hands on some of the essential oils in this article to help nourish your hair. To properly apply them to your hair, mix about three drops of essential oils in one tablespoon of a carrier oil, such as avocado oil, coconut oil, or olive oil. Please do a patch test on your skin to ensure that you don’t have a negative reaction to the oils. Massage the oil mixture into your scalp and roots, and then all the way to your tips. Leave it in for 15 minutes before washing normally. If you have dry or brittle hair, leave the oils in overnight!

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary is one of the best oils to help nourish your scalp, and it improves hair growth as a result. When applied to the scalp, rosemary essential oil works to dilate blood vessels and promote cell division. In doing so, this aids the distribution of oxygen and other nutrients to hair follicles, which encourages healthier hair growth. If you have a dry scalp or regularly experience dandruff, use rosemary essential oil to hydrate your scalp.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has too many health benefits to count. We love it so much! In fact, many of our DIY beauty recipes, which we continually post, contain tea tree oil. Anyone who has used tea tree oil in their hair care routine is familiar with the tingly sensation you feel on your scalp. This happens because tea tree oil helps to balance your scalp and reduce build-up that can interfere with hair growth. You need to keep your scalp clean if you want to grow your hair.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil has a wonderfully relaxing scent, and placing a few drops under your pillow can actually promote healthier sleep. That’s not why it’s on this list, though. If you are looking to protect the current length of your hair, lavender essential oil is the right oil for the job. Applying lavender essential oil to the hair and skin helps to thicken hair shafts. Finally, the antibacterial properties of lavender essential oil help to keep hair follicles and shafts free of bacteria.

Cedarwood Essential Oil

Known for the anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiseptic properties, cedarwood essential oil is a must-have if you’re in the DIY beauty game. It works to improve hair growth by balancing oil-producing glands on your scalp. When you use cedarwood essential oil on your hair, you may also notice that your scalp is less flaky, helping your hair follicles remain undamaged and free to grow.

Thyme Oil

Thyme oil contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that work to reduce build-up on the scalp. Build-up clogs hair follicles, which is why people struggle to grow healthy hair. One study, involving patients with alopecia, combined thyme oil with cedarwood essential oil. The results indicated that this combination significantly improved hair growth in people with alopecia areata. Thyme oil is strong, much like tea tree oil, so it is imperative that you dilute it in a carrier oil.

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Raise your hand if you don’t want itchy, bumpy skin this summer. We assume all of you are raising your hands, which means that you need to find some excellent mosquito repellent, especially if you live in a hot, humid environment. Different species of mosquitos are attracted to specific bacteria, sweat, carbon dioxide, and other odors that the human body emits. As you may well know, mosquitos are also put off by certain scents, but there are ways to repel mosquitos that don’t involve spraying DEET on your body.

DEET is a chemical-based repellent that has the potential to cause serious health and environmental problems. It isn’t safe for the body and we do not encourage using chemical bug sprays; rather, many essential oils serve as natural mosquito repellents. From clove oil to geranium oil, myriad essential oils can be applied to the body to keep mosquitos away. Note that you will have to apply essential oils more often than bug spray, roughly once every hour. Read on to find out which essential oils are best for repelling mosquitos.

Thyme Oil

The carvacrol and alpha-terpinene compounds in thyme oil have demonstrated that they have mosquito-repelling properties. Thyme oil is not effective at repelling all species of mosquitos, but most topical applications offer 89% efficacy for about an hour. You must dilute thyme oil in a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or castor oil, because it can cause skin irritation when directly applied.

Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

This is the most effective natural mosquito repellent. In fact, several studies have found that this essential oil is almost comparable to DEET and picaridin. It is the only natural repellent that is recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for human safety and effectiveness. The odor of this essential oil can be too pungent for some people, but the fresh smell of lemon and eucalyptus is off-putting to mosquitos. Dilute it in olive oil and apply it every two hours for mosquito protection.

Citronella Oil

Many people know that citronella candles are a commonly lit to repel mosquitos, but they only have a 50% reduction rate. Citronella oil is derived from the citronella plant and several studies have found that it is nearly as effective as DEET when it comes to repelling mosquitos. The primary problem with its effectiveness is that it can evaporate quickly, especially if you sweat. The candles are not as effective as pure citronella oil, which should be diluted in a carrier oil before topical application.

Geranium Oil

While geranium oil is not registered with the EPA for repellent ingredients, studies show that it can help repel mosquitos. More research needs to be conducted on the efficacy of geranium oil against mosquitos to be used as a registered repellent. Other findings have revealed that combing coconut oil with geranium oil contributes to a higher success rate.

Patchouli Oil

This oil is known for its potent scent, but it also happens to be an effective essential oil for repelling mosquitos. One Chinese study found that it offered protection for two hours, but more research needs to be done on how often it should be applied for complete protection. There have been no associated hazards with direct application to the skin, but use a carrier oil as a precautionary measure.

Bonus DIY Mosquito Repellent Bars

Carry these repellent bars with you to help naturally keep mosquitos away.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon organic beeswax
• 4 tablespoons organic Shea butter
• 2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
• 10 drops citronella oil
• 5 drops peppermint essential oil
• 5 drops lemon essential oil
• 20 drops lemongrass essential oil

Instructions:

• Fill a medium saucepan halfway with water and place over medium-high heat. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium-low.
• Add all of the ingredients to a stainless steel or oven-safe glass bowl and place on top of the saucepan with the simmering water.
• Stir the ingredients until they are all melted and combined. Remove from heat and pour into your desired molds. If you want to accelerate the hardening process, place the molds in the fridge.
• Once the lotion bars are solid, store them in an airtight container in a cool dry place.
• Use the lotion bars like a bar of soap when you go outside this summer. You’ll smell wonderful, but the mosquitos won’t think so and they’ll leave you alone.

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