How To Combat Sleep Apnea With 5 Natural Remedies

According to beliefs, sleep apnea could be alleviated with some home remedies. However, the validity of these has not been scientifically proven.

Sleep apnea is a common disorder that occurs when breathing is interrupted or shallow, due to a narrowing or partial blockage of the airways. These breaks can last from seconds to minutes and often occur 30 or more times per hour.

Later, breathing returns to normal, sometimes with snoring, but also with a choking-like sound.

People most at risk of suffering from it are those who are overweight and obese. However, it is also common in patients with respiratory diseases, tonsillitis and tobacco users.

Aspects to consider

• The following remedies are intended to help relax the body for a good night’s rest. They are not a treatment as such or a cure for illness or snoring.
• Before starting to use them, it is recommended that you consult with your treating doctor. 
• In case the doctor authorizes you to consume these natural remedies, try to maintain moderation and not neglect the practice of other good habits of life.

• Although the aroma of certain drinks, infusions and other preparations may have a certain relaxing effect, this is not enough to treat sleep apnea. Therefore, aromatherapy is not considered a reliable, effective or recommended method.

1. Black pepper and honey

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water (250 ml).
• 1 tablespoon of honey (25 g).
• ½ tablespoon of black pepper (5 g).

Preparation

• First, bring a cup of water to a boil.
• After it boils, add the black pepper.
• Let the drink rest for 10 minutes and sweeten it with honey.

How to use

• Have a cup of drink after dinner, at least 3 hours before going to bed.

2. Lavender essential oil

Ingredients

• Lavender essential oil (15 g).
• 3 cups of water (750 ml).

Preparation

• To start, boil the water.
• Once it reaches its boiling point, add a few drops of essential oil and allow it to dilute.
• Turn off the heat and let the water warm a bit.
• Pour the liquid into a large container, which can be a pot or a basin.

How to use

• Bring your face close to the container, being careful not to burn yourself, and inhale the fumes.
• Cover your head with a towel to take advantage of all the steam.
• Perform the treatment every night before going to bed.

3. Ginger and cinnamon

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water (250 ml).
• 1 teaspoon of grated ginger (5 g).
• ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon (2 g).

Preparation

• Add the grated ginger to a cup of water and bring it to a boil.
• Then, remove it from the heat, add the cinnamon and let it rest for 10 minutes.
• Finally, filter the infusion through a fine strainer and serve it.

How to use

• Drink after dinner, two hours before bed.

4. Fennel, valerian and mint

Ingredients

• ½ cup of water (250 ml).
• Optional: the juice of ½ lemon.
• 5 drops of fennel essential oil.
• 5 drops of valerian essential oil.
• 5 drops of peppermint essential oil.

Preparation

• You should only dilute the essential oils in half a cup of warm water.

How to use

• Gargle with the solution for 2-3 minutes. 
• Brush your teeth as usual before going to sleep.

5. Garlic against apnea

Ingredients

• 1 clove garlic.
• 1 tablespoon of honey (25 g).
• 1 cup of water (250 ml).

Preparation

• First, bring a cup of water to a boil. When it reaches its boiling point, add a crushed garlic clove.
• Leave the drink on low heat for 2 minutes and remove it.
• Finally, wait for it to rest for 10 minutes, strain and add a tablespoon of honey.

Consumption mode

• Drink the garlic tea at least 60 minutes before you go to sleep.

How is sleep apnea treated?

To properly treat sleep apnea, it is best to follow your doctor’s instructions. Keep in mind that while natural remedies can contribute to relief in some cases, they are never a substitute for medical treatment as such.

The MSD Manual explains that to treat obstructive sleep apnea, your doctor may give you a device called “continuous positive airway pressure” to help you breathe at night. Depending on the case, the device may suffice, but in others, other measures may need to be considered.