Meniere's disease is an ear disorder caused by a fluid imbalance in the inner ear. Symptoms include vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus, or a buzzing in the ear. Meniere's can lead to permanent hearing loss and should be diagnosed properly by a physician. According to Merck Research Laboratories, a doctor will perform an MRI as well as hearing tests to determine a Meniere's disease diagnosis.
Several treatments, including surgery, are available for Meniere's. Herbal remedies assist in reducing symptoms associated with Meniere's. While the herbs suggested may alleviate symptoms, the following is for information purposes only and not to be used in place of physician recommended treatment.
Gingko Biloba
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), gingko biloba is recommended for many ailments. Extract from the gingko leaves are used for improving memory as well as blood flow. It is also used to relieve symptoms of tinnitus, a symptom of Meniere's. Gingko aids with blood flow by thinning the blood, which also helps reduce blood pressure.
Gingko is available in pills, teas, or powdered formulas, and an adult dose of 200 mg daily is recommended.
Individuals currently on blood pressure medication should speak to a physician prior to taking gingko as it can increase the effects of blood pressure medication.
Mistletoe
European mistletoe, according to NCCAM, has been used for centuries to relieve headaches, and recently has been used to aid in cancer. The leaves and berries are the medicinal part of the plant. It is advised to obtain this herb from a certified herbalist or in powdered form as the raw and unprocessed mistletoe is poisonous and fatal. European mistletoe reduces inflammation and is used to aid in blood pressure.
Dosage is determined individually and should be obtained from a certified herbalist.
Asiatic Dogwood
Asiatic dogwood has been used to relieve symptoms of vertigo and tinnitus for decades. The berry is the medicinal part of this plant and should be obtained processed to ensure quality and potency.
The dogwood berry is known as an anti-inflammatory and helps with circulation and relieves tinnitus symptoms associated with blocked blood vessels. The buzzing or pulsing of the blood is reduced when circulation is improved.
The anti-inflammatory also helps relieve vertigo symptoms since vertigo can be caused by inflammation of the inner ear.
According to the "PDR of Herbal Medicines," dogwood should be taken only under a physician or certified naturopathic physician's care and avoided by those currently taking heart or blood pressure medication.
References
- "The Merck Manual Home Health Handbook"; Merck Research Laboratories; 2009
- "Your Best Medicine"; Mark A. Goldstein, M.D. et al.; 2008
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines"; David Heber, M.D., PhD., FACP, FACN; 2007
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Gingko Biloba
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: European Mistletoe
