Home Treatments For Vertigo

Vertigo is a feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness, sometimes accompanied by nausea or hearing loss. Vertigo usually results from an underlying condition, such as poor cerebral circulation, menopause, abnormal blood pressure, certain drugs, neurological disease or inner ear damage. Determine the cause of vertigo before starting treatment. Conventional treatment may include antihistamines, benzodiazepines or corticosteroids, but these may have unpleasant side effects. Herbs may make effective home treatments for vertigo. Consult a healthcare provider familiar with herbal medicine about safe dosage levels and interactions with current medications.

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh, or Cimicifuga racemosa, is a perennial herb with long spikes of white flowers native to North America. Traditional healers use the roots and rhizomes, or underground stems, to treat menstrual disorders, rheumatism, nervous disorders, dizziness and tinnitus. The plant contains glycosides, salicylic acid, volatile oil and tannins, and has antispasmodic, nervine, hypotensive and emmenagogue actions. Herbalist David Hoffmann recommends black cohosh tea or tincture for vertigo associated with menopause. Phyllis and James Balch recommend the herb for vertigo caused by high blood pressure. Do not take black cohosh during pregnancy or if you have a hormone-dependent cancer.

Ginkgo

Ginkgo, or Ginkgo biloba, is a native of China. Herbalists use the leaves to treat illnesses that are due to poor circulation and dementia, including dizziness, memory loss, poor concentration and insomnia. Phyllis and James Balch recommend ginkgo leaf extract for vertigo because it increases the oxygen supply to the brain, thereby improving circulation and brain activity. Herbalist David Hoffmann states that vertigo is associated with poor cerebral circulation, especially in the elderly, and recommends ginkgo leaf extract to improve circulation. Do not use ginkgo with anticoagulant medication like aspirin. Ginkgo fruits are not edible.

Uncaria and Choto-san

The uncaria are flowering vines found throughout the world. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Kampo, or traditional Japanese medicine, use several uncaria species to treat dizziness. In TCM, vertigo is related to the liver and so health practitioners use herbs that calm the liver. Uncaria, also called gouteng, affects the liver and is an herb used for vertigo. In Kampo, uncaria is part of an 11-herb formula for vertigo called choto-san. This formula is used to improve blood circulation and relieve chronic vertigo. A study by Q. Yang, et al, published in the March 2002 issue of "Phytomedicine," tested choto-san to understand how it improves blood circulation. The study found that choto-san protects the endothelial cells involved in regulating blood pressure, plaque buildup on artery walls and inflammation. This protective effect leads to improved blood circulation and fewer symptoms of dementia and cerebral insufficiency, like vertigo. Speak to a TCM practitioner before using this formula. This study supports the traditional use of uncaria and choto-san for vertigo. The researchers state that there are no reports of any side effects with the extended use of choto-san. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and test the safety and efficacy of the formula on humans.