Numerous supplements may help treat Meniere's disease. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, Meniere's disease is a disorder of your inner ear that causes extreme dizziness or vertigo, ringing in your ears or tinnitus and the sensation of fullness or congestion in your ear. The NIDCD notes that Meniere's disease usually affects only one of your ears. Before taking supplements to help treat your condition, consult with your physician to discuss proper dosage and potential side effects.
Flavonoids
Flavonoid supplementation may be beneficial for treating Meniere's disease. According to the Linus Pauling Institute -- a nutrition-related research institute at Oregon State University -- flavonoids are compounds that are found in fruits, vegetables and certain beverages. Flavonoids may be beneficial to human health, states the LPI, as they have been reported to have antiviral, anti-allergic, antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antioxidant effects. Certain types of flavonoids, especially the group of flavonoids known as hydroxyethylrutosides, may improve symptoms associated with Meniere's disease, including stabilization of or improvement in your hearing. The effects of other types of flavonoids on Meniere's disease have not been studied. Some medicines may interact with flavonoids. Before taking flavonoids, consult with your physician to discuss possible side effects and proper dosage.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba, also called ginkgo, supplementation may be beneficial for treating symptoms associated with Meniere's disease. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that ginkgo is one of the oldest living tree species and its leaves are among the most commonly studied botanicals. According to the UMMC, ginkgo supplements are among the most popular herbal medications, due to its many purported uses. Ginkgo may reduce symptoms of tinnitus, vertigo and hearing loss -- a triad of symptoms commonly seen with Meniere's disease -- due to inner ear disorders. The UMMC states that nerve damage and certain blood vessel conditions can cause tinnitus. Because ginkgo improves your circulation, or blood flow throughout your body, it may reduce the ringing or hissing sounds in your ear. The use of ginkgo for Meniere's disease remains controversial, however, as some studies show beneficial effects while other studies show no effect at all. Talk with your doctor before taking ginkgo to treat your Meniere's disease.
Ginger
Ginger supplementation may be effective for treating the symptoms associated with Meniere's disease, especially vertigo. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the underground roots of the ginger plant are used in cooking, baking and for health purposes. Fresh or dried ginger root, tablets, capsules, liquid extracts or tinctures and teas are the most common forms of ginger used. Dr. Ray Sahelian, a medical doctor, nutrition expert and author, states that consuming ginger -- either as a spice in your food or as a dietary supplement -- over a period of several weeks or months may help treat your vertigo. Ginger may be even more effective for vertigo when taken in conjunction with ginkgo, according to Sahelian. Before taking ginger or other supplements to treat your Meniere's disease, consult with your physician to discuss possible side effects and proper dosage.
References
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders: Meniere's Disease
- Linus Pauling Institute: Antioxidant Activities of Flavonoids
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginkgo Biloba
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Ginger
- RaySahelian.com: Vertigo Natural Treatment Products and Suggestions
