Meniere's disease, a condition of the inner ear, affects roughly 0.2 percent of the population, according to the American Hearing Research Foundation. Sufferers struggle with recurring episodes of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, pressure in the affected ear and chronic buzzing or hissing sensations, or tinnitus. Although the condition is chronic and incurable, medications and natural supplements are often helpful. In fact, MayoClinic.com reports that most Meniere's sufferers respond to treatment.
Gingko
The ginkgo tree is an ancient tree that yields medicinal seeds which have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese Medicine. Ginkgo's purported ability to increase blood flow in the brain makes it a popular memory-enhancing herb, used to treat Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive conditions. Additionally, ginkgo leaf extract is used to treat ailments such as asthma, fatigue and tinnitus, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Side effects and drug interactions may occur, specifically with the use of anticoagulant drugs, Talk to your doctor before using ginkgo to reduce tinnitus with Meniere's disease.
Zinc
Zinc is an important trace mineral that exists in foods such as beans, nuts and whole grains. Essential to health, zinc helps the body grow and develop properly, promotes would healing and supports the immune system. Zinc deficiencies are uncommon, so most people who use zinc supplements do so to treat an underlying health condition. People with Meniere's disease use the supplements to decrease their tinnitus symptoms, according to MayoClinic.com. The National Institutes of Health warns that zinc supplements may affect the way antibiotics and other medicine works. Talk to your doctor about the safety and efficacy of zinc supplements for Meniere's disease.
Lycium
Lycium, a historic shrub bearing dazzling red berries, is fabled to increase longevity. Although little evidence exists to support the use of lycium, the root bark and dried berries of the plant are still used today to make medicine. MedlinePlus reports that the herb is used to treat manifold health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, circulation problems, cancer and tinnitus. The edible berries are also a culinary component. Drug interactions may occur. Talk to your doctor before using lycium supplements to treat Meniere's disease.
References
- American Hearing Research Foundation: What is Meniere's Disease
- MayoClinic.com: Meniere's Disease: Treatments and Drugs
- MayoClinic.com: Tinnitus: Alternative Medicine
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Gingko
- MedlinePlus: Lycium
- National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements: Zinc
