Tinnitus is characterized by chronic ringing or buzzing sounds that have no external source. It is not a condition in and of itself, but rather, a symptom of an underlying condition such as infection, inner ear injury or hearing loss. Caffeine, alcohol, anemia and allergies can also contribute to tinnitus. Although herbs cannot cure tinnitus, they may reduce the severity of ringing or buzzing sounds in your ears.
Consult your physician before taking any herb to address tinnitus.
Ginkgo
Traditional Chinese healers have used ginkgo as a remedy for asthma for more than 5,000 years. Ancient Ayurvedic physicians believed that ginkgo could promote longevity. Although ginkgo might not cure asthma or increase your lifespan, it may offer other medicinal benefits. The chemical compounds in ginkgo may improve blood flow to the inner ear, reducing the severity of tinnitus. However, current scientific evidence linking ginkgo to tinnitus relief is not conclusive. Check with your doctor before treating tinnitus with ginkgo -- this herb may inhibit blood clotting and slow the healing of skin wounds.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is native to North America, and is particularly common in the Ohio River Valley. Algonquian Indians considered this herb an effective remedy for fatigue. The roots of the black cohosh plant may also dilate the blood vessels in your brain, as well as the capillaries that supply blood to your inner ear. This may help reduce ringing and buzzing sounds associated with tinnitus. Check with your physician before taking black cohosh -- in rare cases, it may cause abdominal pain and dizziness.
Echinacea
The Plains Indians of North America used echinacea to treat snake bites, insect stings and arthritis. American herbalist John Lloyd discovered echinacea's antibacterial properties in the late 1800s. This herb may boost immune system function, and may help your body fight bacterial infection that can cause tinnitus symptoms. Consult your physician if you plan to treat tinnitus with echinacea. Taking this herb may cause diarrhea.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal is an herb native to the northeast region of the United States. Its roots produce a yellow juice that early European settlers and Native Americans used as a textile dye. However, goldenseal may also relieve tinnitus. This herb has antibiotic properties that may destroy bacteria that can damage you inner ear. Talk to your doctor before taking goldenseal for tinnitus symptoms. This herbs contains berberine, a chemical that may contribute to low blood pressure.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Tinnitus
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook"; James A. Duke; 2002
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
