Meniere's disease is a rare condition associated with your inner ear. Meniere's disease can cause symptoms that appear without warning, including vertigo and dizziness, tinnitus or ringing in your ear and the sensation of pressure in your ear. Certain herbal medicines may reduce the frequency and severity of Meniere's disease symptoms. Discuss the safe use of herbs with your health care provider before using them.
About Meniere's Disease
The underlying cause of Meniere's disease is not known. However, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that the symptoms associated with this condition may be associated with increased fluid pressure in your inner ear -- usually in only one ear, although both sides may be affected in some cases. Other factors, including drug use, cigarette smoking, physical trauma and TMJ syndrome, are also believed to contribute to Meniere's disease in some individuals. Adult men are most likely to develop this condition.
Botanical Medicines
If you suffer from Meniere's disease, several herbal and nonherbal supplements may be helpful in treating your condition. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch notes that ginger may help treat Meniere's-related nausea, while ginkgo may help boost blood flow to your brain. Butcher's broom, also known as Ruscus aculeatus, enhances blood flow throughout your body and rids your body of excess fluid. Meniere's-related depression may be treated with St. John's wort.
A Helpful Remedy
Ginkgo biloba, or simply ginkgo, may be one of the most helpful remedies in the treatment of Meniere's disease. Expert herbalist Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," reports that ginkgo is commonly used in treating dizziness and vertigo, ringing in your ears and chronic ear inflammation. Other health uses of this powerful herb include reduced circulation to your head and extremities, Alzheimer's disease, depression, anxiety, headaches and memory loss. It may take several weeks before ginkgo's effects become apparent.
Considerations
Meniere's disease is an unpredictable condition that can impair your balance and hearing and make certain activities, especially driving, dangerous. If you experience the symptoms of Meniere's disease, report to your doctor as soon as possible. Although this condition is not life-threatening, it can significantly reduce your quality of life and usually requires intervention by a qualified health care professional. Herbal remedies may be a helpful addition to your Meniere's disease treatment plan, but they should not replace other treatments used by your doctor.
References
- National Health Service: Meniere's Disease
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Meniere's Disease
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
