As much as 10 percent of the American adult population, or 22.7 million people experienced ringing in their ears for more than three months in 2010, the National Institutes of Health reports. Despite the prevalence of the bells and whistles, not to mention the humming or vibrating noises that characterize tinnitus, it is not a disease but a symptom of several diseases. While gingko biloba has shown some promise in treating tinnitus, other herbal remedies have not been tested. Ask your medical provider before taking herbs to treat tinnitus.
Gingko Biloba
Gingko biloba is one of the few herbs that has actually undergone clinical study for treatment of tinnitus. Results have been mixed. One meta-analysis of five studies published in the June 1999 issue of "Clinical Otolaryngology & Allied Sciences" found that four out of five showed that gingko had favorable effects on tinnitus. Because gingko improves blood flow, it may correct deficiencies of blood flow to the inner ear, researchers from the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom stated. Although the studies reviewed showed some positive result, researchers stated that much more research was needed. A 2004 Cochrane Database Systems Review of 12 studies conducted by the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital in the U.K. found no studies met the criteria for consideration and that there was no evidence that gingko benefited people with tinnitus.
Vicamine
Vincamine, an extract of periwinkle, may increase blood flow to the brain, according to Michael Seidmena, M.D. Vincamine and its more powerful derivative, vinpocetine, are available as over-the-counter supplements in the United States. The only evidence for their effectiveness in treating ringing in the ears is anecdotal. An overdose of vincamine or vinpocetine could cause a drop in blood pressure; take these supplements only under a physician's supervision.
Traditionally Used But Unproven Herbs
Many herbs are used in traditional Chinese medicine or by other herbologists to treat tinnitus but have not undergone clinical studies to prove their benefit. According to Holistic Online, herbs used in TCM include sesame or sunflower seeds; a coptis and rhubarb combination used to treat ringing in the ears due to high blood pressure; major bupleurum and rehmannia eight. Some herbologists recommend taking black cohosh with gingko. Goldenseal is also sometimes used with black cohosh. Pregnant women should not take goldenseal or black cohosh, which can stimulate uterine contractions. Do not take any herbal preparations for tinnitus without your medical provider's approval.
Herbs to Stop To Reduce Tinnitus
Some herbs may cause ringing in the ears; stopping them may cause ringing in the ears to disappear. Herbs known to cause ringing in the ears include willow bark, wintergreen and meadowbark, which are aspirin-like herbs. Ringing in the ears is a well-known side effect of aspirin overdose. Cinchona, black haw and uva ursi are also herbs known to cause tinnitus, according to Holistic Online.
References
- National Institutes of Health; Tinnitus; April 2010
- "Clinical Otolaryngology and Allied Sciences;" Ginkgo biloba for tinnitus: a Review E. Ernst, C. Stevinson; June 1999
- Holistic Online: Alternative Medicine for Tinnitus Herbal Medicine
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; Ginkgo Biloba for Tinnitus; M. Hilton, et al.; 2004
- Arches Natural Products; Alternative Medications and Other Treatments for Tinnitus: Facts From Fiction ; Michael Seidman, M.D., Seilesh Babu, M.D ; 2010
- eMedTV; Black Cohosh; Kristi Monson, Pharm.D; August 2010
