Meniere's disease is a disease of your inner ear. The Meniere's Society states that Meniere's disease is a chronic and progressive condition in which your hearing and balance are significantly affected. Meniere's disease is most common among Caucasians and affects both sexes equally. Herbal remedies have long been used in treating Meniere's disease. However, you should always be judicious in your use of herbs and only use herbs if you are under the care of a health care professional.
About Meniere's Disease
The primary cause of Meniere's disease, reports the the National Health Service of the United Kingdom, is unclear, although its symptoms are believed to be caused by increases in fluid pressure in your inner ear. A family history of this condition may also increase your risk of developing Meniere's disease. Meniere's disease can manifest at any age, although it usually appears in people between the ages of 20 and 50. Common Meniere's disease-related symptoms include incapacitating vertigo, progressive hearing loss and episodic ear ringing.
Helpful Herbal Remedies
Several herbal remedies may be helpful in treating your Meniere's disease, but these herbs may require further scientific study to determine their efficacy and mechanisms of action. Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant, nutrition researcher and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," reports that four herbs may be appropriate in treating your Meniere's disease, including St. John's wort, ginkgo, ginger and butcher's broom. These herbs may treat the various signs and symptoms of this condition, including nausea, anxiety, depression and poor circulation.
Featured Remedy
One of the most frequently prescribed remedies in treating Meniere's disease is butcher's broom. Naturopathic physician William Mitchell, author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that butcher's broom is a powerful circulatory tonic, which means that it may boost blood flow to your problem areas, including your ears. This herb may also help treat fluid retention that may be contributing to your condition. Butcher's broom has historically been used in treating circulatory problems, gynecological problems and eye problems. Talk to your physician before using butcher's broom.
Considerations
Meniere's disease can be an extremely difficult condition to treat. In many cases, the most effective treatment approach for this condition involves the combination of natural therapies and conventional allopathic therapies. Because there are many possible causes of hearing loss, ear ringing and balance problems, you should always report to your doctor when you experience these symptoms. A qualified health care professional can assess your symptoms and counsel you on appropriate treatment methods, including herbal remedies.
References
- National Health Service: Meniere's Disease
- Meniere's Society: About Meniere's Disease
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
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