Tinnitus is characterized by a buzzing, ringing or whistling sound in the ears or head. It is a common and often distressing condition that can make it difficult for the sufferer to concentrate or get to sleep. It is most often caused by nerve damage in the inner ear, although ear infections and a buildup of earwax may also trigger the condition. Treatment for tinnitus centers on helping an affected individual cope with his condition and may include sound therapy and counseling. A herb known as ginkgo biloba may also help to relieve symptoms although evidence to prove it works is limited. Get medical advice before using any herb to treat your condition.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Ginkgo, also known as maidenhair tree or bai guo ye, is one of the oldest tree species, the leaves of which are used to make herbal medicine for numerous conditions including asthma, hearing loss, Raynaud's disease and stress. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that it is also sometimes used to treat tinnitus. Ginkgo contains a myriad of active compounds including amino acids and flavanols, but terpenoid compounds known as ginkgolides and bilobalide are likely responsible for this herb's effects.
Administration
Ginkgo may be taken as a tea, herbal tincture or in capsules or tablets. Guidance regarding the amount required to treat tinnitus is lacking, although your pharmacist ot doctor may be able to advise you. MedlinePlus recommends that you use a low dose of ginkgo to begin with and increase the dose slowly to minimize side effects.
Effectiveness
Evidence to support the use of ginkgo as a treatment for your tinnitus is mixed. The results of a study published in the January 2001 issue of the "British Medical Journal" show that taking 50 mg of ginkgo extract three times daily for 12 weeks is no more effective than placebo. However, the results of a study published in the May 2002 issue of the "International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics" show that ginkgo alleviated tinnitus symptoms in patients who received a 10-day infusion of 200 mg of ginkgo per day followed by a 12-week course of ginkgo tablets.
Safety Considerations
MedlinePlus notes that ginkgo is likely safe for most people, but adds that it may cause side effects including a forceful heartbeat, constipation and dizziness. Do not consume ginkgo seeds as they contain a chemical that may cause breathing problems, seizures and even death. Don't use ginkgo if you suffer from seizures or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Couples trying to conceive a baby should also avoid this herb as it may affect fertility. Keep in mind that ginkgo might interact with other medicines you may be taking including the antidepressant fluoxetine, and anticoagulants. You should consult with your doctor before taking this herb to treat tinnitus.
References
- NHS Choices: Tinnitus
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Ginkgo
- MedlinePlus: Ginkgo
- "British Medical Journal"; Effectiveness of Ginkgo Biloba in Treating Tinnitus: Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial; S. Drew and E. Davies; January 2001
- "International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics"; The Efficacy of Ginkgo Special Extract EGb 761 in Patients With Tinnitus; C. Morgenstern and E. Biermann; May 2002
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