Tinnitus causes you to hear sounds, such as ringing, buzzing or whistling, that have no external source. It is not a disease or condition, but rather, a symptom of an underlying condition such as inner ear damage or ear infection. Tinnitus is common in adults; however, it can also affect children. Although herbs cannot cure tinnitus or its underlying causes, they may help reduce the ringing, whistling or buzzing sounds in your child's ears.
Talk to your physician before giving your child herbs to treat tinnitus.
Garlic
Garlic's use as a medicinal herb dates back to the ancient Egyptians, who believed it could improve physical strength and add years to your life, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs." Fresh garlic cloves contain two chemical compounds, called ajoene and allicin, which may have antibiotic benefits. These chemicals may help destroy bacteria and viruses that can cause ear infections and trigger or worsen tinnitus. Contact your physician before giving a child garlic to prevent or combat tinnitus -- it may inhibit blood clotting necessary for healing skin wounds.
Ginkgo
The first recorded use of ginkgo dates back more than 5,000 years -- ancient Chinese healers used this herb as a treatment for asthma. Ayurvedic healers believed that this herb could also increase lifespan. Ginkgo may improve blood flow to your inner ear, which may provide nutrients necessary to repair nerve endings involved with hearing, according to Castleman. Enhanced blood circulation to your inner ear may help alleviate tinnitus symptoms. Check with your doctor if you plan to treat a child's tinnitus with ginkgo. Like garlic, ginkgo may interfere with blood clotting.
Myrrh
Myrrh was used by the ancient Egyptians in embalming fluids before it was used as a medicinal herb. They also used the resin from this herb in perfumes and insect repellents. Centuries later, German herbalists recommended myrrh as an antiseptic for mouth and gum diseases. Myrrh may also offer antibiotic benefits that help prevent tinnitus-causing ear infections, according to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Talk to your pediatrician before allowing your child to take myrrh -- this herb is a potent laxative.
Echinacea
Today, echinacea is best known in the United States as an herb that may help prevent cold and flu symptoms. Its use as a medicinal herb can be traced back to the Plains Indians, who used echinacea to treat snake bites, arthritis and smallpox. The roots of the echinacea herb may help destroy bacteria and virus cells that can attack your inner ear, according to Castleman. Echinacea also contains echinacein, a chemical that may strengthen cellular walls against penetration by viruses and bacteria. Talk to your doctor before giving echinacea to a child. Side effects are rare; however, echinacea may occasionally cause diarrhea.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., et al.; 2010
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
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