The Mayo Clinic describes tinnitus as the hearing of phantom noises. It is usually a ringing, buzzing, roaring, clicking, whistling, or hissing. The cause is usually hearing loss, either from exposure to loud noises or because of age. It can also be due to a blood vessel condition, high blood pressure, or a medication. Talk to your doctor to be sure your tinnitus doesn't have a curable cause. Otherwise, some the medications taken to relieve tinnitus, such as tricyclic antidepressants and benzodiazapams, have numerous side effects that are worse than the tinnitus itself. There are several herbal remedies that might help.
Ginkgo Biloba
In "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments", herbalism Dr. David Kiefer says studies show that ginkgo is an effective treatment for tinnitus. Ginkgo increases blood flow throughout the body, improving circulation, leading to a reduction in tinnitus. According to a study reviewed by the "PDR for Herbal Medicines", a high dose of 120 to 160 mg a day was the most effective. Ginkgo has a long list of possible medicine interactions, so talk to your doctor.
Fenugreek
According to naturopathy expert Dr. Geovanni Espinosa in "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments", fenugreek tea helps to stop cricket noises and tinnitus. The "PDR for Herbal Medicines" says that to make fenugreek tea, steep 0.5 gm of powdered fenugreek in cold water for 3 hours, then strain.
Stinging Nettle
Dr. David Kiefer refers to a study in which 33 percent of the participants had an allergy that was causing their tinnitus. Stinging nettle is both an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergen, and could relieve your allergy symptoms, including your tinnitus. To treat allergy related tinnitus, 4 g of dried stinging nettle should be taken daily.
Dong Quai
Dong Quai is used in traditional Chinese medicine. "PDR for Herbal Medicine" lists several effects of Dong Quai which can benefit tinnitus. It is an anti-atherosclerotic, meaning it prevents arterial wall degeneration and prevents the hardening of arteries, which lowers blood pressure. Dong quai is also an anti-coagulant, once again improving blood flow. And Dong quai is also a vasodilator, opening the blood vessels in the body. Take fluid extracts as directed by the bottle, or boil 3 to 5 g of root in 1 cup of water and drink once daily.
References
- The Mayo Clinc: Tinnitus
- "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments"; Editor Dr. Victor Sierpina; 2007
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines 4th Ed."; Thomson Healthcare Inc.; 2007
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