Tinnitus Herbal Cures

Mar 28, 2010 | By Glyn Sheridan

A bothersome ringing or buzzing in your ears may be tinnitus, and while it's rarely serious, reports the Mayo Clinic, it can be annoying. You may experience a range of noises, from a soft tone to a loud and distracting clicking, hissing or whistling. Traditional treatment for tinnitus includes prescription medication, ear cleaning and noise suppression devices. You can try some herbal cures to treat your tinnitus after an initial diagnosis by a physician.

Gingko Biloba

The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine recommends using gingko biloba to treat tinnitus. Because gingko increases circulation in the brain, it may alleviate tinnitus symptoms in patients where reduced circulation is the cause of the disorder. However, it may not have any effect for other patients. In addition, you should not take gingko if you are pregnant or if you are currently taking any medications, especially blood thinners, unless directed to do so by your doctor.

Periwinkle

Periwinkle (vinca minor) contains the blood-thinning alkaloid, vincamine, which may reduce your tinnitus symptoms due to poor blood flow, but take it only under the direction of a certified herbalist or a doctor of naturopathy. Periwinkle may increase circulation to the inner ear and reduce tinnitus noise in patients where plaque buildup in the vessels restricts blood flow. Mother Nature.com warns tinnitus patients not to use periwinkle if they are pregnant or nursing.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses an array of herbal remedies, combined with diet, acupuncture and balancing the body's yin and yang to treat medical conditions. Although traditional Chinese medicines use many herbs in various combinations, some of the herbs used to treat tinnitus may include sesame, black cohosh, horsetail, fenugreek, passionflower and goldenseal. A practitioner certified in traditional Chinese medicine should assess your tinnitus and recommend a blend of herbs.