Doctor-Approved Home Remedies For Vertigo

Introduction

Do you sometimes feel that your head is spinning, and you feel dizzy? That’s because of vertigo. Vertigo is not a disease; it may be a symptom of any condition. Vertigo is a feeling that the place around you is moving in a circular motion. It makes you feel off-balance and dizzy. Vertigo can occur at any age, but it most commonly occurs in people over 65 years. Also, women are more likely to experience vertigo compared to men.¹ There are several home remedies mentioned in this blog that might help you manage vertigo. 

What Causes Vertigo?

The common reasons that can cause vertigo include: 

• Diabetes 
• Migraine headaches 
• Arrhythmia (abnormal/irregular heartbeat) 
• Head injury 
• Stroke (the blood supply to the brain gets interrupted) 
• Ear surgery 
• Prolonged bed rest 
• Muscle weakness and ataxia (loss of control of body movements) 
• Otosclerosis (an abnormal bone growth that affects the middle ear) 
• Syphilis (sexually transmitted bacterial infection) 
• Acoustic neuroma (noncancerous tumor on the main nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain) 
• Multiple sclerosis (nerve damage that affects the communication between the brain and the body) 
• Orthostatic hypotension (lowering of blood pressure on standing up) 
• Hyperventilation (a state of rapid breathing) 
• Brain disease 
• Perilymphatic fistula (the fluid of the inner ear spreads into the middle ear) 
• Shingles (viral infection) near or in the ear 
• Certain medicines/medications¹ 

 Several rare conditions can also cause vertigo. These are: 

• Meniere’s disease: It is an illness in which there is an accumulation of fluid inside the ear, causing vertigo attacks. 
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): This condition mainly occurs due to a change in your head’s position and is the most common cause of vertigo. 
• Vestibular neuritis (inflammation of vestibular nerve in the ear) 
• Labyrinthitis: The inner ear labyrinth (complex structure in the inner ear which contains organs for balance and hearing) becomes infected or inflamed. 
• Cholesteatoma: It is a noncancerous skin growth developed due to repeated ear infections in the middle ear.¹ 

Symptoms of Vertigo

Vertigo itself is a symptom of various conditions and may be accompanied by the following symptoms:  

• Headaches 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Motion sickness 
• Balance issues 
• Tinnitus (buzzing/ringing in the ear) 
• Nystagmus (uncontrollable side to side movement of the eyes) 
• A sensation of fullness in the ear¹ 

Also Read: 5 Best Home Remedies For Nausea

Suggested Home Remedies For Vertigo

Some home remedies that might be helpful for you to manage vertigo are listed below: 

1. Ginger

Ginger is the most commonly consumed spice all around the world and is used in the management of motion sickness.² In a human study, ginger powder was tested in 8 healthy individuals for vertigo. The result suggested that ginger powder extract may be effective in preventing vertigo.³ You can take some ginger root and boil it in water to make ginger tea. You can also add some honey to improve its taste. This ginger tea might help you in case of vertigo.  

2. Turmeric

The dried rhizome (horizontal underground stem) of the turmeric plant can be used and is known to have various medicinal uses. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric is used in traditional medicine for managing different conditions in humans and is used both internally and externally. You can apply the paste of turmeric externally on your forehead to lower the symptoms of vertigo.⁴  

3. Almonds

Almonds boost the strength of the body and help fight diseases. According to Persian medicine, almonds prevent the accumulation of disease-causing substances in the ear and strengthen the brain. You can grind peeled almonds in water, add a little honey and consume it.⁵ 

4. Saffron

Saffron is known to be a brain tonic and has brain-protective properties. Saffron is also known to boost the strength of the body and prevent over-accumulation of substances causing issues in the ear. You can add saffron to your food items or prepare saffron tea.⁵ This might benefit you in managing vertigo. 

5. Cumin

Cumin and black cumin have both beneficial effects in dealing with vertigo. You can add some cumin to your daily food items.⁵ You can also boil some cumin in water and later drink this solution. 

6. Amla

Amla has high levels of vitamin C and is widely used in India to fight against diseases. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that might help you fight diseases. It is known to be effective for managing vertigo.⁶ You can make amla juice, add a little honey, and drink the juice.    

7. Guduchi

In Ayurveda, guduchi is described to help deal with vertigo and is known as a memory and learning enhancer. The brain protective activity of guduchi is due to the presence of antioxidants in it, which help in protecting the cells from damage.⁷ You can take guduchi in water and drink the solution. You can also add neem and coriander powder to this solution. 

Before taking these home remedies, you must consult an Ayurvedic practitioner. They will advise you whether you should use these remedies or not based on your condition. 

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is a group of simple excercises to treat vertigo. VRT reduces the cost of treating vertigo by reducing unnecessary medications and studies, and by shortening the recovery period.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD (Pediatrics)

When to Seek Medical Help?

You should seek medical help if you notice the following symptoms: 

• Hearing loss 
• Loss of vision or double vision 
• Weakness in arm or legs 
• Numbness or tingling sensation in legs or arms 
• Trouble speaking⁸ 

If you have been experiencing vertigo for more than a day or two and you haven’t been able to stand up or walk and have frequent episodes of vomiting, you surely need to visit a neurologist to diagnose and manage the condition.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, MBBS, MD in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

Conclusion

Even though vertigo is scary, it disappears quickly. It can occur suddenly without alerts.¹ There are various causes of vertigo, such as diabetes, migraine headaches, head injury, etc. You can try some of the above-mentioned home remedies like ginger, turmeric, guduchi, amla, cumin, and saffron; they might benefit you in dealing with vertigo. However, if you experience prolonged or severe vertigo or notice any unusual symptoms, you must seek medical help.

Also Read: 9 Excellent Home Remedies For Migraine 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References:

1. Vertigo [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2022. p. 1–7. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21769-vertigo 

2. Nunes CP, Rodrigues C de C, Cardoso CAF, Cytrynbaum N, Kaufman R, Rzetelna H, et al. Clinical Evaluation of the Use of Ginger Extract in the Preventive Management of Motion Sickness. Curr Ther Res [Internet]. 2020;92:100591. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0011393X20300175 

3. Grøntved A, Hentzer E. Vertigo-Reducing Effect of Ginger Root. ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec [Internet]. 1986;48(5):282–6. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3537898/ 

4. Sasikumar B. Turmeric [Internet]. Handbook of Herbs and Spices. 2012. 526–546 p. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780857090393500281 

5. Kenari HM, Kordafshari G, Moghimi M. Treatment of Meniere ‘ s Disease with Persian Medicine : A Case Report. Arch Neurosci [Internet]. 2019;6(1):10–3. Available from: https://brieflands.com/articles/ans-82409.html 

6. Vasant BS, Bhaskarrao DA, Bhanudas SR. Emblica Officinalis – the Wonder of Ayurvedic Medicine. World J Pharm Pharm Sci [Internet]. 2013;3(1):285–306. Available from: https://www.mchemist.com/ayas/pdf/13amla.pdf 

7. A DPT, Pranita D, Archana B. REVIEW ON MEDHYA (INTELLECT PROMOTING) ACTION OF GUDUCHI [TINOSPORA CORDIFOLIA (WILD) MIERS]. World J Pharm Res [Internet]. 2018;7(14):556–77. Available from: https://wjpr.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/article_issue/1531732007.pdf 

8. Vertigo [Internet]. nidirect goverment services. 2012. Available from: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/vertigo 

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