Owe it all to Alfred Hitchcock who created a varied perspective about vertigo, through his sensational thriller with the same name. The protagonist in the film suffers from acrophobia – an irrational fear of heights. However, vertigo is totally different.
Vertigo is a discombobulating feeling of lack of sense of movement whilst standing still. Several patients have described it as the feeling that the world is whirling around them. This condition can be brought about by numerous triggers or sometimes there may be no trigger at all.
Vertigo could be caused by everything between lack of sleep to a brain tumor. Yes, you read that right. It may sound scary, however, the most likely cause of this condition could be an inner ear infection or BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) that could be triggered because of sudden head shifts. Your vertigo could be classified as severe if you have headaches, slurred speech, double vision or weakness in your limbs.
Vertigo is a symptom rather than a condition itself, it is estimated that 90 million(1) Americans go to hospitals because of vertigo, dizziness or balance problems. It is the second most common complaint heard in doctor’s offices and occurs in 70% of the nation’s population(2) at some time in their lives.
Vertigo primarily is of two varieties, geocentric in which the patient feels that the room is spinning and the second type is egocentric where the individual feels like he/she is spinning.
Vertigo ‘attacks’ can develop suddenly and last for a few seconds in most cases. However, there are cases where they may last for much longer causing severe hindrance to the quality of life for the patient. If you have severe vertigo and your symptoms are constant and last for several days, it may be time that you try natural and home remedies that could help you cure vertigo.
Table of Contents
How to Cure Vertigo using Naturopathic Remedies
- Home Remedies
- Foods
- Herbal Remedies
- Essential Oil
- Exercises
CURE 1: Home Remedies for vertigo
How to cure vertigo at home? If this is the next question running on your mind, read on the below list alongside other remedies listed above. Vertigo ailments may take time to manifest and you may not know that you are suffering from it until you feel the first occurrence of the symptoms. In such situations, home remedies can alleviate your pain and in the long run, maybe helpful in treating your implication when used simultaneously with other remedies.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Vitamin D
- Proper Rest & Hydration
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
This fermented drink is known to provide a solution for almost every ailment. It is an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial agent that houses several other properties, making it a potent solution to deal with several ailments.
Why does it work?
Although the scientific research on this subject is rather sparse, however, there have been several anecdotal experiences that have been listed on several forums and discussions throughout the world wide web. It is a known fact that apple cider vinegar is a known anti-inflammatory agent that helps in the alleviation of the inflammation that is present in the vestibular area. Additionally, it is also an antimicrobial agent, hence can attack the pathogens that are causing the infection in the vestibular area.
How to use?
Ingredients:
- A cup of water
- An inch of ginger
- Raw apple cider vinegar
Procedure:
- Set a cup of water to boil in a saucepan.
- Chop an inch of fresh and juicy ginger into pieces. Grind the slices of ginger to extract the ginger juice.
- Add a teaspoon each of the ginger juice and ginger bits to the water in the saucepan and boil for a few more minutes.
- Take the ginger tea off the flame and add 2-3 teaspoons of raw apple cider vinegar to it. Stir well to prepare an evenly dissolved solution.
How much to use?
Drink the mixture twice a day daily to cure the symptoms that are caused by vertigo.
2. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is part of the fat-soluble secosteroids responsible for increasing intestinal absorption of minerals and helps in balancing several other biological effects. In humans, the most important ones from this group are vitamin D₃ and vitamin D₂.
Vitamin D could be acquired from standing in the early morning light, as it is an abundant source of Vitamin D and they could also be acquired from green leafy vegetables.
Why does it work?
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a balance disorder that happens when calcium crystals get lodged in the inner ear, resulting in sudden attacks of dizziness, spinning sensation, lightheadedness, and nausea. BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo. BPPV has been linked directly to the lack of deficiency of vitamin D.
A study conducted in 2016(3) found out the influence of supplemental vitamin D on the intensity of BPPV. It was noticed that all the subjects after two months of treatment with vitamin D showed a decrease in the intensity of BPPV and tended to remain stable and unchanged over the period of the study.
How to use?
Vitamin D supplementation is very simple and could be followed by just using them right from the container. Although it is strictly advised that you check with your doctor/physician before you do so.
How much to use?
Ideally, it is recommended that you stick to the dosage mentioned on the label. However, before doing so it is recommended that you consult your physician if you could adhere to this regimen.
3. Proper Rest & Hydration
Stress and inflammation are factors that increase the chances of having a vertigo attack. Stress caused in the patients could manifest in the body, for instance, it could reduce the immunity of the body. Thereby making your body more susceptible to ear infections, swelling and other problems related to the vestibular system. Proper rest and hydration to help the body to beat the chronic stress that is dangerous.
Why does it work?
Hydrating your body with enough water every day and cutting down on your caffeine intake and alcohol could help your body in the long run by not making it prone to feel dizziness, rather you would feel active and more lively. Proper 8-hour rest is required by the body to keep it well rejuvenated and to keep it active for the next day. Most of the immune functions of the body occur during the night, hence a proper 8-hour sleep is obligatory.
How to use?
It is recommended that you sleep for 6-8 hours every day and in the night with dim lights to help facilitate rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. It is also recommended that you drink at least 8 glasses of water or around 250 ml in each glass to keep your body hydrated.
How much to use?
This is lifestyle change helping you avoid and nip several diseases at the bud and helps you control/alleviate the symptoms of several others. Hence, it is recommended that you do this on a long term basis.
CURE 2: Foods for Vertigo
Yes, you read that right! Foods and balanced diet could be used as an adjuvant therapy to help you prevent/cure vertigo. Foods are a rich source of antioxidants that boost the immune system and help balance the deficiency of antioxidants.
- Ginger
- Almond
- Salt Restricted Diet
1. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger is not only a fragrant herb that is used for cooking but it is also the queen of traditional medicine. Ages ago, it was used by Chinese sailors to cure their motion sickness. Ginger has a rich history of being used to treat sickness and ailments that are caused due to an imbalance of the Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF).
Why does it work?
Ginger is a known anti-prostaglandin that prevents the chemical compound prostaglandin to act on the brain and helps alleviate pain. It also has anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, and antihistamine actions, which help with vertigo and help in reducing the intensity and time interval of the attack.
The Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science(4) published a study that was conducted on 76 subjects and they all suffered from BPPV. The observation group was administered with ginger to observe the effects of it on vertigo and it was observed that post 48 hours of the treatment, the total effective rate was 94.7% and after an examination post 3 months, it was noticed that there was no relapse. It was conducted that ginger was a stabilizing agent that effectively could act on vertigo and didn’t cause any adverse reactions.
How to use ginger for vertigo?
Ginger is available in many different formulations, including capsules, powders, tinctures, and teas. You could choose any of them that appeals to you. You could ideally start with one of the easiest ones that is drinking tea made from fresh ginger.
Ingredients:
- 1 inch of ginger
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- A glass of water
Procedure:
- Chop an inch of ginger and peel the skin off.
- Slice the peeled ginger into fine pieces.
- Add grated ginger to a cup of boiling water.
- Let it steep for about five minutes.
- After that, strain the tea.
- You could add a tablespoon of honey to enhance the taste.
How much to use?
It depends on the severity of your condition and the kind of brand/supplementation method that you are using; however, in a general sense, it is recommended that you start with a low dose of tea that is 2 cups a day when you feel like you are having an attack of vertigo. You could then increase the dosage as suited. However, before doing so it is recommended that you consult with your physician if you could adhere to this regimen.
2. Almond (Prunus dulcis)
These nutritious nuts are a species of a tree that is native to the Mediterranean climate regions of the Middle East. However, it is now widely cultivated everywhere owing to the fact that they are households of vitamins and minerals.
Why does it work?
Almonds are a rich source of minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. It also houses abundant amounts of Vitamin E and fiber. Although there haven’t been any concrete scientific studies conducted on the subject as to how almonds could be useful for vertigo.
However, it is believed that almonds being an anti-inflammatory agent help in the reduction of the inflammation that may be in ear tubes. Additionally, the magnesium present in this nut helps boost immunity and cellular metabolism promoting the overall betterment of the body.
How to use?
Almonds are available for direct consumption, you could just eat 4-5 of them daily. However, it is recommended that you peel the skin off before eating them. Additionally, you could soak them overnight for increasing their potency. Alternatively, you could also have almond oil, almond butter, and even substitute your milk with almond milk.
How much to use?
Although there isn’t any restriction on how much to ingest/drink. However, it is ideally suggested that you drink about 240ml (8 ounces) of this milk and 4-5 almonds in the morning on a daily basis alongside your breakfast for best results.
Also Read: Almond Oil for Your Face: Benefits and How to Use
3. Salt Restricted Diet
This is not one ingredient rather it is a dietary change that should be done as soon as possible to help you control and prevent vertigo attacks. Salt is an essential part of our diet; however, restricting it to a certain limit could go a long way in helping with your vertigo.
Why does it work?
Salt reduction is recommended by professionals for many people suffering from vertigo, as it is known to result in the reduction of endolymphatic pressure.
According to Meniere’s Society(5), a government organization for dizziness and balance disorders, reducing salt intake helps to reduce the frequency and severity of vertigo. It is believed that there is an excess pressure of the sodium-rich fluid (called endolymph) in the inner ear when someone suffers from vertigo/balance disorders.
How to use?
It is strongly recommended that you consult with your physician/doctor before undertaking a salt-restricted diet, as there are many factors to consider before shifting to such a diet.
In a general sense, to make this shift, you would need to choose foods that are naturally low in sodium. These could include fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, poultry, and unprocessed whole grains. Not only does it alleviate your symptoms of vertigo but also promotes the betterment of your overall health.
Additionally, you could substitute salt with fresh herbs such as cilantro, mint, sage, oregano, and rosemary.
How much to use?
Although there isn’t any restriction on your salt-restricted diet. However, the amount you would have to cut down may vary from person to person. Hence, it is strongly recommended that you consult your physician/doctor before you adhere to this diet.
CURE 3: Herbal remedies for vertigo
Herbs are naturally occurring substances which originated from plants or plant derivatives. They have shown immense potential in curing a lot of diseases effectively including cerebral disorders such as migraine, vertigo. Herbal remedies are easily accessible and don’t bear any kind of side effects.
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Lemon Grass
- Butcher’s-Broom
1. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba, this tree is commonly referred to as gingko and is also known as the maidenhair tree. This is the only tree that is the living species in the division of Ginkgophyta. It is found in the fossilized form dating back to 270 million years in China. The tree is widely cultivated there and has been used as a medicine since early human history.
Why does it work?
This Chinese herb is known to alleviate symptoms that are caused by vertigo. It increases the blood flow to the brain and helps in relieving dizziness and imbalance that is caused by vertigo. It is known to increase cerebral and vestibular blood flow by decreasing blood viscosity and additionally, it is known to improve neuronal plasticity and mitochondrial function, and energy metabolism.
In a study published(6) by the International Journal of Otolaryngology (IJO), they found that ginkgo biloba had a better effect than betahistine in the treatment and management of symptoms of vertigo.
How to use ginkgo biloba for vertigo?
Ginkgo biloba is available in many different formulations, including capsules, powders, tinctures, and teas. You could choose any of them that appeals to you. However, it is advised that you consult with your physician/doctor before you start using this regimen.
How much to use?
It depends on the severity of vertigo and the brand/supplement that you are using; however, in a general sense, it is recommended that you start with a low dose like 2 cups a day when you feel like you are having an attack. You could then increase the dosage as suited; however, before doing so, it is recommended that you consult with your physician if you could adhere to this regimen.
2. Lemon Grass
Lemongrass is a plant with a lot of medicinal and historical importance. It has been used for ages to treat several disorders and ailments. Its leaves and oil are used to make medicine, that could be taken orally or applied on the skin. Its uses are versatile, ranging from using it as a flavoring agent to using it to make vitamin A.
Why does it work?
Although there are not many scientific studies that have been conducted on this topic. It is believed that lemon grass contains active substances that are thought to relieve pain and swelling. Additionally, it is known to improve blood flow and help in strengthening the nerves.
How to use?
Lemongrass is available in many different formulations, including capsules, powders, tinctures, and teas. You could choose any of them that appeals to you. However, it is advised that you consult your physician/doctor before you start using this regimen.
How much to use?
It depends on the severity of vertigo and the brand/supplement that you are using; however, in a general sense, it is recommended that you start with a dose of 2 cups a day when you feel like you are having an attack. You could then increase the dosage as suited; however, before doing so it is recommended that you consult with your physician if you could adhere to this regimen.
3. Butcher’s-Broom (Ruscus aculeatus)
Butcher’s-broom, is a short evergreen Eurasian shrub that primarily grows in Europe and Asian continents. It has flat shoots known as cladodes that give the appearance of stiff, spine-tipped leaves, these shoots, and the roots are used to make medicine.
Why does it work?
According to the renowned book ‘Prescription for Nutritional Healing’ butcher’s broom is an excellent remedy for vertigo. This could be because it is a vasodilator that effects and improves the circulation of blood to the brain and inner ear, where vertigo effects. This herb consists of ruscogenin and neoruscogenin that are responsible for the improvement of circulation and vasodilator properties of this herb.
How to use?
Butcher’s- broom is available in many different formulations, including capsules, powders, tinctures, and teas. You could choose any of them that appeals to you. However, it is advised that you consult your physician/doctor before you start using this regimen.
How much to use?
It depends on the severity of vertigo and the brand/supplement that you are using; however, in a general sense, it is recommended that you start with a dose of 2 cups a day when you feel like you are having an attack. You could then increase the dosage as suited; however, before doing so, it is recommended that you consult with your physician if you could adhere to this regimen.
CURE 4: Essential Oil for vertigo
These oils are extracted from barks, flowers, stems and other living parts of the plant and have a lot of beneficial effects for humans as they are able to help in the reduction of swelling, alleviating pain, and also help in increasing the circulation.
- Ginger Essential Oil
- CBD Oil
- lavender Oil
1. Ginger Essential Oil
Ginger is not only a fragrant herb that is used for cooking but it is also the queen of traditional medicine. Ages ago, it was used by Chinese sailors to cure their motion sickness. This essential oil is extracted from ginger’s roots and has a sharp and pungent smell.
Why does it work?
Ginger is a known anti-prostaglandin that prevents the chemical compound prostaglandin that acts on the brain and helps alleviate pain. It also has anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, and antihistamine actions, which help with vertigo and helps in reducing the intensity and time interval of the attack.
In one study that was conducted in 2013(7), it was found that women who used ginger oil to treat the symptoms, experienced lessened accounts of nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and headache. It is important to note that this study used ginger oil and not fresh ginger.
How to use?
You could also add 3-4 drops of the oil in your humidifier and place it in your bedroom while you are sleeping.
It is to be noted that if you wish to apply it on your head, make sure you use a carrier oil and massage it very gently. Dilute the oil using warmed up coconut oil and to the warm oil you could add 3-4 drops of Ginger Essential oil and then using a gauze could apply it on the site. It should also be noted that using the less concentrated version would be safer for your skin and help avoid the burning sensation.
How much to use?
It is strongly advised that you use this regimen only for two weeks and then check for your symptoms; however, before you begin with this regimen it is advised that you consult your physician/doctor to check with them with regards to the dosage and the period.
2. CBD Oil
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the 120 substances extracted from the cannabis plant. It comes from the marijuana plant, but it contains only trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound that produces a high/euphoric state of mind. It implies that this oil has no/negligible psychoactive effects on you if you use it. Cannabidiol oil is known to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, and it shows promise as a treatment for vertigo.
Why does it work?
There are no conclusive studies indicating that there are proven benefits of using CBD oil for vertigo; however, the studies were conducted to test the efficacy of marijuana for vertigo and it was concluded that it was able to reduce the severity and in some subjects was able to prevent vertigo attacks. However, this not exclusively conducted on CBD oil and hence there has been an ambiguity on its working.
How to use CBD for vertigo?
Ideally, it is recommended that you inhale this essential oil directly, you could directly take sniffs from the bottle during the day. You could also add 3-4 drops of the oil in your humidifier and place it in your bedroom while you are sleeping. Additionally, you could also add this into your massage oil or take CBD oil pills for getting rid of vertigo.
How much to use?
Although a set rigid dosage for the use of CBD oil isn’t specified; however, it is strongly recommended that you consult with your doctor/physician before starting this regimen.
Also Read: How CBD May Have Anti-Aging Effects on the Skin
3. Lavender Oil
This oil is used extensively to treat a lot of conditions and is now an integral part of aromatherapy. It is also used in massages, sauna, and alternative clinics as it has proven potential to be relevant and acts as a vasodilator.
Why does it work?
Lavender Oil is a known relaxant and a vasodilator(8). It is extensively used in aromatherapy due to its efficacy to alleviate inflammation, soothe nerves, and relieve anxiety. These are all the symptoms of vertigo that lavender essential oil is able to effectively alleviate.
How to use lavender oil for vertigo?
You could also add 3-4 drops of the oil in your humidifier and place it in your bedroom while you are sleeping.
It is to be noted that if you wish to apply it on your head, make sure you use a carrier oil and massage it in very gently. Dilute the oil using warmed up coconut oil and to the warm oil you could add 3-4 drops of the oil and then using a gauze could apply it on the site. It should also be noted that using the less concentrated version would be safer for your skin and help you avoid the burning sensation.
How much to use?
It is strongly advised that you use this regimen only for two weeks and then check for your symptoms; however, before you begin with this regimen it is advised that you consult your physician/doctor to check with them in regards to the dosage and the period.
CURE 5: Exercises for vertigo
There are several trusted and tested exercises, and maneuvers that you could perform on a daily basis to control and cure your vertigo; however these need to be done on a daily basis and it is ideally suggested that you integrate it into your daily exercise regimen.
- Semont- Toupet Maneuver
- Epley Maneuver
- Brandt-Daroff Exercise
1. Semont- Toupet Maneuver
It is considered amongst one of the most beneficial exercises that focuses on the neck and head regions and it focuses on the vestibular area of the head.
How to do it?
- For this maneuver, you would need to lay down your bed.
- Then, turn your head 45 degrees to the right.
- Quickly lie down on your left side. Stay there for 30 seconds.
- Quickly move to lie down on the opposite end of your bed. Don’t change the direction of your head. Keep it at a 45-degree angle and lie for 30 seconds. Look at the floor.
- Return slowly to sitting and wait a few minutes.
- Reverse these moves for the right ear.
How much to do it?
Do this exercise three times a day until you go without vertigo for the next 24 hours.
2. Epley Maneuver
This is similar to the semont maneuver, however, this is more effective when you are suffering from vertigo on the left ear and left side.
How to do Epley maneuver for vertigo?
- Sit on the edge of your bed. Turn your head 45 degrees to the left but not as far as your left shoulder.
- Place a pillow beneath to provide rest between your shoulders. The pillow should be under your shoulders.
- Quickly lie down on your back with your head on the bed. Wait 30 seconds (for any vertigo to stop).
- Turn your head halfway (90 degrees) to the right without raising it.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Turn your head and body on its side to the right, so you’re looking at the floor.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Slowly sit up, but remain on the bed for a few minutes.
- If vertigo comes from your right ear, reverse these instructions.
How much to do it?
Perform these exercises three times before going to bed each night. It should be done until you’ve gone 24 hours without a vertigo attack.
3) Brandt-Daroff Exercise
These similar to the exercises listed above, however, this is one of the easier ones to perform and to integrate into your daily exercises.
How to do it?
- Sit in an upright position on your bed.
- Tilt your head around a 45-degree angle away from the side causing your vertigo. Move into the lying position on one side with your nose pointed up.
- Stay in this position for about 30 seconds or until vertigo eases off.
- Then move back to the seated position.
- Repeat on the other side.
How much to do it?
You should perform these exercises three to five times in a session. You would need to perform three sessions a day for 2 weeks or until the vertigo is gone for 2 days.
The Difference
While most people associate dizziness with vertigo and think that both of them are interchangeable terms, that is not the case. Dizziness and vertigo are two different medical conditions.
In vertigo, you have the feeling of spinning and whirling whereas dizziness is a state wherein you feel light-headedness, unsteadiness or fatigue.
While vertigo may be caused due to a head injury or viral infection, dizziness is a physiological state that is caused when your brain does not receive an adequate amount of blood.
So, these are amongst the best, tried and tested home remedies that are quite helpful in treating the condition. Don’t be disheartened that you are suffering from this medical condition, vertigo is treatable and several people who have suffered from it vouch for the treatment plans available in alternative medicine. Alongside these remedies, making dietary changes and doing physical exercises can provide you with effective relief from the trouble and could get rid of the problem permanently. Further, these remedies stated above pose no side-effects and are completely safe for you.