Home Remedies for Vertigo

Vertigo, a spinning sensation, and dizziness can limit one’s activities and make one feel unwell. Although there are medications for vertigo, they are not always necessary, mainly because there are non-medical methods that can also treat the illness.

Vertigo is a spinning and queasy sensation that can happen with or without movement. It is brought on when the body is not out of balance, but the brain believes it is.

To lessen the possibility of getting wounded if they fall, a person should sit down as soon as they feel dizzy. Usually, vertigo appears as a symptom of one or more underlying medical conditions. Vertigo can sometimes only happen once, but it will keep happening until the underlying cause is identified for some people.

Symptoms

Vertigo can result in the following symptoms in addition to giving a person a sense of being off balance or spinning:

• Dizziness or vomiting
• Inconsistent eye motions
• Headaches
• Hearing loss
• Ear ringing
• Perspiration
• Double vision
• Arm or leg weakness
• Lack of coordination

Causes

Vertigo can be caused by various conditions affecting the inner ear, brain, or nervous system. The leading cause of vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a condition where tiny calcium crystals collect in the inner ear, disrupting the body’s balance system.

Other potential causes include:

• Vestibular Neuritis – Vestibular nerve inflammation, commonly triggered by a viral infection, can cause dizziness and balance disturbances.
• Labyrinthitis – Inflammation of the inner ear, which can cause vertigo along with hearing loss or ringing in the ears.
• Meniere’s Disease – A disorder caused by fluid accumulation in the inner ear, leading to vertigo, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and hearing impairment.
• Head or Neck Injuries – Trauma to the head or neck can damage balance-related structures, leading to persistent vertigo.
• Mal de Débarquement Syndrome – A rare disorder that causes prolonged dizziness after traveling by boat, plane, or car.
• Vestibular Migraine – A migraine variant that impacts the inner ear, resulting in recurring episodes of dizziness and imbalance.

While some causes, like BPPV, can be managed with home remedies, others, such as injuries or severe infections, may require medical attention. If vertigo persists or worsens, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.

Natural Home Remedies

Several natural home treatments can be used to treat vertigo.

The Epley Maneuver

Physical therapists or chiropractors widely recommend the Epley maneuver as a self-care method for vertigo.

One technique that is widely used to treat vertigo is the Epley manoeuvre. This involves procedures every night before bed until the vertigo symptoms disappear for at least 24 hours.

If vertigo symptoms originate in the left side and the ear,

• You can treat them by lying down with your head tilted 45 degrees to the left and holding that position for 30 seconds while sitting on the edge of a bed.
• Turn your head 90 degrees to the right while keeping it level and hold the position for 30 seconds.
• Gazing down for 30 seconds, then gradually sitting up while remaining seated for at least a few minutes.
• If vertigo starts in your right ear on the right side of your body, reverse these recommendations.

Brandt-Daroff Exercise

A simple and effective home exercise, the Brandt-Daroff technique helps reposition inner ear crystals to restore balance. It is easy to perform without supervision, but it may cause temporary dizziness, so practicing it in a safe environment is essential.

Semont-Toupet Maneuver

This maneuver, similar to the Epley technique, helps relieve vertigo by repositioning displaced inner ear particles. It requires controlled movements but does not demand excessive neck flexibility, making it accessible to most individuals.

Managing Stress to Reduce Vertigo Episodes

Stress can trigger or worsen vertigo, particularly in conditions like Meniere’s disease and migraines. Mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing techniques can aid in stress management and help decrease the occurrence of vertigo.

Boosting Vitamin D for Inner Ear Health

A deficiency in vitamin D has been shown to play a role in vestibular disorders that may lead to vertigo. Maintaining adequate vitamin D intake through supplements or sunlight exposure may support better balance and reduce vertigo symptoms.

The Ginkgo Biloba

A Chinese herb called Ginkgo Biloba, is well known for curing vertigo problems. It controls blood flow to the brain to alleviate vertigo and balance problems.

A study in the International Journal of Otolaryngology suggests that Ginkgo biloba is equally effective in managing vertigo.

Ginger Tea

Ginger root is more efficient than manual repositioning methods like the Epley manoeuvre at reducing vertigo symptoms, according to research published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science.

For five minutes, you can soak the ginger root in a cup of boiling water. Honey might help to mask the bitter taste. Ginger tea can help with vertigo symptoms, including nausea and dizziness if you drink two cups daily.

Almonds

Vitamins A, B, and E are plentiful in almonds. Almonds, eaten in little amounts each day, can ease vertigo symptoms.

Although it’s unclear how almonds can aid, their vitamins can likely fend against vertigo’s causes.

Drinking Water

Vertigo symptoms might be brought on by dehydration. The illness can be brought on by even modest dehydration.

Dehydration can lessen vertigo and balance problems. The body needs 8 to 12 glasses of liquid every day. Although this applies to all beverages, water is the best option since it contains neither calories nor caffeine nor diuretic effects.

Essential Oils

Numerous essential oils can be inhaled or applied topically to treat vertigo symptoms. In addition, vertigo symptoms like nausea, headaches, and dizziness can be treated naturally and affordably using essential oils.

Essential oils like peppermint, ginger, lavender, and lemon are alternatives for treating vertigo. Before applying essential oil topically, it should be either inhaled using an infuser or diluted with a carrier oil. Finding the most effective oil to cure vertigo symptoms may require trial and error with different oils.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey

Honey and apple cider vinegar are thought to have therapeutic properties that improve blood circulation to the brain. A blend of two parts honey and one part apple cider vinegar may help in both preventing and alleviating vertigo symptoms.

Acupressure

Acupressure uses the same concepts as acupuncture but does not utilise needles. Instead, Acupressure aims to improve overall health and relaxation. For example, vertigo can be managed by stimulating pressure points all over the body.

Saffron

The benefits of saffron as a brain tonic and protector are widely established. Saffron is also known to increase physical strength and stop an excessive buildup of chemicals that might cause ear problems. In addition, saffron can be used to flavor meals or to make tea. Finally, this helps control dizziness.

Cumin

Both cumin and black cumin are effective in treating vertigo. You can season your regular foods with cumin. You can also steep some cumin in water and then consume it.

Amla

It is a fruit consumed frequently in India to fend off illnesses and has high levels of vitamin C. It possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics that could aid in illness prevention. In addition, it has a reputation for being successful in treating vertigo. Make some amla juice, stir in some honey, and sip it.

Whom Should You Consult?

After a preliminary examination, your doctor might suggest that you see an ENT specialist or a physician with expertise in the neurological system and the brain (neurologist). Here are some details to assist you in preparing for your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions