14 remedies for vertigo you can try at home

Many people mistake vertigo with dizziness. But it actually is just a sensation that you or the world around of you is spinning. While the former feeling is called subjective vertigo, the latter is referred to as objective vertigo. Vertigo is not a medical condition but rather a symptom. A person with severe vertigo may experience symptoms that may occur constantly and last for up to several days. Some cases of vertigo may improve on its own over a period of time but some cases may need treatment or even surgery.

What causes vertigo?

Vertigo can be caused by a number of factors most of which are mainly associated with problems in the inner ear or the brain. The most common form of this condition, known as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is caused by sudden movements of the head. Here the feeling of spinning may last for about a few seconds to a few minutes. Another cause of vertigo is the inflammation in the inner ear, which can be due to viral or bacterial infection. Episodes of vertigo can occur as a symptom of Meniere’s disease. Tumors that form in the nerve tissues of the inner ear can also lead to vertigo. Decreased blood circulation in the brain, multiple sclerosis, neck injury, head trauma, migraine and complications associated with diabetes are few other causes of vertigo.

Symptoms of vertigo

The major symptoms of vertigo include the sensation of spinning, headache, nausea, vomiting, abnormal eye movements, visual disturbances, weakness, difficulty walking, sweating, hearing loss and ringing in the ears. These symptoms may last from a few minutes to may be hours or more.

Home remedies for vertigo

There are numerous natural home remedies that can bring relief from vertigo. However, before attempting any of these remedies, it is important to consult a doctor to know what exactly is causing the symptoms. Here are some of the natural remedies for treating vertigo:

Ginger

Ginger is effective in increasing blood circulation in the brain and in providing relief from nausea and vomiting. For these reasons, it is considered as a wonderful remedy for vertigo. A study of the effects of ginger on vertigo showed that it is helpful in relieving many of the associated issues of vertigo such as migraine and motion sickness. You can either chew a piece of ginger or make ginger tea and drink it twice a day for a few weeks. To prepare ginger tea, simply add a teaspoon of grated ginger to a cup of boiling water. Steep this tea for 5 minutes and then strain it.

[Read more about benefits of ginger]

Coriander seeds

A popular Ayurvedic remedy for treating vertigo is the use of coriander seeds. They are found to be effective in preventing the symptoms and treating the condition. Soak a teaspoon of coriander seeds along with amla or Indian gooseberry powder in a cup of water. Keep it overnight and strain the liquid in the morning. Drink this liquid daily for a few days to get relief from vertigo. You may also add some honey to improve the taste of the drink.

Gingko biloba

Gingko biloba is a popular remedy used in Chinese traditional medicine for the treatment of many ailments. It contains terpenes that are associated with increasing the blood circulation in the brain and hence is considered effective for treating vertigo. It has been found to help in treating dizziness caused by vestibular dysfunction. Take about 120 grams of Gingko biloba extract daily for about 3 months.

Cardamom

Cardamom is a wonderful herb that is considered an effective remedy for vertigo. It has a soothing aroma and therapeutic properties help bring relief from the symptoms of vertigo. Heat two teaspoons of sesame oil and add half a teaspoon of cardamom powder to it. Once the oil is cooled, apply it on the forehead and massage it well so that the oil is absorbed in the skin. Repeat this daily to get the desired result.

[Read more about benefits of cardamom]

Almonds and pumpkin seeds

Another effective remedy for vertigo is a combination of almonds, pumpkin seeds, poppy seeds and wheat. Take a small amount of each of these ingredients and soak them in water overnight. Make a paste and then mix it with a cup of milk. Drink this milk everyday to find relief from the symptoms. You can also add some sugar to sweeten the drink.

Basil

Basil is a great herb often used in many cuisines of the world. It also has medicinal properties, which makes a good remedy for several health problems. Its wonderful aroma can be used as an aromatherapy for dizziness and vertigo. Basil leaves can be boiled in water and the steam inhaled to get relief from vertigo. Alternatively, you can boil few basil leaves in a cup of milk and drink it before going to bed. Do this daily for a few weeks.

Peppermint oil

Essential oils like peppermint oil can help provide relief from dizziness associated with vertigo. The soothing effects produced by the oil can be attributed to several components present in it such as menthone, menthol and menthyl ester. The oil improves blood circulation to the brain, thus reducing the symptoms of vertigo. Peppermint oil is widely used as a remedy for headaches, nausea and motion sickness. When the symptoms strike, add a few drops of this oil onto a piece of cloth or cotton ball and then inhale. Massaging the forehead with peppermint oil is also effective. But before topical application, add carrier oil such as almond oil to the peppermint oil to avoid skin irritation.

Cypress oil

Cypress oil obtained from the cypress tree has a fresh aroma that induces a soothing and calming effect on both the body and mind. It stimulates the flow of blood and oxygen in the brain and reduces dizziness by opening up your breathing passages. To get relief from vertigo, add a few drops of cypress oil to a cotton ball and then inhale. You can also use an aromatherapy diffuser to diffuse the aroma into the air and then inhale it.

Massage therapy

Massage therapy is another great way to get rid of the symptoms associated with vertigo. Gently massage your neck, head and upper back in slow circular motion daily. It improves the blood circulation and is also beneficial in relieving stiffness and pain of the neck as well.

[Read more about home remedies of joint pain]

Valerian

Valerian is an herb that is useful in managing vertigo caused by nervous exhaustion. It is also helpful in dealing with problems like nervousness and sleep deprivation. Valerian tea is an effective remedy for vertigo and is prepared by steeping a teaspoon of valerian root in a cup of water for about 10 minutes. Strain the tea and drink it two or three times daily for a month. Another way this herb can be used is to take valerian tincture twice daily.

Rosemary oil

Rosemary oil is an essential oil obtained from the Rosemary herb and is used as a remedy for vertigo, depression and fatigue. Add fresh rosemary leaves in a pot of hot water and then inhale the steam. The hot water releases the essential oil from the leaves and provides a soothing and relaxing effect on your body.

[Read more about benefits of rosemary]

Lemon balm

Lemon balm is an excellent remedy for treating vertigo and the symptoms associated with it. It stimulates the nervous system and the circulatory system, and is also found to be beneficial for other health problems like hypertension, insomnia, depression and migraines. Boil few fresh lemon balm leaves or dried lemon balm in a cup of water and allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes. Strain the tea and drink it twice daily for a few weeks. Lemon balm oil is also available which can be inhaled like other aromatherapy essential oils.

Lemon grass

Lemon grass has been used as a natural remedy for many ailments including vertigo. It is very effective in treating nausea and dizziness. Having a cup of lemon grass can bring immense relief whenever you feel the onset of vertigo or associated symptoms. To make the tea, simply boil a few fresh stalks of Lemongrass in water for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain the tea and enjoy its soothing and calming effects. You can also add sugar or honey to sweeten the drink.

[Read more about benefits of lemongrass]

Cayenne

Cayenne is a very popular spice that is bestowed with many health benefiting properties. It is considered a good remedy for vertigo because it contains an active ingredient known as capsaicin that helps in increasing the flow of blood to your brain. It is a thermogenic spice that improves circulatory functions. Boil a cup of water and add some cayenne to it. Drink this tea whenever you feel the symptoms of vertigo.

The best way to treat vertigo is to first understand the causes and taking precautionary measures for prevention. Vertigo treatment may differ depending on the cause and also the age of the individual. Many home remedies have been developed all over the world that would help people suffering from this condition. Natural remedies such as the ones described above are safe and effective without any harmful side effects. With the help of these remedies, you can easily find relief from vertigo before it can get the better of you.

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