Herbs to Treat Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a condition that causes ringing in the ears. Normal causes of tinnitus include loud environments, head or neck injury, genetic abnormalities, drugs or stress. Unfortunately, tinnitus can be quite an annoyance especially since there is no cure. Most treatments are intended to lessen or mask the noise caused by tinnitus. However for many who suffer with tinnitus, finding the right treatment is a long drawn out process. Not only is the ringing annoying, trying several treatments without relief becomes aggravating. Traditional treatments for tinnitus include prescription medication, psychological therapy, stress management, and surgery. Although, for those who haven’t found relief with traditional treatment, alternative medicine can lend a hand.
Naturopathic medicine uses natural organic products such as herbs, spices, and flower extracts to restore and relieve symptoms of health conditions. In the case of tinnitus herbal remedies can reduce the noises so you can get on with your life. Herbs that help relieve tinnitus include ginkgo biloba, black cohosh, mullein, cornus, vinpocetine (vincamine), hydergine and wobenzym.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is the most common herb used in the treatment of tinnitus. Ginkgo improves the circulation of blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Increased blood flow allows for faster healing of damaged nerves and neurons. Additionally, ginkgo improves cognitive ability.
Black Cohosh
Used to reduce fatigue, neuralgia, rheumatism, sore throat, asthma, bronchial spasms, bronchitis, tinnitus, and whooping cough. Black cohosh is an antispasmodic, anti inflammatory, mild sedative and has a relaxing effect. Therefore it’s good to treat anxiety, nervousness and stress.
Mullein
Mullein is used as a respiratory remedy to treat coughs, and chest congestion. Mullein alleviates irritation, earaches and tinnitus. Although, mullein is an anti-inflammatory that has a diuretic effect.
Cornus
Cornus can be taken internally to cure excessive urination, incontinence, impotence, lightheadedness, excessive sweating and menstrual bleeding. Cornus can be used as a replacement for quinine. Another remedy mixes cornus with foxglove root and Chinese yams.
Vinpocetine (Vincamine)
Vinpocetine is the extract of periwinkle. Vinpocetine acts as a vasodilator, which increases blood flow to the brain. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory.
Hydergine
Hydergine is the extract of ergot a fungus that grows on rye. Hydergine increases mental abilities to prevent damage of brain cells. It also has the ability to reverse damage of brain cells. It increases the blood supply and oxygenation to the brain. It additionally protects the brain from free radical damage. It reduces the symptoms of dizziness and tinnitus.
Wobenzym
Wobenzym is a proteolytic enzyme which contains plant based enzymes such as pancreatin, trypsin, chymotrypsin, bromelain, papain, and rutosid. Wobenzym is thought to support a healthy immune system, increase circulation and red blood cell viscosity however the FDA has not evaluated it. Wobenzym is thought to be effective at treating arthritis, throbbing pains, and tinnitus. As an anti inflammatory wobenzym may be an alternative for aspirin.
The Author:
Sarah Labdar graduated with a BA in exercise science and have worked in the medical field since. My focus is alternative medicine however all aspects of health interest me.
