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.