Let’s start by busting some myths. Vertigo is not synonymous with a fear of heights. It’s a condition that produces dizziness and nausea all of a sudden (1). You are in balance and poised one moment, and the world around you begins to whirl violently the next. This abrupt shift in perception frequently causes dizziness, unconsciousness, vomiting, and exhaustion. Even after a vertigo attack has passed, people are unstable on their feet for a while. In the most challenging situations, the patient cannot stand and suffers from acute dizziness for at least half an hour. In reality, dizziness is a symptom of vertigo (1, 2). Keep reading to learn about some natural remedies you can try at home to manage this condition. Scroll down!
What Causes Vertigo?
Vertigo is triggered by a few conditions that can bring on frequent attacks. In a study, 80% of the population reported difficulties completing daily activities, including employment-related work, and required medical attention. The study further revealed that although vertigo affects both men and women, it’s 2-3 times more common in women and men. Also, it stated that dizziness and vertigo affect 15%-20% of adults yearly. Outlined are the common causes of vertigo. To cure vertigo, you must first address these causes:
Low or high blood pressure High cholesterol levels Hardening of the arterial walls Brain tumor Motion sickness Diabetes Injuries to the head or neck Inflammation of the inner ear Calcium carbonate deposits in the ear
Vertigo can be categorized into two types. Let’s learn more about them in the following section.
Types Of Vertigo
Apart from standard medical care, a few home remedies may help manage the symptoms of vertigo. Keep scrolling to learn more.
Home Remedies To Cure Vertigo
Since vertigo causes sudden, sharp dizziness and nausea, you cannot prepare these home remedies when you are giddy. Patients diagnosed with vertigo would do well to have these remedies handy, near a side table or the foot of your bed. As far as possible, prepare the cure when you are lucid so that you can reach for it quickly when you experience vertigo. If you suffer from severe cases of vertigo, causing intense dizziness and nausea, it is strongly recommended that you see your doctor immediately.
1. Essential Oils For Vertigo
(a) Peppermint Oil For Vertigo
2-3 drops peppermint oil 1 teaspoon almond oil
Use this remedy as soon as possible after vertigo kicks in. Peppermint oil is commonly used to treat headache, nausea, and vertigo. It stimulates and clears the head, relieving the symptoms associated with vertigo (5).
(b) Ginger Oil For Vertigo
Ginger oil Apply one or two drops of this essential oil at the nape of your neck, behind your ears, and on the bottom of your feet. Like the peppermint oil, apply this oil when the vertigo starts. Ginger is an anti-nausea agent and is used to alleviate symptoms of vomiting, dizziness, and vertigo as well. Its exact mechanism of action is not clear, but this effect of ginger may be due to its carminativei Medical property of a substance to prevent the formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract to prevent indigestion and abdominal pain. properties (6).
(c) Grapefruit Oil For Vertigo
Grapefruit oil Diffuser
Diffuse grapefruit oil throughout the day. This simple solution can be used every day. Grapefruit oil will not only leave your home smelling fresh, but it will also control your vertigo symptoms.
(d) Basil And Cypress Oils For Vertigo
A few drops of basil oil A few drops of cypress oil Room diffuser
Add a blend of the two essential oils to a diffuser and breathe in the fragrance. You can use this remedy every day. This essential oil combination increases blood flow and eases nausea, pain, and headache (7). As more oxygen reaches the brain, the symptoms of vertigo may start fading.
(e) Frankincense Oil For Vertigo
Use this remedy as and when required. This remedy works well for vertigo from ear infections, stress, and anxiety. It may relieve the symptoms of vertigo by aiding stress management and calming the brain (8).
(f) Clary Sage Oil For Vertigo
A few drops of clary sage oil Vaporizer
Add the oil to the vaporizer and inhale the vapors. Do this when the vertigo attack hits. This oil is used for treating headaches, anxiety attacks, and spasms. It is also beneficial in giving relief from vertigo and its symptoms by calming the nervous system (7). Clary sage oil may have adverse reactions on the skin. If you are not sure about your sensitivity towards this oil, be careful that it does not touch your skin.
2. Ginger For Vertigo
Raw ginger or ginger candy To make ginger tea, slice a ginger root into small pieces and add about two or three slices to a cup of boiling water. Have raw ginger or ginger tea every time you have vertigo. Ginger is an excellent remedy for dizziness and nausea. Ginger’s effectiveness is backed by scientific studies and is extremely effective in treating vertigo. Giddiness is caused by inhibited blood flow to the head. Ginger candy, juice, or even raw ginger can relieve dizziness by stimulating blood flow to the brain (4). If you have frequent bouts of vertigo, consider taking ginger supplements in the form of capsules or tablets.
3. Ginkgo Biloba For Vertigo
Ginkgo biloba tablets Take a 120mg tablet per day for an adult. Take this supplement for eight to 12 weeks to start noticing results. The Ginkgo biloba tree is one of the herbal remedies that help ease the symptoms of dizziness, nausea, and headache. Ginkgo biloba boosts the circulation of blood within the inner ear and to the brain, thus helping the body fight giddiness (9).
4. Juices For Vertigo
Ginger juice/carrot juice/pineapple juice/lemon juice/orange juice Drink these healthy juices every day to maintain hydration and to keep vertigo at bay. We have already mentioned the benefits of using ginger for treating vertigo. Carrot, pineapple, and orange juice will give you the nourishment and energy to deal with the vertigo symptoms, especially dizziness. Lemon juice (in water) is excellent for dealing with nausea and vomiting because of its anti-nausea properties (10).
5. Acupuncture For Vertigo
Acupuncture, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) technique, is recommended even by Western medicine doctors for vertigo treatment. This Chinese technique believes in restoring the body’s equilibrium by regulating the energy flow in the body (11). Mentioned below are five points that, when stimulated, alleviate the symptoms of vertigo and dizziness.
Governing Vessel 20 – Also called as GV 20, this point lies at the top-center of the head. Imagine a line going up from the top of the ear to the center of the head to locate this pressure point.
Gallbladder 20 and 21 – GB 20 and GB 21 are pairs of pressure points located at the back of your neck. GB 20 points are located just below your hairline, on either side of the spine. GB 21 points are located at the highest point of the shoulders, directly in line with the nipples.
Pericardium 6 – P6 is located on the inner forearm, three finger-breadths below the wrist. It is a point in between the tendons.
Triple Warmer 17 – TW 17 are pressure points located in the depths present at directly behind the earlobes.
Acupuncture and acupressure are considered to be part of alternative medicine and should only be performed by certified professionals. Do not attempt to stimulate these pressure points without any supervision.
6. Diet For Vertigo
Following a healthy and nutritious diet is essential to healthy functioning of the brain and the body. Drink enough water during the day to ensure that all the body fluids flow with ease and do not cause any blockages that may lead to vertigo. Include these in your diet:
Different types of fish Whole grain bread (instead of white bread) Vegetable juices Foods rich in vitamin B3, niacin, and potassium
Some anecdotal evidence suggests that drinking diluted apple cider vinegar with honey can also help manage symptoms of vertigo.
Salty foods (to avoid high sodium in the bloodstream) Sugary foods such as candy, jelly, cane sugar, aerated beverages, pies, cakes, etc. Nuts like peanuts, pecans, and walnuts Processed meats like pepperoni and sausages Aged cheese such as Swiss, mozzarella, cheddar, and others Pumpkin seeds Sesame seeds
7. Exercises For Vertigo
Simple vestibular rehabilitation therapy exercises can be done daily in the comfort of your home to reduce the occurrence and symptoms of vertigo. Please note that these exercises will not cure the problem. You can also try certain yoga asanas to treat vertigo, along with meditation or massage therapy as relaxation techniques to calm your mind and body.
Standing Upright – This exercise, also known as the Romberg, is one of the most beneficial exercises for vertigo. With a chair in front of you and a wall behind for your support, stand straight with the arms by the side for 30 seconds. Repeat this five times. The next progression of this exercise would be to stand with your eyes closed.
Front And Back Swaying – In the same position as before, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and arms by the side. Sway front and back by shifting the weight from your heels to your toes. Do not bend your hip. Repeat this 20 times.
Sideways Swaying – In the same position again, lean from left to right without taking your feet off the floor. Repeat this 20 times.
Repeat these exercises twice a day. Below mentioned is an exercise that you can do when you experience a vertigo attack.
The Brandt-Daroff Exercise – This exercise is recommended for quickly relieving the symptoms of vertigo. From an upright, seated position, move into a lying position on one side. Your nose should be pointing upwards at a 45-degree angle. Remain in this position until the symptoms subside. Come back to the original position and do this exercise for 30 seconds on the other side as well.
Julieann Wallace, a blogger shares her journey with Meniere’s disease, emphasizing her struggle for treatment options and the eventual success of gentamicin injections, stating, “I’ve been vertigo free since 2004 (i).” She further adds, “I now have my life back. And my shadow, Meniere’s, is a small thing that follows me around, a reminder that I am a survivor and a fighter.” Can Vertigo Be Prevented? Yes! Vertigo can definitely be prevented by following the diet restrictions mentioned above. Keep the blood glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, and your body weight under control by eating less salty, less sugary, and take vitamin supplements if necessary with healthy food. Signs & Symptoms Of Vertigo The main symptom of vertigo is the spinning sensation that you experience, even though you are perfectly still. Associated signs and symptoms include (1): • Nausea and vomiting • Headache • Blurred vision • Fatigue How Long Does Vertigo Last? It usually lasts for a few hours, but can go up to a day as well. Relief from all symptoms takes three to six weeks. Does shaking your head help with vertigo? There is no research that proves that shaking your head can help with vertigo. Can vertigo go away on its own? In mild cases, vertigo goes away on its own. However, moderate to severe cases of vertigo require treatment. Depending on the severity of the situation, your doctor may ask you to take physiotherapy sessions or even undergo surgery to treat vertigo. Where is the pressure point for vertigo? The pressure point for vertigo is located three finger breadths from the wrist crease or approximately an inch away from the wrist end (12). Does chewing gum help vertigo? Yes, chewing gum may help reduce the symptoms of vertigo in children (13). However, more studies need to be conducted on adults to understand the association further. When should you worry about vertigo? If you experience symptoms like dizziness over a prolonged time, chest pain, or severe headache, seek medical attention immediately. Vertigo is an invisible disease. People around you cannot see it, but you experience it, so you know how it feels. Don’t let yourself go through the hell that’s vertigo. With these simple home remedies and tips, you can now kick vertigo out of your life for good.
Illustration: Home Remedies For Vertigo And Treatment
If you are dealing with vertigo and looking for some relief, then check out this helpful video that covers simple and natural remedies that you can try at home to treat vertigo.
