Dizziness: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Dizziness is a sensation of lightheadedness, disorientation, or a feeling of being off balance, often accompanied by nausea and vertigo.

It can be caused by various factors such as inner ear problems, inner ear infections, dehydration, low blood sugar, medication side effects, and underlying health conditions. If left untreated, dizziness can lead to falls, injuries, and long-term health complications. To alleviate dizziness, herbal remedies such as ginger, peppermint, and ginkgo biloba can be effective.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as they may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions, and to follow proper dosages and preparation methods.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of dizziness, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of dizziness?

The main causes of dizziness are often related to inner ear problems, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), where calcium particles in the inner ear become dislodged, and Meniere's disease, a disorder of the inner ear that affects balance and hearing.

Other causes include vestibular migraine, a type of migraine that affects the inner ear, and vestibular neuritis, an inflammation of the vestibular nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain. Dizziness can also be caused by outer ear problems, such as ear infections or otosclerosis, a condition where the bones in the middle ear become fixed. Additionally, dizziness can be triggered by cardiovascular issues, such as orthostatic hypotension, a drop in blood pressure that occurs when standing up, and dehydration.

Furthermore, medications such as sedatives, antidepressants, and antihistamines can also cause dizziness as a side effect.

• Anemia: Anemia occurs when the body does not have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to inadequate oxygen delivery to the brain, which can cause dizziness due to insufficient blood flow.
• Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can cause dizziness due to the brain's inability to function properly when it does not receive enough glucose for energy.
• Inner Ear Infection: Inner ear infections can cause dizziness due to inflammation and irritation of the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and equilibrium.
• Medication Side Effects: Certain medications, such as sedatives, antidepressants, and antihistamines, can cause dizziness as a side effect due to their impact on the central nervous system.
• Meniere's Disease: Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear that affects balance and equilibrium, leading to dizziness and vertigo due to changes in fluid pressure within the ear.
• Multiple Sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disorder that can cause dizziness due to damage to the myelin sheath, which protects nerve fibers and facilitates communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
• Neurodegenerative Diseases: Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, can cause dizziness due to the progressive damage to the brain and its ability to regulate balance and movement.
• Orthostatic Hypotension: Orthostatic hypotension, or a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up, can cause dizziness due to the brain's inability to receive enough blood flow when it is upright.
• Vitamin Deficiencies: Vitamin deficiencies, particularly a lack of vitamin B12, can cause dizziness due to the body's inability to produce red blood cells and maintain proper nerve function.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for dizziness?

The main medicinal herbs used for dizziness are Ginkgo biloba, Valeriana officinalis, Zingiber officinale, Avena sativa, Passiflora incarnata, Panax ginseng, Foeniculum vulgare, Rosmarinus officinalis, Centella asiatica, Cinnamomum verum.

Ginkgo biloba improves blood flow to the brain, reducing dizziness symptoms caused by poor circulation. Valeriana officinalis and Passiflora incarnata have sedative properties, reducing anxiety that may contribute to dizziness. Zingiber officinale and Foeniculum vulgare have natural anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate vertigo caused by inflammation.

Centella asiatica and Panax ginseng have been shown to improve cognitive function and memory, potentially reducing the likelihood of dizziness caused by cognitive decline, while Avena sativa and Rosmarinus officinalis have been traditionally used to treat vertigo and dizziness by promoting relaxation and balance, and Cinnamomum verum has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate dizziness caused by inflammation.

• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba helps alleviate dizziness by improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, thus reducing symptoms associated with vertigo and dizziness.
• Valeriana officinalis: Valeriana officinalis assists in reducing dizziness by its sedative and anxiolytic properties, which help to calm the nervous system and alleviate symptoms of anxiety-induced dizziness.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, helps alleviate nausea and dizziness associated with motion sickness and vertigo by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals and stabilizing stomach contents.
• Avena sativa: Avena sativa, or oats, helps reduce dizziness by its sedative and anxiolytic properties, which promote relaxation and alleviate symptoms of anxiety-induced dizziness.
• Passiflora incarnata: Passiflora incarnata assists in alleviating dizziness by its sedative and anxiolytic properties, which help to calm the nervous system and reduce symptoms of anxiety-induced dizziness.
• Panax ginseng: Panax ginseng helps alleviate dizziness by improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, thus reducing symptoms associated with vertigo and dizziness.
• Foeniculum vulgare: Foeniculum vulgare, or fennel, assists in alleviating dizziness associated with gastrointestinal issues by its carminative properties, which help to reduce nausea and relieve digestive discomfort.
• Rosmarinus officinalis: Rosmarinus officinalis, or rosemary, helps alleviate dizziness by its stimulant properties, which improve cognitive function and alleviate symptoms associated with vertigo and dizziness.
• Centella asiatica: Centella asiatica, also known as gotu kola, helps alleviate dizziness by improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, thus reducing symptoms associated with vertigo and dizziness.
• Cinnamomum verum: Cinnamomum verum, or cinnamon, assists in alleviating dizziness associated with gastrointestinal issues by its anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce nausea and relieve digestive discomfort.

What are the main herbal preparations used for dizziness?

The main herbal preparations used for dizziness are Tincture, Decoction, Capsule, Salve, Suppository, Cream, Elixir, Poultice, Meadowsweet Tea, Ointment.

Tincture, a concentrated liquid extract, contains bioactive compounds like gingerol and shogaol from ginger, which have anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate dizziness. Decoction, a method of extracting plant material with water, is used to prepare teas like Meadowsweet Tea, which contains salicylic acid, a natural pain reliever that helps to reduce vertigo symptoms. Capsules, containing dried and powdered herbs like peppermint, which has natural antispasmodic properties, can help to alleviate dizziness by reducing nausea and stomach discomfort.

Additionally, topical preparations like Salve, Suppository, Cream, and Ointment, often containing herbs like ginger or peppermint, can be applied directly to the skin to relieve dizziness symptoms, while Poultice, a warm compress made from herbs, can be applied to the neck and shoulders to relax tense muscles.

• Tincture: A tincture made from the dried flowers of Passiflora incarnata, also known as passionflower, helps with dizziness due to its antispasmodic and anxiolytic properties, which calm the nervous system and reduce muscle spasms.
• Decoction: A decoction made from the dried roots of Valeriana officinalis, also known as valerian root, helps with dizziness due to its sedative and antispasmodic properties, which reduce anxiety and muscle spasms.
• Capsule: A capsule filled with the dried leaves of Ginkgo biloba helps with dizziness due to its vasodilatory properties, which improve blood flow to the brain and reduce the symptoms of dizziness.
• Salve: A salve made from the dried leaves of Avena sativa, also known as oat straw, helps with dizziness due to its sedative and antispasmodic properties, which reduce anxiety and muscle spasms.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the dried roots of Withania somnifera, also known as ashwagandha, helps with dizziness due to its adaptogenic and sedative properties, which reduce stress and anxiety.
• Cream: A cream made from the dried flowers of Calendula officinalis, also known as marigold, helps with dizziness due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which reduce inflammation and muscle spasms.
• Elixir: An elixir made from the dried roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, helps with dizziness due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which reduce inflammation and muscle spasms.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the dried leaves of Mentha piperita, also known as peppermint, helps with dizziness due to its vasodilatory properties, which improve blood flow to the brain and reduce the symptoms of dizziness.
• Meadowsweet Tea: Meadowsweet tea made from the dried flowers of Filipendula ulmaria helps with dizziness due to its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce muscle spasms and inflammation.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the dried roots of Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, helps with dizziness due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which reduce inflammation and muscle spasms.