Tinnitus: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Tinnitus is a condition characterized by a persistent ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in the ears, often caused by exposure to loud noises, age-related hearing loss, earwax buildup, or certain medications.

The constant sound can lead to anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances, negatively impacting overall health and quality of life. To alleviate tinnitus, herbal remedies such as Ginkgo biloba, St. John's Wort, and passionflower are used to calm the nervous system and reduce inflammation.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies, as they may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of tinnitus, 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 tinnitus?

The main causes of tinnitus are primarily linked to damage to the hair cells in the cochlea, which are responsible for transmitting sound signals to the brain.

Noise-induced hearing loss, exposure to loud sounds, and prolonged exposure to high-frequency sounds can cause damage to these hair cells, leading to tinnitus. Age-related hearing loss, otosclerosis, and presbycusis are also common causes of tinnitus, as they can affect the structure and function of the inner ear. Infections, head injuries, and certain medications, such as antibiotics and aspirin, can also contribute to tinnitus.

Additionally, underlying medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid disorders, can increase the risk of developing tinnitus.

• Noise-induced trauma: Repeated exposure to loud noises, such as from music, machinery, or firearms, can cause damage to the hair cells in the inner ear, leading to tinnitus.
• Aging: As people age, the hair cells in the inner ear can deteriorate, resulting in age-related tinnitus.
• Hearing loss: Existing hearing loss, whether due to age, noise, or other causes, can increase the risk of developing tinnitus.
• Earwax buildup: Excessive earwax buildup can block the ear canal and cause tinnitus.
• Ear infections: Middle ear infections, such as otitis media, can cause tinnitus due to inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear.
• Head or neck injuries: Traumatic injuries to the head or neck can damage the nerves or blood vessels in the ear, leading to tinnitus.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, aspirin, and some cancer treatments, can cause tinnitus as a side effect.
• High blood pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels in the ear, leading to tinnitus.
• Anxiety and stress: Severe anxiety and stress can cause tinnitus by increasing the activity of the brain's auditory processing centers.
• Ear surgery: Surgical procedures on the ear, such as ear surgery to correct hearing loss, can cause tinnitus as a complication.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for tinnitus?

The main medicinal herbs used for tinnitus are Ginkgo biloba, Zingiber officinale, Lavandula angustifolia, Melissa officinalis, Curcuma longa, Panax ginseng, Vitex agnus-castus, Piper nigrum, Astragalus membranaceus, Glycyrrhiza glabra.

Ginkgo biloba improves blood flow to the auditory system by preventing platelet aggregation and relaxing vascular smooth muscle, thereby reducing tinnitus severity. Zingiber officinale's anti-inflammatory properties alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation in the inner ear, contributing to tinnitus relief. Lavandula angustifolia and Melissa officinalis have anxiolytic and sedative effects, which help manage stress and anxiety often associated with tinnitus.

Curcuma longa, Panax ginseng, Vitex agnus-castus, Piper nigrum, Astragalus membranaceus, and Glycyrrhiza glabra possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties that complement the therapeutic effects of Ginkgo biloba and Zingiber officinale, ultimately providing comprehensive tinnitus management.

• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba may help alleviate tinnitus symptoms by improving blood flow to the inner ear and protecting against oxidative stress, which can contribute to the development of tinnitus.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, may help reduce tinnitus symptoms by its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate inflammation in the inner ear and surrounding tissues.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia, or lavender, has been found to reduce anxiety and stress levels, which can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms, thereby potentially alleviating tinnitus through its anxiolytic and sedative effects.
• Melissa officinalis: Melissa officinalis, or lemon balm, has been traditionally used to treat anxiety and stress-related disorders, which can contribute to tinnitus, and its anxiolytic properties may help alleviate tinnitus symptoms.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, or turmeric, contains curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the inner ear, potentially alleviating tinnitus symptoms.
• Panax ginseng: Panax ginseng, or Asian ginseng, may help alleviate tinnitus symptoms by improving blood flow to the inner ear and reducing oxidative stress, which can contribute to the development of tinnitus.
• Vitex agnus-castus: Vitex agnus-castus, or chaste tree, has been traditionally used to treat anxiety and stress-related disorders, which can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms, and its anxiolytic properties may help alleviate tinnitus.
• Piper nigrum: Piper nigrum, or black pepper, contains piperine, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the inner ear, potentially alleviating tinnitus symptoms.
• Astragalus membranaceus: Astragalus membranaceus, or astragalus, may help alleviate tinnitus symptoms by improving blood flow to the inner ear and reducing oxidative stress, which can contribute to the development of tinnitus.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, has been traditionally used to treat anxiety and stress-related disorders, which can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms, and its anxiolytic properties may help alleviate tinnitus.

What are the main herbal preparations used for tinnitus?

The main herbal preparations used for tinnitus are Tincture, Decoction, Capsule, Salve, Cream, Powder, Suppository, Liquid Extract, Oil, Gel.

Tincture is often used for its concentrated form of herbs such as Ginkgo biloba and St. John's Wort, which may help alleviate tinnitus symptoms by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation. Decoction, on the other hand, is a liquid preparation made by boiling herbs like Ashwagandha and Lavender, which may help reduce stress and promote relaxation, thereby alleviating tinnitus symptoms. Capsule, Salve, and Cream preparations may be used to deliver herbs like Zinc and Magnesium directly to the affected area, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.

Additionally, herbal preparations like Powder, Suppository, Liquid Extract, Oil, and Gel, made from herbs like Mullein and Garlic, may be used to reduce inflammation, improve hearing, and alleviate tinnitus symptoms.

• Tincture: A tincture of Ginkgo biloba, rich in flavonoids and terpenoids, is thought to help with tinnitus by improving blood flow to the inner ear and reducing inflammation in the auditory nerve.
• Decoction: A decoction of the root of Angelica sinensis, which contains sesquiterpenes and volatile oils, may help with tinnitus by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of damaged inner ear tissue.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the extract of St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), rich in hyperforin and hypericin, may help with tinnitus by reducing anxiety and stress, which can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms.
• Salve: A salve made from the leaves of Calendula officinalis, which contains triterpene saponins and flavonoids, may help with tinnitus by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of damaged inner ear tissue.
• Cream: A cream containing the extract of Aloe vera, rich in aloin and aloe-emodin, may help with tinnitus by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of damaged inner ear tissue.
• Powder: A powder made from the seeds of Nigella sativa, which contains thymoquinone and nigellin, may help with tinnitus by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of damaged inner ear tissue.
• Suppository: A suppository containing the extract of Withania somnifera, rich in withanolides and withaferin A, may help with tinnitus by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of damaged inner ear tissue.
• Liquid Extract: A liquid extract of the root of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), rich in withanolides and withaferin A, may help with tinnitus by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of damaged inner ear tissue.
• Oil: An oil rich in essential fatty acids, such as that found in the seeds of Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum), may help with tinnitus by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of damaged inner ear tissue.
• Gel: A gel made from the extract of the leaves of Ginkgo biloba, rich in flavonoids and terpenoids, may help with tinnitus by improving blood flow to the inner ear and reducing inflammation in the auditory nerve.