Herbs as Natural Tinnitus Cures
When a person complains of a buzzing or ringing sound in his ears, without there being such an actual sound in the immediate environment, he has what is called tinnitus. Many Americans, especially those above fifty years old, experience tinnitus. It is often described as a ringing, roaring, whistling, or chirping sound that may be heard either continuously or on and off. Estimates have it that some 50 million Americans experience tinnitus in varying degrees. Of this number, about 12 million seek medical attention because of the severity of their tinnitus experience.
Tinnitus can arise from various causes. Some of the more common causes are loud noises, ear injuries, and accumulation of earwax. Taking medications, particularly aspirin and antibiotics, may also trigger tinnitus. In these instances, stopping or eliminating the causative agents will be the natural tinnitus cures. If one constantly listens to loud music, it should be stopped. If one’s workplace has loud noises, such as airports, shooting ranges, concert venues or factories with loud machinery, it makes sense to wear ear plugs or some similar device that will muffle or mute the ambient noise. Similarly, one who takes aspirin or antibiotics should talk to his physician about the possibility of changing these medications to other drugs that do not have the side effect of tinnitus. It must be remembered that self-medication is unsafe; it is always better to take only doctor-approved medicines.
Tinnitus that is accompanied by other symptoms is often an indication of some underlying disease. For example, a person who has Meniere’s disease experiences hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo and dizzy spells. It is a serious medical condition that requires treatment.
Tinnitus, in its milder forms, may also be experienced alone, without other symptoms. This is often the case in prebyscusis or age-related hearing loss. In the elder person, it is often natural to have hearing problems, in the same manner that eyesight often diminishes with age.
In all these cases, there are natural tinnitus cures that can be used safely, without side effects. On top of the list are herbs, particularly ginkgo biloba. This herb is widely used in Germany and Japan to improve brain circulation, which in turns reduces tinnitus. Initially, a dose of 40 to 80 milligrams of ginkgo biloba is recommended daily for up to six weeks. After this time, there should be a noticeable relief from tinnitus, and the same dose should be continued for up to one year. If no relief is observed in the first six weeks, the amount should be increased gradually, but never to exceed 240 milligrams per day, until there is relief from tinnitus. The practice is safe so long as one remembers never to take more than 240 milligrams of ginkgo biloba per day. It is also important that one refrains from taking any blood-thinning medications while taking this herbal supplement.
Another herb that is known to bring natural relief from tinnitus is lesser periwinkle. It contains a substance called vincamine, which has been shown to be effective in reducing tinnitus. Lesser periwinkle is also widely used in Germany to help reduce ringing in the ears.
Herbs are natural tinnitus cures that are highly recommended for tinnitus because they are safe and effective. With herbs, one does not need to spend much or make many visits to the doctor to obtain relief from tinnitus.
