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You’ve come to the correct place if you are looking for a natural tinnitus remedy. Before we get into tinnitus natural remedies, let’s learn more about it. Tinnitus is a condition that causes sounds in the ear, such as:
- Ringing
- Whistling
- Hissing
- Chirping
- Roaring
- Buzzing
- Whining cricket sounds
These manifest themselves even when there is no outside physical source for these sounds. At first, they come and go. The sounds are constant, and no one else hears them but you.
However, there have been reported instances in which others have heard the sounds as much as four feet from the individual’s ear. In Latin, “tinnitus” means “to tinkle” or a “bell-like ring.” The frequency of tinnitus increases with age. The left ear seems to produce the sounds more often than the right. About seventy-five percent of deaf people report tinnitus.
Causes of Tinnitus
There are several possible causes, including nerve-ending irritation from loud noises. Chemicals and drugs can injure the internal ear. Prescription drugs can produce tinnitus or hearing loss (beware of quinine and aspirin). Nicotine constricts blood vessels and can be a cause.
Other causes to be aware of are:
Aluminum | Lead | Mercury poisoning |
Impacted wax | Hormonal problems | High blood pressure |
Severe blows to the head | Anemia | Perforation of the tympanic membrane |
Fluid in the middle ear | Epilepsy | Migraine |
Food allergies | Meniere’s disease | Hypothyroidism |
Multiple sclerosis | Repeated and prolonged exposure to loud noises |
Whatever the cause, stress can sometimes make it worse. Typical food allergy causes of tinnitus include sugar, milk, eggs, wheat, honey, and other sweeteners. Thankfully, tinnitus is not a sign of a more severe problem or a precursor of any serious disease unless associated with Meniere’s disease.
Natural Tinnitus Remedy
1. The success rate of attempting to remedy tinnitus via surgery is not very high. Also, beware of “tinnitus maskers.” These products can cause hearing loss.
2. Have your physician give you a pulse test to check on problematic foods. Also, have a hair analysis made. Ascertain the cause and eliminate it. According to a 1981 study, coffee, tea, tonic water, grain-based spirits, cheese, chocolate, and red wine were the most common dietary causes of tinnitus.
3. Combine one teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of glycerin in one pint of warm water. Several times a day. Using a nasal sprayer, spray each nostril until it drains into the back of the throat. Spray the throat as well.
4. Consume a nutritional diet of trace minerals (Norwegian kelp or Nova Scotia dulse), vitamin A, calcium, magnesium, and betaine HCI.
5. A manganese deficiency can cause deafness, dizziness, and noises in the ear. A lack of magnesium can cause nerve twitching and sensitivity to noise.
6. Changing and correcting dietary habits, reducing stress, and exercising outdoors have been beneficial in treating tinnitus. Stress causes the production of excess adrenaline, which results in the constriction of blood vessels, causing waste products to be eliminated slower than usual. Fatigue can exacerbate this problem. Get into a routine of going to bed and waking up on a consistent schedule. Make sure that your colon is working at optimal efficiency. An enema can help with this.
7. Take B complex vitamins and higher levels of three of them like thiamine (100 to 500 mg a day), B12 (1,000 mg a day for six months, then 100 mcg daily), and niacin (50 mg, two times a day). If there is no improvement after two weeks, increase the niacin by 50 mg every two weeks until you reach 500 mg twice daily. In addition, take zinc (15 mg, two times a day) and magnesium (400 mg daily). Manganese is also beneficial.
8. Abstain from loud noises and noisy situations. Alcohol makes tinnitus worse, and caffeine is a common cause. Cocaine and marijuana can intensify the condition. Aspirin is a known cause of tinnitus, as well as arthritis and blood pressure drugs. Also, avoid vasodilators, steroids, anticonvulsive medications, and anti-cholesterol drugs. Additionally, nicotine can damage hearing.
9. Avoid salt, sugar, and all fatty foods, including dairy products and meat. Consume plenty of fiber, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and legumes.
10. According to over a dozen European studies, ginkgo eliminated tinnitus in many but not all cases, making it an important natural remedy. Lesser periwinkle (20 mg, three times daily) contains vincamine, which gives good results with tinnitus and Meniere’s Syndrome. Sesame seeds can also be an important natural remedy.
11. Other beneficial herbs include garlic, cayenne pepper, bugleweed, prickly ash, and gotu kola.
12. Do not take meadowsweet, willowgreen, wintergreen, or high doses of aspirin because they can cause ear ringing.
13. Listen to soft music at night when the ringing of tinnitus is more noticeable. You can train your mind to ignore the sounds and focus on other sounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a natural tinnitus remedy, and how does it work?
A natural tinnitus remedy involves using non-pharmaceutical methods to alleviate tinnitus symptoms. These remedies often include lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and natural supplements. For example, incorporating more magnesium-rich foods into your diet can help because magnesium deficiency has been linked to tinnitus. Additionally, relaxation methods like yoga or meditation can reduce stress, a common trigger for tinnitus.
Are there any proven dietary changes that can help with tinnitus?
Yes, specific dietary changes have shown promise in managing tinnitus symptoms. Reducing salt intake can decrease fluid retention and improve blood circulation, potentially reducing tinnitus severity. Incorporating zinc-rich foods like spinach, cashews, and dark chocolate may also help, as zinc deficiency is sometimes associated with tinnitus.
How effective are herbal supplements as a natural tinnitus remedy?
Herbal supplements like ginkgo biloba and garlic have been used as natural tinnitus remedies. Ginkgo biloba boosts the flow of blood to the brain and ears, which might help reduce tinnitus symptoms. A study published in the International Journal of Otolaryngology found that ginkgo biloba positively affected some tinnitus patients. However, consulting a healthcare source before starting any new supplement regimen is essential.
Can acupuncture be considered a reliable natural tinnitus remedy?
Acupuncture has been explored as a natural tinnitus remedy with varying results. Some studies imply that acupuncture can help reduce tinnitus symptoms by stimulating specific points in the body that may influence auditory pathways. A systematic review circulated in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies indicated that acupuncture might benefit tinnitus. However, more research is needed to confirm its efficacy.
Is there any scientific evidence supporting the use of sound therapy for tinnitus relief?
Yes, sound therapy is a well-documented natural tinnitus remedy. It involves using external noise to mask tinnitus’s ringing or buzzing sound. White noise machines, hearing aids, and customized sound therapy devices can provide relief. According to the American Tinnitus Association, sound therapy can help retrain the brain to disregard the tinnitus sound, offering significant relief for many sufferers.
How does stress management play a role in natural tinnitus remedies?
Stress is a considerable factor that can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. Therefore, stress management is a key component of a natural tinnitus remedy. Tactics such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and ongoing muscle relaxation can help reduce stress levels, potentially alleviating tinnitus symptoms. A study in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research found that stress reduction techniques can improve the quality of life for tinnitus patients.
What part does exercise play in managing tinnitus naturally?
Regular physical exercise can be a beneficial natural tinnitus remedy. Exercise increases blood circulation, which can help lessen the severity of tinnitus symptoms. Cardiovascular exercises like walking, jogging, and swimming are efficient. The British Tinnitus Association recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five times weekly for optimal benefits.
Are there any specific vitamins that can help with tinnitus?
Specific vitamins have been identified as potentially beneficial in managing tinnitus. For example, vitamin B12 is essential for nerve health, and a deficiency in this vitamin has been linked to tinnitus. Supplementing with B12 through diet or supplements can sometimes reduce tinnitus symptoms. A study in the American Journal of Otolaryngology highlighted the potential benefits of B12 supplementation for tinnitus patients.
Can cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) be considered a natural tinnitus remedy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a practical psychological approach that is a natural remedy for tinnitus. CBT helps patients change their perception of tinnitus, reducing its distress and impact on their lives. A Journal of Clinical Psychology meta-analysis found that CBT significantly improved tinnitus-related quality of life.
What lifestyle changes can support natural tinnitus remedies?
Several lifestyle changes can support the effectiveness of natural tinnitus remedies. These include preventing exposure to loud noises, using ear protection in noisy environments, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, and ensuring adequate sleep. Maintaining a healthy diet and remaining hydrated are also important. Implementing these changes can help manage tinnitus symptoms more effectively.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
References
- Vance Ferrell Harold M. Cherne, M.D. The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia [Book]. – Altamont, TN: Harvestime Books, 2010. – Vol. Seventh Edition: 7: pp. 411, 412. [Natural Tinnitus Remedy]
- BMJ – Ginkgo Biloba Study: https://www.bmj.com/content/322/7278/73
- DocsLib – Ginkgo Biloba Review: https://docslib.org/doc/6335035/ginkgo-biloba-in-the-treatment-of-tinnitus-an-updated-literature-review
- American Tinnitus Association: https://www.ata.org
- Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-acupuncture-and-meridian-studies
- British Tinnitus Association: https://www.tinnitus.org.uk
- Journal of Psychosomatic Research: https://www.journalofpsychosomaticresearch.com
- American Journal of Otolaryngology: https://www.amjoto.com
- Journal of Clinical Psychology: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/jclp
Last update on 2024-07-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API