Effective Natural Treatments for Vertigo & Meniere's Disease

| Modified on Jan 06, 2024
Epley Manuever

Vertigo, often associated with Meniere’s Disease, can be debilitating. This condition, marked by episodes of spinning sensations and other inner ear-related symptoms, lacks a medical cure but can be effectively managed with natural remedies. From dietary adjustments to supplementing nature's offerings, explore how to ease vertigo symptoms at home.

Understanding Vertigo and Meniere’s Disease

Vertigo, frequently mistaken as a standalone condition, is a common symptom of Meniere’s Disease. This inner ear disorder leads to spontaneous spinning sensations, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and a sense of fullness in the affected ear. Meniere’s is typically one-sided and can stem from various causes, such as fluid imbalances in the ear, autoimmune reactions, allergies, viral infections, genetic factors, and migraines.

Home Remedies for Meniere’s Disease

While there's no medical cure for vertigo, several natural strategies have been effective in managing and even reversing Meniere’s symptoms.

Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver, known for its antimicrobial properties, has emerged as a popular home remedy for managing vertigo symptoms. This natural substance, consisting of tiny silver particles suspended in liquid, has been traditionally used for its healing capabilities, particularly in fighting infections.

A testimony by DianaC from California, as shared on Earth Clinic, highlights the effectiveness of colloidal silver in treating vertigo. Diana recounts her experience with sudden onset vertigo during the holidays. Recalling information from Earth Clinic, she opted to try colloidal silver as a remedy. She purchased a bottle from a local health food store and administered five drops in each ear for a couple of weeks. This simple regimen led to a complete resolution of her vertigo symptoms.

The use of colloidal silver in this manner suggests that it could be beneficial in cleansing the ear canal, potentially targeting any bacteria, fungi, or viruses that might contribute to the symptoms of vertigo. By applying the silver directly to the affected area (the ears), it's possible that the antimicrobial properties of colloidal silver work to eliminate underlying infections or imbalances that could be causing vertigo.

Ginger Root

Ginger root, renowned for its anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea properties, has been a game-changer in managing vertigo symptoms, as Ron from Emporia, Kansas, shared on Earth Clinic. Ron's experience highlights ginger's effectiveness in combating vertigo, often accompanied by nausea and balance issues. In his case, regular intake of ginger root capsules provided significant relief. His journey with vertigo, characterized by debilitating episodes of dizziness and disorientation, took a positive turn when he discovered the link between his stomach upset and vertigo. He noticed an almost immediate improvement in his condition by taking six capsules of ginger root. This led him to adopt a nightly routine of ginger supplementation, which effectively kept his vertigo at bay since 1996.

Ron's story suggests ginger root might offer a natural and practical solution for those suffering from similar symptoms.

Dietary Changes

Eliminating certain foods and additives can significantly impact vertigo. Aspartame, MSG, and cysteine are common irritants. Reducing these from your diet might address the root cause of Meniere’s, preventing symptom progression.

Gingko Biloba

Rich in flavonoids and terpenoids, ginkgo biloba supports cellular health and improves circulation. This can help correct fluid imbalances in the ear, offering natural relief from Meniere’s symptoms.

The Epley Maneuver: A Proven Technique for Vertigo Relief

The Epley Maneuver is a simple yet highly effective physical therapy technique designed to alleviate symptoms of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This form of vertigo, often caused by loose calcium carbonate crystals that move into the sensitive part of the inner ear, can lead to severe episodes of dizziness and disorientation. The Epley Maneuver works by repositioning these crystals, thus reducing the intensity and frequency of vertigo episodes.

Developed by Dr. John Epley in the late 20th century, this maneuver involves a series of specific head and body movements performed under the guidance of a healthcare professional. The patient is moved through positions that allow gravity to guide the dislodged crystals back to their correct location in the ear canal. This process often provides immediate relief from vertigo symptoms.

Ear Crystals Realignment

The post by Elaine from Florida on Earth Clinic offers a practical approach to managing vertigo by realigning the ear crystals, a technique closely related to the Epley Maneuver. Vertigo, particularly common among older adults, is often caused by displaced crystals in the inner ear canals. When out of place, these crystals can disrupt the normal balance and spatial orientation, leading to dizziness and disorientation.

As described in her post, Elaine's method involves a specific head movement technique similar to the Epley Maneuver. This technique aims to reposition the loose crystals back into the cochlea, the part of the inner ear where they normally reside. By lying face-up on a bed or table with the head hanging over the edge and slowly rolling to one side, the movement encourages the crystals to return to their correct location.

Her advice to perform a complete circle with the head, despite potential dizziness during the movement, aligns with the principle of using gravity and controlled head movements to correct the dislodged crystals. This simple, self-administered method can be a convenient and effective way to alleviate the symptoms of vertigo at home.

Chiropractic Adjustment of the Atlas for Vertigo Treatment

The effectiveness of chiropractic care, particularly the adjustment of the atlas vertebra, in treating vertigo is highlighted in a post on Earth Clinic involving a 44-year-old individual. This case, shared as an experience with vertigo, underscores the significant impact that the atlas, a crucial bone located at the base of the skull and atop the first vertebra, can have on overall balance and wellbeing.

In this instance, the individual was suffering from severe vertigo symptoms, including disorienting dizzy spells, confusion, and frequent falls. These symptoms were not only debilitating but also posed a significant risk to his safety, as he often found himself falling backward and struggling to get up. After exploring various options, visiting a chiropractor specialized in atlas adjustment brought about a dramatic change. The chiropractor identified that the atlas was crooked and unbalanced, a condition that can lead to a variety of health issues, including severe vertigo.

Through a series of three chiropractic sessions focusing on realigning the atlas, there was a remarkable improvement. The individual's vertigo symptoms subsided, allowing him to regain stability, clarity, and control over his movements. This transformation was so profound that it led to the restoration of his quality of life.

Conclusion

While Meniere’s Disease and its associated vertigo can be challenging, natural remedies like dietary modifications, colloidal silver, and supplements such as ginkgo biloba offer hope for symptom management. Remember, it’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and to rule out other medical conditions.

Community Insights

Earth Clinic readers have shared their success stories in managing vertigo and Meniere’s Disease below. Their experiences with supplements and various techniques offer valuable insights into what might work best for different individuals.




Acid Reflux Medication Link

2 User Reviews
5 star (1) 
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Posted by Scott (Atlanta, GA) on 01/01/2008

I have had acid reflux for several years now. I was on a prescription for Prilosec before it was OTC. Usually only took a pill when I felt the reflux coming on strong. Over time, it has gotten worse with many reflux attacks daily. Two months ago, I started taking Prilosec OTC every day to see if I could fend it off. It worked great and I rarely felt any reflux all day long. Then, I had three violent episodes of Vertigo....which is similar to being spun around while you are violently seasick and stays like that for about 5 hours. Turns out this is rare but known side-effect of Prilosec. Needless to say, I'm off it now. I am relying on Pepsid AC now which works great but only last for a few hours and gets expensive. I'm planning to try the ACV next.

Replied by Faisal
(Carmel, Ca)
09/01/2010

You have to try pomegranate skin powder, take one tblspoon every morning w/ a glass of water it is amazing and it works let me know.

Replied by Tina
(Illinois)
03/19/2018

Also try Acidophilus. Works great for acid indigestion. And not harmful like OTC acid meds.

Replied by Debra
(Ny)
06/09/2020
★★★★★

My father in law has been struggling with severe vertigo. I read this post and told him it might be the OMEPRAZOLE (prilosec) he is taking for acid reflux. He requested his doctor chang his medication - and he recovered from Vertigo.


Avoid Artificial Sweeteners

2 User Reviews
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Posted by Angela (Gautier, Mississippi) on 01/11/2012

I was just wondering if anyone with Meniere's drinks diet coke or uses artificial sweetener? I believe this to be the cause of Meniere's.

Replied by Maria
(Gippsland, Australia)
01/12/2012
★☆☆☆☆

Hi Angela, Yes it may well be a cause but it is not the only cause. I know one person who has it and he has never had a diet drink or food in his life nor does he drink any sodas or eat junk food. Although one might say that the white bread he has with all 3 meals is junk! Salt makes his menieres worse but they only had table salt and he has never tried natural sea salt. I also know a family who drank diet cola regularly and 1 of them still does (around 3 a day) and this person has very bad menieres.

Replied by Donna
(Arkansas (ar))
04/25/2016
★★☆☆☆

I have Menier's & don't drink any soda or artificial sweeteners of any kind.


Avoid Citrus

1 User Review
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Posted by Mariann (Annapolis, Maryland) on 09/12/2017
★★★★★

That's odd. I was diagnosed with vertigo about 10 years ago and the neurologist gave me a list of food restrictions and on that was anything that was citrus.. It was said to be a vertigo trigger.


Butter Coffee

1 User Review
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Posted by Janet (In) on 05/01/2016
★★★★★

My daughter had suffered for years with the same spectrum of problems with Menier's. The "cure" for her was bulletproof or butter coffee. The recipe is:

collagen protein 2 tbsp in a hot beverage, 1 or 2 tbsp of real butter, 1/2 tsp mct oil or coconut oil in a blender. Blend 15 to 30 seconds and drink.

That was the first thing that really helped because all the hearing and dizziness was from bad digestion. We found out by her drinking it. It was not a plan. At 27 years old and a lifetime of issues I contacted an herbalist to further help her.

Here is what worked:

Bulletproof coffee in the morning. She blended and processed every meal into a soupy type meal. She drank lots of water. Digestion digestion. Her problems really got worse and she acquired food allergies to all nightshade vegetables eventually unable to work or go in a restaurant and lunchroom. Due to the coffee and blending her food she now is able to work two jobs and is looking forward to getting a driver's license this spring. Her allergy to nightshade is diminishing enough that I can cut up a tomato in the house and she can go in a restaurant.

Method cutup cooked meats and vegetables in blender or processor add some soup broth and or bone broth some coconut water enough to allow free movement of food. Blend until particles are tiny every meal. Eliminations were no Aspartame nitrates calcium supp. Msg fast food No gluten or grains no corn syrup. She saw results right away just doing this.

Her supplements are inositol choline. b50 with thiamine mononitrate as b1 only the hydrochloride can upset things. Magnesium as citrate or malate 6 to 800mg 2x a day. Bromelain with each meal and 2x a day 1/2 hr after food 1 whole lime squeezed in a glass or 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar add 1/2 tsp baking soda let fizz add 1/2.glass of water drink. She also takes n acetyl cysteine nac to keep her nose and ears clear. She takes 5000iu of vitamin d every day to help heal digestion. She added supplements after she started changing her food bromelain is essential and was the first supp. As she could not tolerate any for years.

Janet


Cayenne

1 User Review
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Posted by Nicholas (Edison, Nj) on 08/16/2013
★★★★★

Many years ago I had a little vertigo. As I was lowering my head onto my bed pillow I experienced a little dizziness. As days went by the dizziness increased. I concluded I had a balance problem, that my inner ear wasn't working properly. I figured it might be an infection, so I made cayenne pepper tea. I boiled enough water for a cup of tea and placed into the cup as much cayenne powder as I could stand, heat-wise. I drank three cups a day. The problem was completely healed in less than a weak, never to return.


Chiropractic

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Posted by Kris C. (Australia) on 11/01/2019
★★★★★

Vertigo: my eldest son (44yrs) recently had vertigo. A chiropractor finally fixed him. There is a 'bone' that sits under base of skull, and on top of first vertebra - its called 'the Atlas'. Worth researching this Atlas joint. Crooked unbalanced Atlas and many things go wrong. My son was falling down all over the place! The dizzy spells were causing him confusion and he didn't know what was going on. Falling backwards, laying on the floor and trying to get up - and all of that! 3 visits and he had his life back.

Replied by KS
(United States)
12/01/2019
★★★★★

A functional med doc told me to go see an atlas orthogonal. I thought was foolishness. Guess not.


Chiropractic
Posted by Emily (Jacksonville, Fl) on 05/03/2011
★★★★★

I live in Jacksonville FL and started going to a chiropractor specializing in atlas orthoganal (sp?) repositioning. It is not the typical "popping/cracking" chiro care. They take very specific x-rays, map out your center, and use this really cool machine - I believe it is using sound waves, you do not feel anything literally - and it's truly amazing. I have suffered vertigo for a year straight, it got worse and worse, went to the ENT, antibiotics, ear drops, garlic in the ear, you name it. My dr. has changed my life. The vertigo has lessened greatly and is manageable. He told me it will probably take about 6 months or so before I am back to normal. I had a concussion back in Nov. 2009. Dr. P said the way I hit my head jammed my atlas bone into the brain stem, which is basically your central supply of information that is dispersed through your body. The vertigo started happening around April 2010 (about 5 months after the concussion) and progressively got worse. I have always suffered ear/sinus issues, so I thought it was just a stubborn infection, but it wasn't. Anyway, the info - if anyone is interested in learning is about atlas repositioning. Hope this helps!


Chiropractic
Posted by Jj (Pittsburgh, Pa) on 03/06/2011
★★★★★

I have been suffering with tinnitus and symptoms of Meniere's disease such as vertigo and nausea. After visiting the ENT and taking megadoses of antibiotics I still did not receive any relief. At my wits end, I tried a Chiropracter in Florida while visiting the area; he helped me greatly. I was so ill the day of my visit, my daughter had to walk me into the office - when I left, I felt much better and was able to function again. Give this a try, I found this treatment more effective and quicker than all the perscriptions and weeks or months of agony.


Chiropractic
Posted by Bill (Erie, Pa) on 01/07/2011
★★★★★

after 1 year of seeking help with ear specialists in Pittsburgh and Cleveland Clinic trying to rid my meniere's my local chiropractor found some anomalies in my neck and totally cured my disorder I can't EVER thank them enough for saving my life


Chiropractic
Posted by Carolyn (Pittsburgh, PA) on 11/09/2007
★★★★★

re: Vertigo, hearing loss, Meniere's symptoms -- I suddenly lost my hearing in one ear, and shortly there after, started getting vertigo. I knew it was somehow related to an incident that caused very slight physical, but more mental trauma. After several doctor visits, taking steroids, seeing an Ear, nose and throat doctor, having an MRI done, seeing a neurologist, I still was not cured, and no one knew what the problem was. I also noticed that if I ate something very salty, that it might start an episode of vertigo. This comment is not about any item that helped me, it is about a particular type of doctor, and help me he did! I self referred to a chiropractor because I had heard a talk show about hearing and spinal misalignment. After starting my treatments, my vertigo gradually subsided, but took the hearing longer to come back. After months with no symptoms, I jarred my neck while horse back riding, a week later my vertigo and hearing loss came back with a vengeance! I went immediately to a chiropractor and this particular doctor had me up and running in less than two weeks, with my hearing restored. He explained that the misalignment in my neck was putting pressure on the cranial nerve that controls hearing and balance and also stated that certain foods can indeed aggravate the situation by causing dehydration, especially very salty foods, as was the case with me. This doctors regiment is not just spinal adjustment, but exercise, and nutritional advise. After being led to believe that I needed a hearing aid, or may have an incurable disease, I am so grateful that I was somehow led into the right direction and am totally symptom free. In my research I have found that thousands upon thousands of people are suffering from the same symptoms, and the cure is so simple, if the cause is the same as mine. I already had the misalignment problem, it was the mishaps that caused the further aggravation that set the vertigo and hearing loss in motion. I have noticed for years, a kind of pinched nerve feeling from my neck and into my shoulder. It does not take an accident to have neck problems, is what I am trying to relay. I hope this helps some fellow sufferers.

Replied by Mary Kaye
(Pittsburgh Pa)
03/17/2014

Do you have a list of chiropractors in Pittsburgh Pa who work with atlas repositioning?

Replied by Kathy
(Las Vegas, NV)
05/25/2014

The name of the Chiropractors specialty is NUCCA...I visit a Dr in Vegas that specializes in that. They manipulate the atlas and don't "crack" anything.

Replied by Eiffelq
(Saratoga Springs, Ny)
11/26/2014

While I haven't used atlas orthogonal chiropractic for vertigo, I have found it to be amazing for back pain, heart arrhythmia (PVCs), allergies, neck pain, and so much more. Regular chiropractic didn't help me at all but this specialty is amazing and completely pain free. To find a doctor with this specialty, go to http://www.atlasorthogonality.com and click Find a Doctor and click on the state you want. It is a more rare specialty but worth a drive if one isn't close to you. You can watch a video on the website that shows how it works. It is used broadly in sports medicine. It will change your life.


Chiropractor, Magnesium

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Posted by Maria (Gippsland, Australia) on 06/26/2011
★★★★★

I used to have episodes of vertigo lasting a few weeks. Then I went to a chiropractor with my dish for vomiting in hand, it was so bad that I could not walk unassisted, and eyes closed because everything was spinning. We had rung him first and he thought he could help. And help he did. I walked out with the symptoms easing. I also took magnesium and three days later back to normal. Once I started to recognize my warning symptoms early and we would treat with magnesium and one visit to the chiropractor. I have not had a full blown attach for some years now and only need magnesium for very early symptoms.


Colloidal Silver

7 User Reviews
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Posted by Dianac (Ca) on 01/15/2018
★★★★★

I recently experienced Vertigo at the start of the holidays and remembered what I read here that Colloidal Silver helped. I drove slowly (because of dizziness) to the closest Whole Foods and bought a bottle. Five drops in each ear for a couple of weeks and it's gone.


Colloidal Silver
Posted by Wil S. (Kentwood, Louisiana ) on 04/23/2017
★★★★★

For several years, I have fought vertigo intermittently. Two of the 3 ENT's I went to were only interested in selling me a hearing aid. They did me absolutely no good -- weren't interested in healing me, to my notion, or even in really diagnosing the problem. This last bout got no better for 4 days. My husband insisted on getting fresh eyes on the problem in the form of a local NP, who might try to actually find the problem rather than having a diagnosis in mind before seeing me and trying to make the problem fit his diagnosis rather than the other way around. He immediately saw (by looking in my ears -- what a novel idea) that I had a terrible infection. Two rounds of antibiotics helped a lot, but apparently the sinus behind the maxillary bone had been infected, perhaps for years. The NP sent me to yet another ENT, and I was once again disappointed. I thought my own way through the problem and I believe a cure is at hand.

For years I have made my own colloidal silver. I have no idea how many ppm it is, but I make it with our well water, which is from an aquifer that is mined by a local company which bottles and sells it as "spring water." My colloidal silver is lavender-colored. To get rid of the infection in my maxillary sinus, I lie on the bed with my head hanging over the side (upside down, face up) and use a large eye dropper to fill my left nostril with colloidal silver until I feel it coming into my throat through the eustachian tube. By turning my head to one side (left), I am able to fill the infected sinus without swallowing liquid. The first application burned like the mischief. When I am regimented in doing this 3 or 4 times a day, I experience great relief. The dizziness, while not completely gone, is almost gone. I figure it took years of negligence to get to this point; it may take awhile to completely cure.

Replied by Art
(California)
04/23/2017
2119 posts

In reply to Wil S. (Kentwood, Louisiana ),

I am glad that colloidal silver is helping your vertigo symptoms!

I would suggest that people not to use well water or spring water to make their colloidal silver with as you have no control over what is in that water. I understand that it is used for drinking water, but when you are taking your colloidal silver into your nose, whatever is in that colloidal silver can potentially reach the brain and that definitely seems a risk worth avoiding by just using distilled water to make your colloidal silver with.

The fact that you say that your CS is lavender colored, indicates that there is more than silver in this water, but you don't know what it is and you are putting it up your nose. It may not be something harmful, but is it worth the risk when a gallon of distilled water can be had for around a buck? If you look at all of the commercially available CS products, I don't think you will find any lavender ones. Most silver products will be clear or shades of yellow or brown.

Art

Replied by peter
(chicago)
04/29/2023

ART, Need your help

Which colloidal silver should I buy for Vertigo? I notice all the silver one are out, do I need to get the Gold kind?

My friend has had vertigo over 2 months, can you suggest what you think is the best remedy?

Art
(California)
04/30/2023
2119 posts

peter,

There are various causes for vertigo. Vertigo can be caused by pathogens of different types in which case colloidal silver may be effective, but colloidal silver is not likely to be effective for a cause such as head injury, hypotension or vertigo caused by a medication. If your friend knows what caused their vertigo, that information would be helpful in trying to remedy the situation.

Art

Art
(California)
05/01/2023
2119 posts

Peter, If your friend has no diagnosis for a cause for his vertigo, the easiest thing for him to try is the Epley maneuver, which is free and often times very effective after 2 to 5 applications. Here is a link to how he can do it himself or he can ask his doctor to perform it on him if he prefers. : Https://youtu.be/BtT2PDJVXlk

Art

peter
(chicago)
05/11/2023

Art, I am sorry did not response to you earlier, friend's doctor told him that the crystal and inflammation caused the vertigo.

He has been doing the Epley exercise and his spinning problem has subsided.

Currently he has infection on both ears. Doctor prescribed antibiotic and gave him a steroid shot. He is concerned and see if any other option that you might suggest if above drug might not work. Thanks

Art
(California)
05/12/2023
2119 posts

peter,

Many people on EC have reported using drug store hydrogen peroxide(HP) for ear infections to good effect. Some people are very sensitive to HP so it may be worthwhile to dilute it to 1.5% HP with distilled water initially, to make sure it is well tolerated in the ears and it is possible that 1.5% will be strong enough to be effective. If not, testing 3% HP next would be a consideration. It might be a good idea to also take NAC at the same time, as NAC increases catalase levels and catalase can neutralize HP before it can cause tissue damage. HP is a potent oxidant and while it can kill many various pathogens, you might not want it hanging around too long where it can damage tissue also.

Art


Colloidal Silver
Posted by Sim (Calgary , Alberta, Canada) on 01/24/2013
★★★★★

I had ear ache and my ear were plugged and balance was quite off. I was skeptical about putting Colloidal Silver (CS) in my ear. But didn't want to take antibiotics either. So I put 3 drops of CS 10 ppm last night. My balance has been restored and my ear doesn't feel plugged up. I just couldn't believe how fast CS healed my ear. I will be using 3 drops for rest of the week and post my progress here! :)

Replied by Pete
(Bethany OK)
05/10/2022

I have vertigo for 3 months after covid and am curious if the cs will cure it?


Colloidal Silver
Posted by Joleneal (Phenix City, Al) on 06/06/2012
★★★★★

I tried 2 oz of CS last night in desperation to remove my vertigo/dizziness after 2 sugar crashes I missed because of it.

I woke this morning with no dizziness at all. Nothing came back all day. I took 2 more oz of CS this morning also. Lady at the nature store said "10 days only, then take a break". It says it on the bottle too.

I am going to try 3 drops in my ear tonight before going to bed to see if it will work on what is causing my ringing.

But not being dizzy all day has been great.



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