Using Essential Oils to Treat Dizziness - A Natural Remedy

Treating Dizziness with Essential Oils

Dizziness is a common condition that affects many people. It can be caused by a variety of factors like inner ear disturbances, motion sickness, low blood pressure, migraines, anxiety, and more. Dizziness can make you feel lightheaded, woozy, or off-balance. It can seriously impact your daily activities and quality of life. While medical treatment is often necessary, using essential oils is a safe and natural way to help manage dizziness symptoms.

What Causes Dizziness?

Before exploring essential oil remedies, it's helpful to understand what leads to dizziness in the first place. Some of the most common causes include:

• Inner ear problems like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) or labyrinthitis
• Migraines or migraine variants
• Low blood pressure
• Motion sickness
• Anxiety, panic attacks, or hyperventilation
• Musculoskeletal imbalances
• Medication side effects
• Low blood sugar
• Dehydration
• Vestibular neuritis

In many cases, identifying and treating the underlying cause can minimize dizziness. But using essential oils can provide additional relief when you're feeling off-kilter.

Choosing Essential Oils for Dizziness

Many essential oils have properties that make them useful for lessening dizziness symptoms like nausea, vertigo, and anxiety. Some of the top oils to try include:

Peppermint Oil

The menthol in peppermint oil has an anesthetic effect that can help relieve nausea and vomiting associated with dizziness. It also improves circulation. Dilute peppermint oil and rub it on the forehead, temples, back of the neck, or inhale it to ease vertigo and motion sickness.

Ginger Oil

Ginger is well known for settling upset stomachs and quelling nausea. For dizziness, ginger oil can be massaged behind the ears or added to a warm compress applied to the back of the neck. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce vertigo symptoms.

Lavender Oil

Lavender is a gentle oil that can address multiple dizziness causes. It helps relieve nausea and vomiting when inhaled or applied topically. As an anxiety-reducer, lavender oil can minimize dizziness due to panic attacks or hyperventilation. Lavender also improves sleep quality which is beneficial when vertigo symptoms interfere with rest.

Basil Oil

Sweet basil oil contains antioxidants that help strengthen blood vessels, improve circulation, and regulate blood pressure. For dizziness relief, mix a few drops of basil oil with a carrier oil and massage into the back of the neck or bottoms of the feet.

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary improves circulation and lowers levels of Cortisol which helps lower anxiety. To reduce dizziness, rub diluted rosemary oil on the temples, behind the ears, or on the wrists. You can also add a few drops to a room diffuser or inhale directly from the bottle.

Other Complementary Essential Oils

Some other beneficial oils for alleviating dizziness include:

• Fennel oil for nausea and vertigo
• Clary sage oil for low blood pressure
• Cypress oil for circulation and muscle tension
• Vetiver oil for anxiety reduction
• Citrus oils like lemon and bergamot for nausea
• Black pepper oil for improved circulation
• Ginger oil for nausea

How to Safely Use Essential Oils for Dizziness

When using essential oils for dizziness, there are some safety precautions to keep in mind:

• Always dilute the essential oils in a carrier oil like coconut, jojoba, or almond oil before applying to the skin.
• Do a patch test on a small area of skin before wider application to check for allergic reactions.
• Avoid getting essential oils near the eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Inhale the oils with caution, as some like rosemary and peppermint can trigger throat irritation or asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals.
• If you have medical conditions, check with your doctor before using essential oils.
• Pay attention to dosage--only a small amount of essential oil is needed.
• Use high-quality, 100 percent pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils.
• Discontinue use if any irritation develops.

Choosing Application Methods

Essential oils can be applied topically, inhaled aromatically, or ingested in some cases. Popular application methods for dizziness relief include:

Topical Application

For reducing vertigo, nausea, and low blood pressure, dilute essential oils in a carrier oil and apply to the back of the neck, behind the ears, stomach, temples, wrists, forehead, or bottoms of the feet. Use light massage to help absorption. A cold compress with peppermint or lavender oil can also minimize dizziness and migraine symptoms when applied to the head and neck.

Inhalation

Inhaling essential oils stimulates the limbic system connected to nausea, balance, anxiety, and circulation. Add a few drops of essential oil to a handkerchief or cotton ball and breathe deeply, or use an aromatherapy diffuser. Useful oils for inhalation include peppermint, ginger, lavender, basil, fennel, citrus oils, cypress, and vetiver.

Baths

Soaking in a warm tub with essential oils can stimulate blood flow, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation. Good oils to add to the bath for dizziness are lavender, clary sage, rosemary, peppermint, ginger, and sweet marjoram.

Compresses

For motion sickness and migraine-related dizziness, a cold compress with peppermint or lavender oil applied to the forehead and back of the neck can provide cooling relief. For low blood pressure, a warm compress infused with rosemary or basil oil on the abdomen and lower back is beneficial.

Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Dizziness

In addition to using essential oils, making certain lifestyle adjustments can further minimize dizziness:

• Increase fluid intake - dehydration worsens dizziness
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco - these stimulate dizziness symptoms
• Practice stress management and relaxation techniques
• Get enough sleep and rest
• Do balance exercises like tai chi to strengthen the vestibular system
• Stabilize blood sugar levels through diet
• Use a cane or walking aid if needed for stability
• Get up slowly from lying down to avoid blood pressure drops
• Wear low-heeled shoes with good traction

When to Seek Medical Treatment

While essential oils and lifestyle adjustments can help manage dizziness, it's important to see a doctor if symptoms are severe or don't improve. Seek prompt medical treatment for dizziness if you experience:

• Sudden, intense spinning sensation
• Dizziness with fever, headache, vision changes, numbness, trouble speaking or walking
• Nausea and vomiting not relieved by essential oils
• Frequent fainting or blacking out
• Chest pain, palpitations or shortness of breath with dizziness
• After head injury
• With neurological symptoms like weakness or loss of balance

Professional diagnosis of the underlying cause is needed in these situations. Treatment may require prescription medication, physical therapy, surgery, or medical devices to control vertigo and improve symptoms.

Using Essential Oils to Supplement Medical Dizziness Treatment

For chronic dizziness conditions like Meniere's disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), or vestibular neuritis, doctors often recommend a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. Using essential oils can provide additional symptom relief and decrease reliance on prescription drugs which can cause side effects. However, essential oils should only be used under the guidance of your physician when treating medically diagnosed conditions.

Meniere's Disease

Meniere's disease leads to sudden vertigo attacks along with ringing ears and hearing loss. Essential oils can minimize accompanying nausea and anxiety. Oils that help manage Menieres disease symptoms include:

• Ginger or peppermint oil for nausea and vomiting
• Lavender or clary sage oil for anxiety
• Cypress, rosemary, or basil oil to stabilize circulation and blood pressure

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

BPPV is triggered by loose calcium debris in the inner ear. Movements like rolling over in bed or tilting the head can displace the debris, causing sudden vertigo. For BPPV, try essential oils that reduce nausea and increase circulation:

• Peppermint, fennel, or ginger oil for nausea relief
• Rosemary, cypress, or black pepper oil to increase circulation
• Lavender oil to lower stress and improve sleep

Vestibular Neuritis

This condition inflames the vestibular nerve causing dizziness reminiscent of a bad flu. Helpful essential oils include:

• Thyme, oregano, clove, or frankincense oil for their anti-inflammatory properties
• Ginger, fennel, or peppermint oil to reduce nausea
• Lavender or bergamot to decrease anxiety

Recipes for Essential Oil Dizziness Blends

Combining complementary essential oils can enhance their therapeutic benefits. Here are some easy recipes for DIY dizziness relief:

Vertigo Relief Blend

• 4 drops peppermint essential oil
• 3 drops ginger essential oil
• 2 drops lavender essential oil
• 1 drop frankincense essential oil
• 2 Tbsp carrier oil like coconut oil

Mix the essential oils together then add the carrier oil. Apply several drops behind the ears, on the neck, temples, and back when vertigo strikes.

Low Blood Pressure Boost Blend

• 3 drops rosemary essential oil
• 2 drops cypress essential oil
• 2 drops lemon essential oil
• 1 drop basil essential oil
• 1 Tbsp carrier oil

Combine all ingredients then apply to the abdomen, lower back, wrists, and bottoms of feet to improve low blood pressure.

Nausea Relief Blend

• 3 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops ginger essential oil
• 1 drop fennel essential oil
• 1 drop lemon essential oil
• 2 drops carrier oil

Mix oils then rub on the stomach, behind the ears, or diffuse in the room. Inhale deeply.

Dizziness Relief Bath

• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops clary sage essential oil
• 4 drops peppermint essential oil
• 4 drops basil essential oil

Add essential oils to a warm bath then soak for 20 minutes to reduce anxiety, nausea, and vertigo.

Precautions When Using Essential Oils for Dizziness

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts and should be used with care under certain circumstances:

• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid certain essential oils like rosemary, peppermint, and sage which can be harmful.
• People with asthma or respiratory conditions must use essential oils cautiously as some can exacerbate breathing issues.
• If you have a skin condition, do a patch test before applying oils topically.
• Dont ingest essential oils unless under the advice of a professional.
• Infants and young children should not use essential oils.
• Avoid applying citrus oils before sun exposure, as they can cause skin photosensitivity.

It's always best to consult your doctor before using essential oils if you take any medications or have health problems. Start with very low dilutions and observe your body's response.

Using Essential Oils Safely

Here are some general tips for using essential oils safely:

• Always dilute essential oils before applying them to skin.
• Use a carrier oil like coconut, almond, or jojoba oil to dilute.
• Use glass bottles to store essential oils, as plastics can degrade with extended contact.
• Keep essential oils out of sunlight to maintain potency.
• Use high quality therapeutic-grade essential oils from a reputable source.
• Never ingest essential oils unless approved by your doctor.
• Discontinue use if any irritation develops.
• Keep essential oils away from eyes, mucous membranes, and sensitive areas.
• Dont use essential oils near open wounds.
• Conduct a skin patch test before wider application.

When to See a Doctor for Dizziness

Essential oils can help provide symptom relief for mild dizziness, but it's still important to see a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen. Contact your physician right away if you experience:

• Sudden, severe vertigo along with hearing loss or ringing ears
• Dizziness with chest pain, palpitations, or trouble breathing
• Frequent fainting or blacking out
• Vision changes, loss of balance, weakness, numbness, or slurred speech
• Nausea and vomiting not relieved by home treatment
• Dizziness after a head injury
• Ongoing dizziness that interferes with daily living

Professional evaluation is needed to determine if you have an underlying condition requiring medical treatment. Your doctor can recommend medications, physical therapy, surgery, or medical devices like cochlear implants if needed to resolve chronic dizziness and vertigo.

The Takeaway

Dizziness and vertigo can seriously impact quality of life. While medical treatment may be necessary, using essential oils is a complementary therapy to help relieve symptoms. Oils like peppermint, ginger, lavender, basil, rosemary, and fennel can diminish nausea, anxiety, and vertigo when used safely. Along with essential oils, making lifestyle changes like staying hydrated, managing stress, and doing balance exercises can also minimize dizziness. But recurrent or severe symptoms do require a doctors care. With the right treatment approach, most types of dizziness can be successfully managed.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.