Essential Oils for Dizziness and Vertigo Relief

Understanding Dizziness and Vertigo

Dizziness is a common symptom that can have many different causes. It is characterized by a feeling of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, spinning, or loss of balance. Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness where you feel like you or your surroundings are spinning or moving.

Vertigo occurs when there is a problem with the inner ear, vestibular system, or parts of the brain that control balance. It can come on suddenly and be severe, leading to nausea or vomiting in some cases.

Causes of Dizziness and Vertigo

There are many potential causes of dizziness and vertigo, including:

• BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) - caused by loose crystals in the inner ear
• Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis - inflammation of the inner ear or nerve
• Meniere's disease - related to fluid buildup in the inner ear
• Vestibular migraines
• Medication side effects
• Low blood pressure
• Dehydration or nutritional deficiencies
• Anxiety disorders

Conventional Medical Treatments

Doctors may prescribe several types of medications for dizziness and vertigo including antihistamines, anticholinergics, steroids, benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressants. Surgery may also be recommended in severe cases that do not respond to medications.

However, medications often cause significant side effects. And surgery comes with risks. That's why many people turn to natural and home remedies as an alternative treatment approach.

Essential Oils for Dizziness and Vertigo

Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts from plants that capture the plant's scent and flavor. Many essential oils have shown promising benefits for treating dizziness and vertigo, often with fewer side effects than medications.

How They Work

Essential oils are thought to work through several mechanisms:

• Reducing inner ear inflammation
• Decreasing dizziness triggers like anxiety and nausea
• Improving circulation
• Activating the vestibular system
• Relaxing tight neck muscles that can contribute to dizziness

Best Essential Oils for Dizziness

Some of the best essential oils for treating vertigo symptoms include:

Ginger Oil

Ginger oil contains the active compound gingerol which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies have found ginger effective at reducing nausea and vomiting, two symptoms commonly experienced with vertigo episodes.

Lavender Oil

Lavender essential oil is excellent for decreasing anxiety and stress, which can be triggers for dizziness and vertigo. It also improves circulation in the brain which is involved in balance and coordination.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil contains menthol which provides a cooling sensation. It has natural decongestant and anti-inflammatory effects. By improving circulation peppermint oil reduces pressure in the ears that contributes to dizziness.

Basil Oil

Research shows basil oil can enhance activation of the vestibular system, which controls balance and spatial navigation. It may stimulate underactive vestibular function to decrease vertigo symptoms.

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil increases blood flow to the brain, which improves circulation in the ears and balance control centers. It may also decrease anxiety and nausea from vertigo episodes.

Other Complementary Essential Oils

Other good essential oil options for dizziness and vertigo include:

• Fennel
• Geranium
• Ginger
• Grapefruit
• Eucalyptus
• Lemon
• Lemongrass
• Marjoram

Essential Oil Recipes for Dizziness

Essential oils are very concentrated so they should always be diluted before applying topically. Here are some easy vertigo essential oil blends you can make at home:

Dizzy No More Roll-On Oil

• 8 drops peppermint oil
• 8 drops ginger oil
• 6 drops lavender oil
• Fractionated coconut oil

Combine the essential oils with a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil in a 10mL roller bottle. Apply to neck, temples, wrists and behind ears as needed for dizziness.

Clarity Vertigo Relief Oil

• 2 drops rosemary oil
• 2 drops basil oil
• 1 drop lemon oil
• 1 drop frankincense oil
• Fractionated coconut oil

Mix the essential oils together with a carrier oil in a 10mL roller bottle. Roll onto back of neck and behind ears to stimulate circulation whenever vertigo symptoms occur.

Balancing Bath Oil

• 8 drops marjoram oil
• 8 drops lavender oil
• 2 drops peppermint oil
• 1 tablespoon carrier oil
• 1 teaspoon liquid soap

Add the essential oils and carrier oil to liquid soap and mix together well. Add the mixture to warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes to reduce anxiety related dizziness issues.

Precautions When Using Essential Oils for Dizziness

Be sure to properly dilute essential oils before applying them topically with a carrier oil. Do a patch test on a small area of skin first to check for allergic reactions.

Only ingest essential oils if they are high quality therapeutic grade. Avoid getting oils near the eyes, ears and nose which can lead to irritation.

Consult your doctor before using essential oils if you take any medications or have underlying health conditions.

Other Natural Remedies for Dizziness

In addition to essential oils, there are many other complementary treatments for dizziness and vertigo that can provide relief with few side effects.

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

This involves doing balance exercises prescribed by a specialized physiotherapist. The exercises retrain the brain to process signals from the inner ear correctly.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture may reduce dizziness by stimulating points around the ear and on the legs and arms. Steroids or anti-inflammatory medication can also be injected along with acupuncture.

Ginger Supplements

Ginger root supplements can help minimize nausea, vomiting and inflammation associated with vertigo. The usual dosage is 1-2 grams of powdered ginger root per day.

Magnesium

Magnesium deficiency is common in people with vertigo. Taking 300-500 mg supplemental magnesium per day may help reduce symptoms.

Vitamin D and Calcium

Ensuring adequate blood levels of vitamin D and calcium can alleviate both vertigo and anxiety symptoms based on some clinical research.

Ginkgo Biloba

Some studies indicate ginkgo biloba may benefit people with vertigo. It's thought to work by increasing circulation to the brain and inner ear.

Stress Management

Since stress and anxiety can trigger

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.