Ancient Cures for Vertigo

Vertigo is a symptom humans have been experiencing for thousands of years. Vertigo can be classified as dizziness, lightheadedness, a loss of balance or a constant feeling of spinning or movement, though it is usually used to specifically describe the latter. There are several herbal remedies with ancient medicinal traditions that are used to treat feelings of dizziness or vertigo.

Ginkgo Biloba

• Ginkgo biloba leaves have long been prized for their medicinal qualities.

  Ginkgo biloba is an ancient type of tree that has been used by the Chinese for food and medicine since ancient times. The tree can grow taller than 100 feet and live up to 1,000 years. It is considered the oldest living plant species. The ginkgo biloba leaves were regarded to be able to cure many different types of ailments, including circulatory disorders, headaches and vertigo. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that many of these cures have been backed up by modern science in numerous clinical studies. In ancient Chinese medicine, both the Gingko leaf and seeds were used in cures.

Ginger

• In addition to a herbal remedy, ginger often is used as a culinary spice.

  Ginger is the root system for the plant Zingiber officinale, which extends 12 inches above the ground with narrow leaves, and white or yellowish flowers. Ginger roots are beige in color, twisted and thick. In addition to its culinary use as a spice, ginger also found medicinal usage in ancient Asian, Indian and Arabic cultures. Ginger was used to treat upset stomachs and nausea, as well as to assist overall digestion. Ginger also was considered a treatment for symptoms of dizziness and vertigo. The University of Maryland Medical Center cites a study that suggests that ginger is more effective than a placebo when treating motion sickness and vertigo.

Feverfew

• Feverfew was used in traditional European folk medicine for hundreds of years.

  Feverfew has its roots in ancient European folk medicine, being used to treat fevers and headaches. Feverfew is a member of the sunflower family with small yellow blooms that resemble the daisy. In ancient Greece, feverfew was coveted for its medicinal value in treating fevers, melancholy and lung congestion. In ancient text, it also is suggested that feverfew was used in treating symptoms of arthritis. In addition, feverfew was used as a general treatment for pain and dizziness, including symptoms of vertigo.

Warning

• Any herbal supplement carries a risk of side effects. Though these herbs have been used for thousands of years, a doctor should always be consulted before treating an existing condition with herbal supplements. While usually benign, persistent or constantly recurring vertigo can be an indication of a much larger problem, including a stroke or a tumor.