Feeling disoriented or unbalanced is called dizziness. These feelings are commonly accompanied by nausea or vomiting. Other symptoms of dizziness, include lightheadedness or feeling faint, loss of balance, or a spinning sensation, also known as vertigo. Dizziness is a common symptom of vertigo, which is caused by a problem in the inner ear. Vertigo is often associated with a head injury or a brain tumor. But, there are other things that can cause vertigo.
Meniere’s disease is an inner ear disorder caused by a buildup of fluid in the ear, causing vertigo. Vestibular neuritis is another cause of vertigo, which is caused by an ear infection. This infection interferes with the nerves that are important for body balance sense.
While vertigo is a common cause of dizziness, there are other reasons that can cause the sensation, too. Stroke, motion sickness, a sudden change in blood pressure, low sugar levels, circulation problems are all symptoms of dizziness.
How to get rid of Dizziness Using Naturopathic Remedies
So, what is the reason behind your dizziness?
Consulting your doctor will help you find out the cause of your dizziness by studying your symptoms or conducting tests. According to Mayoclinic(1), some of the tests to determine your dizziness include Posturography, a test that determines which part of your body you rely on for balance. Head moving test and eye moving test are some other tests to analyze what is causing the dizziness.
In most cases, dizziness usually gets better without treatment. But, there are still certain medications that can help treat the condition. Your doctor will prescribe the best medication based on your symptoms and other factors. Medication and balance exercises form a major part of dizziness treatment.
There are also natural remedies for dizziness that can help cure it.
CURE 1: Foods for Dizziness
Most of the time, the cause of sudden dizziness is a decrease in your blood sugar. If that’s the case, certain foods can help improve your sugar levels and get your dizziness under control. Here are some foods that are packed with nutrients to cure dizziness.
1. Whole Grains
Why use?
If you eat too many fast-digesting foods, like sugar, rice, or potatoes, or blood sugar levels might drop, according to a study by Harvard Medical School(2). This decrease in body sugar levels can cause dizziness. If you’ve had many foods of this kind recently, try balancing them out with slow-to-digest, high-fiber foods like whole grains. The fiber in them will help your body absorb the nutrients and help replenish the sugar levels in your body.
[Also Read: Home Remedies for Dizziness]
How to use?
Try to replace your regular sandwich bread for whole-grain bread. You can also add broccoli and carrots to your salad for a healthy dose of fiber.
How much to use?
Try to add as many whole grain foods to your diet.
2. Citrus Fruits
Why use?
Vitamins are an essential part of your diet, and they can even help to treat dizziness. Studies(3) show that those people who had sufficient vitamin C in their diet saw a reduction in dizziness and nausea.
How to use?
If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, citrus foods, like lemons, grapefruit, oranges, etc. can relieve accompanying nausea and help rejuvenate your body.
How much to use?
Take a citrus food when you feel dizzy. You can also add citrus food to your daily diet.
3. Almonds
Why use?
Almonds are a rich source of vitamin B and E, which improve health and increase your energy levels. Almonds can improve the deficiency of vitamin B in your body, thus helping to cure dizziness.
How to use?
Soak four to five almonds in water overnight. The next morning, grind these almonds add them to a cup of warm milk.
How much to use?
Drink the milk on an empty stomach every morning.
4. Carbohydrates
Why use?
Foods that contain carbohydrates can quickly increase your sugar levels. Fruits or dried fruits provide a good snacking option when you experience constant dizziness.
How to use?
Take a cup of fresh fruit or dried fruits as a mid-morning snack. A granola bar or celery sticks dipped in peanut butter are another snack option to try when you feel dizzy.
How much to use?
Eat healthy carbohydrate-rice food whenever you feel dizzy.
5. Proteins
Why use?
If you don’t eat for a while, your blood sugar might decrease, which causes dizziness. To treat dizziness of this kind, eat something that contains both proteins and carbohydrates. Proteins will also provide energy to your body.
How to use?
Try to drink a cup of milk every night before bed to help treat recurring dizziness by getting enough protein in your system. Seeds, nuts, eggs, nuts, milk, and cheese are all good sources of protein.
How much to use?
If you experience frequent dizzy spells, keep a bag of nuts on hand for when you experience dizziness.
6. Juices
Why use?
Fruit juices contain carbohydrates and sugars, both of which are an instant fix to dizziness caused by low blood sugar levels.
How to use?
If you feel extreme dizziness or feel that you might faint, take one cup of fruit juice or soda.
How much to use?
A cup of these drinks contains around 15 grams of carbohydrates, which is one serving and can help relieve your dizziness quickly. If you still feel lightheaded, repeat after 10-15 minutes.
7. Honey
Why use?
Honey has curative properties that help improve the blood flow to the brain.
How to use?
Mix two spoons honey and one spoon apple cider vinegar and drink it to cure the symptoms of vertigo. Both apple cider vinegar and hone have the same properties to help improve blood flow to your brain. If you don’t like the taste of apple cider vinegar, add one spoon honey to a cup of milk and drink this one a day.
How much to use?
Drink the apple cider vinegar and honey mix once a day.
8. Coriander Seeds
Why use?
Coriander seeds contain manganese, iron, and calcium. Iron will help increase your blood flow while manganese can help digestion so that your body can better absorb the sugars and nutrients from foods.
How to use?
Mix one tablespoon of coriander seeds and one glass amla powder in a cup of water overnight. Strain the mix the next morning and drink on an empty stomach. Amla contains vitamin C, which will increase your energy levels.
How much to use?
Take the coriander-infused water every morning.
9. Cayenne
Why use?
The capsaicin in cayenne can improve the blood flow in your brain and inner ear.
How to use?
Mix a spoonful of cayenne in half a spoon honey and half a spoon apple cider vinegar. You can add a pinch of salt to this mix if you wish. Drink on an empty stomach.
How much to use?
Drink this once a day to improve your blood circulation.
Many diets, where you don’t get enough water in your body, can cause long-term dizziness.
CURE 2: Herbs for Dizziness
These herbal remedies can help to treat dizziness at home.
1. Ginger
Why use?
Ginger has been used in many ancient remedies because of its powerful healing properties. Mainly, the herb is used for treating nausea, stomach problems, and fever, due to its antibacterial and cholesterol-lowering properties. Experts recommend ginger for nausea and dizziness. Ginger helps circulation and can reduce high blood pressure. A sudden spike in blood pressure can also cause dizziness.
How to use?
Try to add some grated ginger root to your daily tea or take a cup of the healthier ginger tea in place of your daily tea or coffee.
How much to use?
Ginger can be added to your daily diet in various forms.
[Also Read: Herbal Remedies for Vertigo]
2. Ginkgo Biloba
Why use?
Gingko is a native Chinese tree, and the herb Ginkgo Biloba is used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is primarily used to treat disorders like memory loss, cerebral insufficiency, dizziness, and insomnia. Ginkgo Biloba can also improve blood circulation and provide oxygen to your brain.
How to use?
The herb is available in pill and powder form.
How much to use?
It is recommended to consult with your doctor before taking this herb since it can cause side-effects with some antibiotics.
3. Black Cohosh
Why use?
Also known as Cimicifuga racemosa, black cohosh is used to treat nervous disorders. It’s a perennial with white flowers. This herb is helpful if your dizziness and vertigo are related to menopause. Black cohosh has a potent effect on the central nervous system, which can help treat balance disorders.
How to use?
Black cohosh is available in pill and powder form.
How much to use?
Take a spoonful of black cohosh once a day with water.
4. Brahmi
Why use?
Bramhi facilitates calmness. This ayurvedic herb is used to treat many brain disorders. It helps control stress and anxiety. It also has rejuvenating properties that relax your mind the nervous tissues. Regular use of Brahmi also helps alleviate headaches.
How to use?
Bramhi is available in powder form which should be taken with a glass of water.
How much to use?
Check with your Ayurvedic doctor for the right dose for you.
5. Butcher’s Broom
Why use?
The active constituents in butcher’s broom can help improve circulation in the brain and inner ear. The active constituents, ruscogenin, and neoruscogenin confer vasodilator effects, which makes this an appropriate remedy for dizziness, especially if its caused due to vertigo.
How to use?
The herb is available in powder form which should be taken with a glass of water.
How much to use?
Check with your herbal practitioner for the right dose for you.
CURE 3: Home Remedies for Dizziness
There are numerous factors that can cause dizziness, such as low blood sugar, vertigo, balance disorders, etc. There are many natural remedies for dizziness which can cure the condition if it’s not caused by a nervous disorder.
1. Staying Hydrated
Why use?
Dehydration can cause the symptoms of vertigo, and if you experience dizziness often, staying hydrated can help you cure it. Also, it can help treat balance issues. The oxygen in water improves the oxygen in your brain, thus improving focus and balance.
How to use?
You can even add some lemon juice or mint leaves to your water if you don’t like the taste of plain water. Caffeine is bad for dizziness, so replace your cup of coffee with a glass of energizing lemon water with or without mint leaves.
How much to use?
Try to drink at least eight to ten glasses of water daily.
2. Exercises for Dizziness
Why use?
Exercise, especially cardio exercises, improve your blood circulation. It can help to stop dizziness and also improve your overall health. Running, brisk walking, swimming are some cardio exercises that are good for treating dizziness. Or, you could try the below exercises for improving balance and curing dizziness.
How to use?
Seated head exercise:
Move your head up then down. Start slowly then gradually increase the speed of the movement. Do this for two minutes. This is one set. Then, look first left then right. Again, start slowly and increase your speed. Do it for two minutes. Try doing ten sets of each daily.
Standing balance exercise:
Sit on the floor with your legs crossed. Stand up and sit down again. Do this ten times with your eyes open. Now, close your eyes and repeat the exercise ten times. If you feel dizzy while doing this with closed eyes, then leave your eyes open.
How much to use?
Try to allocate at least 30-minutes of your daily schedule for working out.
3. Yoga
Why use?
Yoga has been known to cure many balance problems and nervous disorders. Here are some yoga asanas to help treat dizziness.
How to use?
Child pose: This pose calms the mind and being a restorative pose, it will help on the onset of a dizzy spell. Sit on the floor on your knees with your legs touching the ground. Now stretch your arms in front of you and bend forward till your palms touch the floor. Hold the pose for five seconds then slowly come back up.
Seated forward bend: this pose targets your core and also helps relieve stress. sit on the floor with your legs stretched in front of you. Raise your arms straight up and slowly bend forward till your hands touch your feet. Hold for five seconds then slowly come back up.
How much to use?
Try to practice yoga for 20-50 minutes daily.
4. Acupressure for Dizziness
Why use?
While acupuncture needs a trained practitioner to perform it, you can do acupressure at home once you understand the basics of it. Acupressure is the science of stimulating your nerves by focusing on certain pain points in your body. These pain points vary by your particular symptoms and causes.
How to use?
Primarily, acupressure facilitates calmness and overall relaxation. It helps to cure dizziness by stimulating pressure points throughout your body.
How much to use?
But, to treat the symptoms, it is necessary to understand what is causing your dizziness, so consult your doctor to understand your problem before starting this treatment.
5. Massage
Why use?
Massage therapy is another recognized way to treat dizziness. Not to mention that a comforting head massage can help reduce stress and induce relaxation. It also increases the blood flow to your brain.
How to use?
A lavender oil massage, for instance, will facilitate calmness and also treat dizziness. It is recommended to get your massage done from a recognized practitioner to get the most benefit out of it.
How much to use?
You can safely take a head massage once a week.
6. Epley Manoeuver
Why use?
The Epley Manoeuvre is designed to tilt your head at an angle to relieve symptoms of dizziness.
How to use?
In this practice, the trained practitioner will tilt your head first at 45 degrees, then 30 degrees, and lastly 90 degrees to reduce dizziness.
How much to use?
Your practitioner will advise you when to practice the Epley Manoeuvre to treat dizziness.
Balance disorders are the most common type of medical problem in people over 70.
CURE 4: Essential oils for Dizziness
Essentials oils are known to have a calming and relaxing effect on your nerves, and when faced with dizziness, that’s precisely what you need. Here are some essential oils to cure dizziness.
1. Peppermint Oil
Why use?
Peppermint oil has two active compounds, methanol and methane. These compounds contain anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating properties that relieve nervous problems and also energize your mind.
How to use?
You can topically apply this oil on your neck and temples. Just take 2-3 drops of this oil on your palms and massage it onto your skin Or, you could add it to your room diffuser to inhale it.
How much to use?
Being a potent oil, three drops of peppermint oil should be enough.
[Also Read: Essential Oils for Treat Vertigo]
2. Rosemary Oil
Why use?
This oil has been used in many ancient remedies to treat cognitive problems. It also helps relieve stress and anxiety.
How to use?
Add three drops of rosemary oil to a pot of steaming water. Cover your head with a towel then inhale the steam. This will alleviate your dizziness and also reduce headaches. Rosemary oil can also be used to treat chronic headaches.
How much to use?
Take a rosemary oil steam three to four times a week.
3. Lemon Balm Oil
Why use?
This is essentially a mint oil, like peppermint. Along with reducing stress, this oil also improves appetite and reduces nausea.
How to use?
Take a fresh leaf from its plant and inhale the smell to feel an instant burst of energy. Add a few drops of this oil to your bath water once or twice a week to treat dizziness.
How much to use?
Use lemon balm oil daily to get rid of dizziness.
[Also Read: Essential Oils for Dizziness]
4. Cypress Oil
Why use?
Cypress oil stimulates your brain and improves blood flow. When your brain gets enough blood and oxygen, it is more alert, thus minimizing the risk of cognitive disorders and dizziness.
How to use?
You can add this oil to a room diffuser or steaming pot of water and inhale it. Cypress oil is very potent, so applying it directly on the skin is not recommended. If you wish to apply it topically, dilute it with coconut oil before massaging onto the skin.
How much to use?
Inhale the oil daily or apply it topically two to three times a week.
5. Lavender Oil
Why use?
Lavender is the most popular and widely-used oil in aromatherapy. It’s calming properties also make it a good treatment for dizziness. It also has a pleasant scent that is used in cosmetics and diffusers.
How to use?
Apply two to three drops of lavender oil onto your pillow every night, since this oil is an excellent sleep aid. This is especially recommended if you’re suffering from chronic nervous disorders or vertigo-induced dizziness.
How much to use?
Inhale lavender oil whenever you feel dizzy.
6. Ginger for Dizziness
Why use?
Ginger is a powerful herb for treating dizziness and nausea, and ginger oil have just as many benefits as the herb. According to a study(4), ginger oil can calm your nerves and settle the stomach, both of which prevent dizziness.
How to use?
Ginger oil can irritate the skin if applied directly, so dilute it first if applying topically.
How much to use?
Apply ginger oil two to three times a week.
7. Clary Sage Oil
Why use?
If you’re suffering from any nerve disorders like convulsions, nervousness or anxiety, clary sage oil can help treat it. It also improves sleep and helps relax the mind.
How to use?
This oil works best when inhaled, so use it in a steam treatment or add it to your room diffuser. You could also apply it on your neck and chest after diluting it.
How much to use?
Inhale clary sage oil daily before bed.
8. Basil Oil
Why use?
Basil can effectively treat nausea and motion sickness. It also helps treat breathing disorders like asthma or sinus.
How to use?
Again, inhaling basil oil is the best treatment for nervous tension and mental fatigue. Add a few drops of the oil to your room diffuser or use it in a steam treatment.
How much to use?
Take basil steam daily or whenever you feel dizzy.
9. Tangerine Oil
Why use?
The refreshing properties of tangerine oil help treat dizziness and headaches. Tangerine oil boosts the red blood cell’s ability to retain oxygen, which helps in improving spasms and treating breathing problems.
How to use?
Take a few drops of this oil on your palm and hold your hands under your nose for a few seconds.
How much to use?
You can even apply a few drops of this oil on your pillow every night.
10. Frankincense Oil
Why use?
The anti-inflammation properties of this oil can help reduce dizziness caused by an inner ear infection. It also helps you relax and facilitates better sleep.
How to use?
Massage a few drops of this oil on your neck, chest, and temples. The aromatic effects of this oil are enough to treat dizziness. It also helps balance hormone levels in women.
How much to use?
Use the oil every night before bed.
CURE 5: Supplements for dizziness
Dizziness can be caused due to a nutrient deficiency and taking supplements can help to treat dizziness.
1. Vitamin D
Why use?
A vitamin D deficiency is the most common deficiency. This is because very few foods provide this vitamin, leading to a deficiency. A study(5) has shown that vitamin D deficiency can cause vertigo.
How to use?
If you do have a vitamin D deficiency, getting started on its supplements can help you treat dizziness.
How much to use?
The recommended vitamin D intake is 10-20 mg daily. It’s best to consult your doctor on how much supplements you will need for your particular case.
2. Vitamin B12
Why use?
This is an essential vitamin for common neurological functions, and its deficiency can cause dizziness and other neurological disorders. Yoghurt, cheese, eggs, fish, chicken, leafy greens are some foods that are rich in vitamin B12.
How to use?
Taking B12 supplements can quickly increase the level of B12 in your body.
If you want quicker results, or if your deficiency is too high, B12 injections are a good option.
How much to use?
Your doctor can advise you on the best treatment for your case and the required dose of supplements every day.
3. Vitamin B6
Why use?
These supplements may be helpful in cases of vertigo-induced dizziness. Individuals who consumed vitamin B6 daily had a lesser risk of developing nervous disorders than those who consumed little to no B6 on a daily basis, according to research.
How to use?
Take B6 pills daily with your meal.
How much to use?
Generally, 40 mg of B6 is recommended, but depending on how much deficiency you have, your dose could be higher or lower.
4. Iron
Why use?
Iron deficiency is another common deficiency among most adults. If your body doesn’t get enough iron, it disrupts your blood circulation.
How to use?
Even if you don’t have an iron deficiency, eating foods rich in iron can facilitate better blood flow. Beans, lentils, spinach, whole grains are some foods that contain iron.
How much to use?
An average daily intake of iron for an adult is 13-14 mg.
5. Magnesium
Why use?
If your dizziness is accompanied by headaches or migraines, it could be because of a magnesium deficiency. Studies have also found that the chances of dizziness in cardiac cases reduces by over 70% when your body gets adequate levels of magnesium. It also facilitates better blood flow.
How to use?
Apart from supplement pills, legumes, avocados, nuts, broccoli are rich sources of magnesium.
How much to use?
The daily magnesium intake is 300-44 mg, but your doctor will be able to best advise you on how much supplements you need.
CURE 6: Lifestyle Tips to Avoid Dizziness
Most of the time, dizziness goes away spontaneously. But, experiencing dizziness even for a short-term disrupts your life. To prevent that from happening, here are some healthy lifestyle choices to make. These do’s and don’ts to help you when you are dizzy and to avoid future bouts of dizziness.
Do’s
1. Drink water
Your body needs an adequate level of fluids to function properly. Try to drink enough water, be it plain water or in the form of another fluid, throughout. The recommended fluid intake is 12 cups every day, most of which should come from water.
2. Move slowly
If you feel dizzy when you wake up in the morning, stay lying till it passes. Then, move up to a sitting position first and then slowly get up and out of bed. Avoid quick movements, since your brain can still be disoriented in the mornings.
3. Lie down
If you feel dizzy when you are standing up, lie down, if possible, or just sit down and put your head down. This will facilitate blood flow to your brain. Stay seated for a few minutes to alleviate the dizziness before getting up.
4. Sleep well
A good sleep of 7-8 hours every night is recommended for improving health. Sleeping better also calms the mind and reduces stress and anxiety, which could be the cause of your dizziness. Try using essential oil for inducing a deeper and calmer sleep.
5. Include healthy sugar in your diet
Low glucose levels can cause dizziness, so make sure you include natural sugars in your diet. Try taking a cup of fresh fruit or fruit juice during snack time.
6. Follow a nutrient-rich diet
Include more vitamins and iron in your diet. Iron will improve your blood flow while the antioxidants in vitamins will clear out the toxins in your body. Citrus foods, leafy greens, fish, etc. are good sources of iron and vitamins.
7. Take a shower instead of a bath
A shower will help wake you up faster and also improve circulation in your brain.
8. Reduce stress
Reducing stress can help to reduce dizziness since stress hormones can trigger headaches and reduce your blood sugar.
9. Exercise
Working out regularly can improve your blood flow, which can help to reduce dizziness.
Don’ts
1. Drink alcohol
Alcohol and tobacco have been proven to increase dizziness and symptoms. It interferes with your sleep and also prevents oxygen from reaching the brain.
2. Take hot showers or bath
A very hot shower or bath can interfere with your blood circulation. Opt for a warm water shower instead. Or a cold shower, which stimulates your nerves and improves blood circulation.
3. Take too much medication
Popping too many medications and over-the-counter pills can be a cause of medications. Try to treat your health issues with more natural treatments and fewer medications. Natural treatments also don’t cause any side-effects.
4. Have too much caffeine
Caffeine interferes with your ability to sleep. In fact, it is a proactive stimulant which increases your alertness. This interferes with a healthy, deep sleep at night, so avoid caffeinated drinks before going to bed. Also, caffeine disrupts your blood circulation.
5. Take too much stress
Panicking every time something goes wrong or taking too much stress at work can make your dizziness worse. It can even cause your dizziness. This can also lower your sugar levels or spike your blood pressure. Try to relax by taking the help of calming oils to induce calmness.
Something as simple as a boat ride can cause dizziness if your brain doesn’t get enough oxygen.
Natural remedies are a great way to treat dizziness naturally, but these are just short-term solutions. If you have constant dizziness that lasts for a while, see a doctor make sure you don’t have any underlying condition.
According to a study by Rev Neurol(6), over 66% of cases of dizziness are a sign of vertigo. A medical diagnosis will help you target the cause of dizziness and treat it accordingly.
Among people who are in their 20s, dizziness is often linked to anxiety as well.
FAQs
1. What to do for dizziness?
Experiencing dizziness is common, and lying down when you experience sudden dizziness can help alleviate it. If you have too many dizzy spells, consult your doctor for the best medication to get rid of dizziness.
2. What to take for dizziness?
According to Mayoclinic, if your dizziness is accompanied by nausea, an over-the-counter drug like antihistamine will help reduce it. It is always better to consult a doctor before taking any medication.
3. What are the common symptoms of dizziness?
Lightheadedness, unsteadiness or loss of balance, wooziness, or feeling that your surroundings are moving are all symptoms of dizziness. This sensation is often accompanied by nausea or headache.
4. What can cause dizziness?
The most common type of dizziness is when your brain doesn’t get enough oxygen, which affects your circulation. A sharp drop in blood pressure, any medication you are taking, vertigo, or inflammation could be some other causes of dizziness.
5. Can dizziness due to vertigo be treated?
Physical therapy medication and time can treat vertigo and any symptoms associated with it. Vertigo causes resolve spontaneously, so continuous physical therapy and medication is a must.
