Essential oils for vertigo: Are you looking for this? I was also looking but there was little or no valid information about the topic. I am trying to fill that gap and after hours of searching and studying research articles, I have compiled a list of 5 best essential oils for vertigo that are worth trying for you. Nature is the cure to everything and steaming and crushing of plants leads to essential oils that have gained popularity as alternative medicine. Always remember that essential oils don’t treat a disease but help in managing symptoms.

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo or Central vertigo is a clinical condition when an individual experiences a sensation of spinning while remaining still, or hallucinations of motion of their surroundings. Vertigo accounts for 5% in the outpatient neurological clinics. Vertigo causes a feeling of dizziness where everything feels like spinning while you and things are still.

Commonly vertigo is a sense of spinning or dizziness with hallucinations. Common causes of vertigo are dysfunction of the vestibular structures in the central nervous system. Vertigo is also common in people with migraine, brain disorders, and malignancies. According to a study, almost 50% of migraine patients experience vertigo.

Some common symptoms of vertigo are;

• Dizziness
• Balance Issues
• Ringing in the ears (Tinnitus)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Motion Sickness
• Headache
• Feeling to fullness in the ears

Essential Oils for Vertigo

If we say, the last decade has been the decade of research on the benefits of essential oils, it wouldn’t be wrong. Research studies have frequently explored the health benefits of essential oils. And they are very effective in diverse conditions. Although essential oils can’t treat a disease, they are very effective in managing disease symptoms such as pain and inflammation. Although there are not enough studies that determined the use of essential oils for vertigo, we will be discussing studies that targeted the clinical issues closely related and associated with vertigo.

1. Orange essential oil for vertigo

Orange peel essential oil, with a refreshing scent, is not only effective for pain and inflammation but also for vertigo and dizziness. Many studies have found its relieving effect on vertigo. A study conducted on students determined the effect of orange peel extract essence on vertigo and dizziness. Study found a statistically significant improvement in students’ condition. However, the study is not clinically significant due to lack of proper laboratory-based experiment conditions.

2. Lavender Essential Oils for vertigo

Lavender with a high content of linalool terpene is an effective remedy for migraine related health symptoms. In a study, lavender essential oil relieved the symptoms of nausea and vomiting, photophobia, olfactory disturbance and dizziness 2 hours after administration through the inhalation route. The lavender essential oil can relax smooth muscles and have a sedative effect. It can be the possible mechanism behind its migraine symptoms relieving effects. Hence, inhalation therapy with lavender essential oil can be a good choice to try and it is one of the best essential oils for vertigo.

Suggested Reading: Secret Benefits of Using Lavender and Chamomile Essential Oil Together

3. Chamomile Essential Oil for vertigo

Chamomile essential oil is known for its relaxing and soothing effects. The essential oil of German Chamomile has a vasodilatory effect (relaxes smooth muscles) and has been found effective in migraine symptoms. In a study, 5.5% essential oil gel was topically applied on the forehead and temporal areas, and behind the ears. After 30 minutes of application, it significantly alleviated the symptoms of migraine including pain, vomiting, nausea, tinnitus, and light sensitivity.

Suggested Reading: 5 Science-Backed Benefits of German Chamomile Essential Oil, 2023

4. Peppermint Essential Oil

Like lavender and chamomile, peppermint essential oil also has vasodilatory effects. Its main constituent menthol can relax the smooth muscles and is effective for migraine, dizziness, and other symptoms related to migraine. A study by Mahmood et al. reported the same effect of peppermint essential oil in relieving migraine symptoms as 4% lidocaine. Patients took 1.5% essential oil drops by inhalation at the onset of pain. The efficacy of the peppermint essential oil was higher than lidocaine in relieving pain and improving condition of patients. Therefore, peppermint essential oil is a good option for vertigo.

Ginkgo Essential oil and extract

Ginkgo biloba has many science backed health benefits that are proven in clinical trials on animals and human. There have been many research studies that explored the effectiveness of ginkgo bio actives in the management of vertigo and dizziness. A review of 17 studies determined the effect of standardized ginkgo biloba extract on vertigo and associated tinnitus. Study found a significant effect of extract on vertigo and reported as a good alternative therapy for vertigo.

While studies included extracts and essential oils are different. But mostly, essential oils and extracts contain similar major bio active molecules. Based on this data, ginkgo leaf essential oil can be a good try for vertigo.

Conclusion

Summarizing the article, I will write, there are not enough studies and data that can support the use of specific essential oils and their method of use for vertigo specifically. In this blog article, I have tried to include studies on essential oils that are effective in vertigo associated disorders such as migraine, nausea, tinnitus and so on.

Based on the data, these oils are worth try to find if they work for you or not. While essential oils have little or no adverse effects, they always must be used in diluted form. And if you are on any kind of medication, always consult your healthcare provider before adding anything into your routine.

And lastly, essential oils are not an alternative or substitute to any medication. Even if there are trials that prove their efficacy, they must be used with caution. They can’t treat a disorder or disease, but they are very effective in management of disease associated symptoms. Please feel free to write your suggestions, opinions or questions in the comments section.