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Tinnitus is a kind of ear infection, characterized by hissing, whistling, roaring, buzzing or ringing sound in one or both ears. However, tinnitus itself is not a disease, but a symptom that indicates an underlying problem, such as circulatory disorder or an inner ear disease. Excessive exposure to loud noises is one of the major factors that lead to such problems.

If remain untreated, tinnitus can result in hearing loss. Therefore, proper treatment under the supervision of a specialist doctor is very important. Following are some of the well-known herbs that are used to relieve the symptoms of tinnitus.

Herbs for Tinnitus

Rehmannia

The cellular damage caused by high levels of free radicals often produces the symptoms of tinnitus. Rehmannia is a traditional Chinese herb that is popularly used in the treatment of hearing loss and tinnitus caused by such factors.

The antioxidant properties of rehmannia reduce the levels of free radicals, which relieves the painful sound in the ears. In addition to that, it also protects the auditory cells from further damage. The general daily dosage is 10-15 gram.

Ginkgo

If tinnitus is caused by central and peripheral circulation disorders, ginkgo can be very useful in its treatment. It treats vascular disturbances and eventually helps in reducing the hissing or ringing sound in the ears.

Though ginkgo can be taken in the form of liquid tincture or tea, tablets or capsules are considered to be more effective for tinnitus. The recommended dosage is up to 120 mg, divided in small doses, three times a day.

Black Cohosh

If tinnitus has been caused by an inner ear disorder called Meniere’s disease (inflamed or blocked arteries), doctors usually prescribe vasodilator medications. Black cohosh acts as a natural vasodilator and stimulates the peripheral blood flow, which eventually provides you great relief from the ringing or hissing noises in the ears. Black cohosh contains a serotonin derivative called N(omega)-methyl serotonin.

It is mainly due to the presence of this substance that makes black cohosh so effective in the treatment of tinnitus. In addition to that, its analgesic properties also help in relieving pain caused by tinnitus. However, pregnant women and those who are suffering from epilepsy, hypertension or hormone-driven cancer should avoid this herb. The general recommended dosage is 2-4 ml of liquid extracts mixed in one glass of water, three times a day.

Er Long Zuo Ci Wan

Er Long Zuo Ci Wan is a herbal formula to treat tinnitus that uses lots of herbs together, such as foxglove root, dogwood fruits, thorowax root, water plantain rhizome, yam rhizome and peony bark. This herbal formula carries powerful antioxidant properties, which relieves the hissing and ringing sounds in the ears by activating antioxidant enzymes, which eventually reduces the oxidative stress on auditory ear cells. However, it must strictly be used in the supervision of an experienced herbal practitioner. The dosage varies significantly depending upon age and other health factors.

Dogwood Tree

Medically termed as cornus officinalis, dogwood contains glycosides, tannins, polysaccharides and triterpenes. But, its effectiveness in the treatment of tinnitus is mainly due to the ursolic acid content that carries powerful antioxidant features. If you are suffering from an inner ear disease, the free radical damage can produce oxidative stress on the ear nerves that can cause the hissing, ringing or whistling sounds in the ears.

Dogwood inhibits further free radical damage and even revives some of the damaged cells. The extract of the dried Dogwood fruit is applied on the damaged auditory cells. The oral dosage is not recommended. Considering the very fact that tinnitus can indicate a serious underlying problem, you are advised not to experiment with the herbs on your own. Always consult a licensed herbal specialist and follow the remedies under his or her supervision.