Natural Remedies for Vertigo and Dizziness

By Root Freedom | Natural Wellness

Vertigo is one of the most disorienting and debilitating symptoms a person can experience — the sensation that the room is spinning, accompanied by nausea, balance problems, and sometimes intense anxiety about when the next episode will strike. Natural remedies for vertigo and dizziness address the underlying causes — inner ear fluid imbalance, nerve inflammation, circulation issues, and stress — rather than just masking symptoms.

Quick Answer

The most effective natural remedies for vertigo include ginkgo biloba for inner ear circulation, ginger for nausea and vestibular support, magnesium for nerve function and migraine-associated vertigo, vinpocetine for cerebral blood flow, and the Epley maneuver for BPPV — the most common type of vertigo. Addressing the specific cause of your vertigo produces significantly better results than a one-size-fits-all approach.

What You’ll Learn

The different types of vertigo and which natural remedies work best for each
The seven most effective herbs and nutrients for vertigo relief
The Epley maneuver — a simple at-home exercise that resolves BPPV vertigo in minutes
Lifestyle and dietary factors that trigger and worsen vertigo
When vertigo requires prompt medical evaluation

Understanding Vertigo and Its Causes

Vertigo is not a diagnosis — it is a symptom that can arise from several different underlying causes. Understanding which type of vertigo you have is the most important factor in choosing the right natural approach.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most common type — caused by tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear becoming dislodged and moving into the wrong canal. It produces brief but intense spinning triggered by specific head movements. The Epley maneuver resolves most BPPV cases rapidly and is the single most effective intervention for this type.

Meniere’s Disease involves excess fluid in the inner ear causing episodes of severe vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear fullness. Episodes can last hours and are often preceded by a feeling of pressure in the ear.

Vestibular Neuritis is inflammation of the vestibular nerve — usually following a viral infection — causing persistent vertigo that can last days to weeks.

Cervicogenic Vertigo originates from the neck — tight muscles, joint dysfunction, or nerve compression in the cervical spine can trigger dizziness and balance problems.

Migraine-Associated Vertigo affects people who experience migraines — vertigo can occur before, during, or completely independently of headache.

Important Note Before We Begin

Vertigo that is sudden and severe, accompanied by double vision, difficulty speaking, facial numbness, arm or leg weakness, or severe headache requires immediate emergency medical evaluation — these can be signs of stroke. New onset vertigo should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out serious underlying causes before pursuing natural approaches.

The Best Natural Remedies for Vertigo

1. Ginkgo Biloba — Inner Ear Circulation

Ginkgo biloba is the most studied herbal remedy for vertigo and dizziness. It improves microcirculation to the inner ear and brain — addressing one of the primary mechanisms driving chronic vertigo and balance problems.

Best for: Vertigo associated with poor circulation, age-related dizziness, tinnitus accompanying vertigo, chronic low-grade dizziness

What research shows: Multiple studies confirm ginkgo improves symptoms of vertigo and dizziness associated with circulatory insufficiency. A German study found ginkgo extract as effective as betahistine — a common pharmaceutical vestibular treatment — for vertigo management. Results accumulate over 8-12 weeks of consistent use.

How to use it: Ginkgo biloba standardized extract capsules — 120-240mg daily in divided doses with food. Allow 8-12 weeks of consistent use before evaluating full effectiveness. Take in the morning as ginkgo has mild energizing properties.

Important: Ginkgo has blood thinning properties — consult your healthcare provider if you take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder.

Where to get it: Ginkgo biloba standardized extract on Amazon — look for 24% flavonol glycosides and 6% terpene lactones on the label.

2. Ginger — Nausea and Vestibular Support

Ginger is one of the most effective natural remedies for the nausea that accompanies vertigo episodes and has direct effects on vestibular function. Its gingerols reduce activity in the vomiting center of the brain while improving inner ear fluid dynamics.

Best for: Vertigo-associated nausea, motion sickness type vertigo, acute vertigo episodes, nausea prevention before known triggers

What research shows: Multiple clinical trials confirm ginger reduces nausea as effectively as common anti-nausea medications for motion sickness and postoperative nausea. Research suggests ginger may also directly influence vestibular nerve activity reducing vertigo intensity.

How to use it: Brew fresh ginger tea — simmer 3-4 slices of fresh ginger root in 2 cups water for 15 minutes. Drink 2-3 cups daily. During an acute vertigo episode take 500-1000mg of ginger capsules immediately. Ginger candies and chews provide a convenient portable option for use when vertigo strikes away from home.

Where to get it: Dried ginger root from Starwest Botanicals Dried Ginger root. Ginger capsules on Amazon.

3. Magnesium — Nerve Function and Migraine Vertigo

Magnesium deficiency is one of the most common and most overlooked contributors to vertigo — particularly migraine-associated vertigo. Magnesium plays a critical role in nerve signal transmission, inner ear fluid regulation, and vascular tone.

Best for: Migraine-associated vertigo, vertigo with anxiety, stress-triggered dizziness, vertigo with tinnitus, sleep-disrupted vertigo

What research shows: Research consistently links low magnesium to migraine and vestibular disorders. Studies show magnesium supplementation significantly reduces migraine frequency — and migraine-associated vertigo follows the same pattern. Magnesium also regulates the NMDA receptors involved in vertigo perception.

How to use it: Magnesium glycinate 200-400mg in the evening with dinner — the glycinate form is most bioavailable and gentlest on digestion. Allow 4-8 weeks of consistent daily use to assess full benefit for vertigo reduction.

Where to get it: Magnesium glycinate on Amazon — look for chelated forms for best absorption.

4. Coriander Seeds — Traditional Meniere’s Support

Coriander seeds have a long traditional use in Ayurvedic and Middle Eastern herbal medicine for vertigo and dizziness — particularly the type associated with inner ear fluid imbalance as in Meniere’s disease. Their diuretic properties help reduce excess fluid pressure in the inner ear.

Best for: Meniere’s type vertigo with ear fullness and fluid pressure, recurring vertigo episodes, dizziness with digestive involvement

What research shows: Traditional use for vertigo spans centuries in multiple herbal traditions. Coriander’s mild diuretic action addresses fluid imbalance in the inner ear. The Herbal Academy covers traditional Ayurvedic approaches to vestibular disorders including coriander’s historical use in their coursework.

How to use it: Soak 2 teaspoons of coriander seeds and 1 teaspoon of dried gooseberry powder in 1 cup of water overnight. Strain and drink in the morning on an empty stomach. Alternatively brew coriander seed tea by simmering 1 teaspoon crushed seeds in 2 cups water for 10 minutes.

Where to get it: Dried coriander seeds from Starwest Botanicals Dried coriander seeds or any grocery store spice section. Get dried Gooseberry from Starwest Botanicals Gooseberry (Amla) Powder.

5. Lemon Balm — Anxiety and Nervous System Vertigo

Anxiety and vertigo form a vicious cycle — vertigo causes anxiety, anxiety worsens vertigo perception, and the nervous system becomes progressively more sensitized. Lemon balm breaks this cycle by calming the nervous system and reducing the anxiety-driven amplification of vestibular symptoms.

Best for: Anxiety-amplified vertigo, panic associated with vertigo episodes, stress-triggered dizziness, cervicogenic vertigo with muscle tension

How to use it: Brew lemon balm tea — steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried lemon balm in hot water for 10 minutes. Drink 2-3 cups daily. During acute anxiety around a vertigo episode lemon balm tincture — 30-60 drops in water — provides faster relief than tea.

Where to get it: Dried lemon balm from Starwest Botanicals Dried Lemon Balm. Grow your own from seed with Seeds Now.

6. Ginkgo and Ginger Combination — Enhanced Vestibular Support

Combining ginkgo and ginger addresses both the circulatory and nausea dimensions of vertigo simultaneously — making this pairing more effective than either herb alone for most vertigo types.

Best for: Chronic recurring vertigo, vertigo with significant nausea, circulation-related dizziness with nausea component, travel-related vertigo prevention

How to use it: Take ginkgo standardized extract 120mg twice daily alongside ginger 500mg twice daily with meals. Give the combination 8-12 weeks of consistent use for full circulatory and vestibular benefit.

Where to get it: Both available on Amazon — purchase separately for better quality control than combination products.

7. Ashwagandha — Stress and Adrenal Vertigo

Chronic stress and adrenal dysregulation can directly cause or worsen dizziness through cortisol’s effects on blood pressure, blood sugar, and inner ear fluid regulation. Ashwagandha addresses the adrenal root of stress-related vertigo.

Best for: Stress-triggered vertigo, dizziness that worsens during high-stress periods, vertigo with fatigue and anxiety, adrenal-related blood pressure fluctuations causing dizziness

How to use it: Ashwagandha root powder — 1 teaspoon stirred into warm milk with honey before bed. Ashwagandha capsules 300-600mg daily with food. Give it 4-8 weeks of consistent use to assess benefit for stress-related dizziness.

Where to get it: Ashwagandha root powder from Starwest Botanicals Ashwagandha root powder.

The Epley Maneuver — The Most Effective BPPV Treatment

The Epley maneuver is a series of head position changes that moves dislodged calcium crystals out of the semicircular canals back into the correct position. It resolves BPPV vertigo in 80% of cases within one to three treatments and can be performed at home once you have been taught the technique.

How to perform the Epley maneuver:

Sit on a bed and turn your head 45 degrees toward the affected ear
Quickly lie back with your head still turned — your head should hang slightly off the edge of the bed
Hold this position for 30 seconds or until dizziness stops
Turn your head 90 degrees to the opposite side without raising it — hold 30 seconds
Roll your entire body to face the floor — hold 30 seconds
Slowly sit up and remain still for several minutes

Repeat twice more for a total of three repetitions. Most people experience significant improvement within 24-48 hours. Have someone assist you the first time as the maneuver can temporarily intensify dizziness.

Dietary and Lifestyle Factors That Affect Vertigo

Sodium and Meniere’s Disease:
High sodium intake increases inner ear fluid pressure and triggers Meniere’s episodes. A low-sodium diet — under 1,500mg daily — is one of the most effective Meniere’s management strategies. This means avoiding processed foods, canned soups, and restaurant meals which are typically very high in sodium.

Caffeine:
Caffeine constricts blood vessels and can worsen inner ear circulation. Many vertigo sufferers find reducing or eliminating caffeine meaningfully reduces episode frequency.

Alcohol:
Alcohol directly affects inner ear fluid composition and is a common vertigo trigger — particularly for Meniere’s disease. Reduction or elimination during active vertigo management is strongly recommended.

Hydration:
Dehydration reduces blood volume and can cause orthostatic hypotension — dizziness when standing — often mistaken for vestibular vertigo. Adequate hydration of 2-3 liters daily is foundational for any vertigo management plan.

Stress management:
Chronic stress increases cortisol which affects vestibular sensitivity and blood pressure regulation. Daily stress reduction practices — walking, breathing exercises, and the nervine herbs above — reduce stress-triggered vertigo episodes significantly.

If you want to go deeper on anti-inflammatory herbs and building a complete natural pain management protocol, the Herbal Academy offers excellent courses covering pain, inflammation, and nerve health herbs from traditional and clinical perspectives.

When to See a Doctor

Seek immediate emergency care if vertigo is accompanied by sudden severe headache, double vision, difficulty speaking, facial numbness, arm or leg weakness, or loss of consciousness — these can indicate stroke or other neurological emergency. See a doctor promptly for new onset vertigo that is severe, persistent, or accompanied by significant hearing loss. Work with a healthcare provider to identify your specific vertigo type — BPPV, Meniere’s, vestibular neuritis, or other cause — as treatment approaches differ significantly. A vestibular rehabilitation therapist can teach you the Epley maneuver and other repositioning techniques safely.

Key Takeaways

Identifying your vertigo type is the most important first step — BPPV, Meniere’s, vestibular neuritis, and migraine-associated vertigo respond to different approaches
The Epley maneuver resolves BPPV — the most common vertigo type — in 80% of cases within one to three treatments
Ginkgo biloba is the most researched herb for vertigo with studies showing comparable effectiveness to pharmaceutical vestibular treatments
Ginger is the most effective natural remedy for vertigo-associated nausea and works from the first dose
Magnesium deficiency is a common overlooked driver of migraine-associated vertigo
Low sodium diet is the single most important dietary intervention for Meniere’s disease
Anxiety and vertigo form a vicious cycle — addressing anxiety with lemon balm and ashwagandha breaks the amplification loop

At a Glance

Remedy	Best Vertigo Type	How to Use
Ginkgo biloba	Circulatory, age-related	120-240mg daily — 8-12 weeks
Ginger	All types — nausea focus	Tea daily, capsules acute
Magnesium	Migraine-associated	200-400mg glycinate evening
Coriander seeds	Meniere’s, fluid related	Overnight soak or tea
Lemon balm	Anxiety-amplified	Tea 2-3 cups daily
Ashwagandha	Stress-triggered	1 tsp powder or capsule daily
Epley maneuver	BPPV only	3 repetitions, repeat daily
Low sodium diet	Meniere’s disease	Under 1,500mg sodium daily

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest natural remedy for a vertigo attack?
Ginger — taken as capsules (500-1000mg) or strong ginger tea — provides the fastest natural relief for the nausea component of a vertigo attack. For BPPV specifically the Epley maneuver can stop spinning within minutes when performed correctly. Sitting still with eyes fixed on a stationary point helps the vestibular system recalibrate during an episode.

Can dehydration cause vertigo?
Yes — dehydration reduces blood volume causing blood pressure to drop when standing, producing dizziness often mistaken for vestibular vertigo. Drinking 2-3 liters of water daily and increasing intake during heat or exercise is an easy first intervention for anyone experiencing recurring dizziness.

Is vertigo a sign of something serious?
Most vertigo is benign — BPPV, Meniere’s, and vestibular neuritis are not life-threatening. However vertigo accompanied by neurological symptoms (double vision, speech difficulty, weakness, severe headache) requires immediate emergency evaluation as these can indicate stroke. New onset severe vertigo should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

How long does vestibular neuritis last?
Acute vestibular neuritis — inflammation of the vestibular nerve usually following a viral infection — typically peaks in the first 24-48 hours and gradually improves over 1-3 weeks. Residual dizziness and balance problems can persist for months in some cases. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy significantly accelerates recovery.

Can anxiety cause vertigo?
Yes — anxiety can cause dizziness through hyperventilation, blood pressure changes, and heightened sensitivity to normal vestibular sensations. Chronic anxiety also amplifies existing vestibular problems making them feel more severe. Addressing anxiety with lemon balm, ashwagandha, and stress reduction practices meaningfully improves anxiety-related dizziness.

What diet changes help vertigo most?
For Meniere’s disease low sodium under 1,500mg daily is the most impactful dietary change. For all vertigo types reducing caffeine and alcohol, maintaining adequate hydration, and eating regular meals to prevent blood sugar fluctuations all reduce episode frequency and severity.

Natural Remedies for Vertigo and Dizziness — Herbs and Home Treatments That Help