Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. It affects about 15 to 20 percent of people and can significantly impact quality of life. While there is no definitive “cure” for tinnitus, certain herbs and natural remedies may help reduce symptoms for some people. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most commonly used and studied herbs and natural supplements that may help with tinnitus.
Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba is one of the most well-researched herbs used for tinnitus. It is thought to improve blood circulation, act as an antioxidant, and provide anti-inflammatory effects. Some small studies have found ginkgo may help reduce tinnitus symptoms and improve quality of life in some people.
One study examined the effects of 40 mg of ginkgo three times daily in 66 patients with chronic tinnitus. After 12 weeks, tinnitus loudness and annoyance were significantly reduced. Improvements were seen in about 73% of patients.
Another study followed 1,121 patients with tinnitus who were given standardized ginkgo biloba extract or a placebo over a 10 week period. Those in the ginkgo group experienced a significant decrease in tinnitus volume and annoyance compared to placebo.
However, other studies have not shown a significant benefit of ginkgo for tinnitus. Larger, more robust studies are still needed.
If you want to try ginkgo for tinnitus, be sure to discuss it with your doctor first, as ginkgo can interact with blood thinners and other medications. The typical dosage used in studies is 120-240 mg per day, divided into 2-3 doses. Improvement may take 4-8 weeks.
Garlic
Garlic has natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. An older study examined the effects of aged garlic extract in 47 patients with tinnitus. After 12 weeks, tinnitus severity was reduced by 5-15 decibels in more than half of the patients. Other symptoms like dizziness and ear pressure also improved.
More research is needed, but garlic supplements may be helpful due to their ability to improve circulation and reduce inflammation. Be sure to consult your doctor before taking high doses of garlic, as it can increase bleeding risk and interact with certain medications.
Coenzyme Q10
CoQ10 is another supplement with antioxidant effects that may benefit some tinnitus patients. A 2010 study followed 1,600 patients with sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus. Those given a combination of CoQ10, vitamin E, and vitamin B complex showed significant improvements in hearing thresholds, tinnitus volume, and symptom severity compared to placebo.
Similarly, a 2015 study found that 120 mg/day of CoQ10 over 90 days reduced tinnitus handicap inventory scores more than placebo. Larger clinical trials are still needed, but some evidence indicates CoQ10 may help reduce oxidative damage involved in tinnitus.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral important for many functions in the body. Several studies have found zinc supplements may benefit patients with tinnitus, possibly by improving nerve function.
In one study, zinc supplements (50 mg/day) significantly reduced tinnitus loudness and annoyance after two months compared to placebo. Patients with lower zinc levels seemed to experience the greatest improvements.
Another small study of zinc sulfate (150 mg/day) in tinnitus patients found tinnitus severity was reduced by about 18% after one month of supplementation. Larger studies over longer periods are still needed.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a therapeutic treatment based on inserting thin needles into specific body points. Some research indicates it may help reduce tinnitus symptoms.
One high quality study compared acupuncture, sham acupuncture, and no acupuncture in patients with chronic tinnitus. After 10 sessions, those receiving acupuncture had greater improvements in tinnitus loudness and annoyance scores compared to sham and no acupuncture groups. The benefits lasted up to one year.
Other studies have also found positive effects, especially when combined with electrical stimulation. Acupuncture may help by improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and activating the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals.
Ginseng
Panax ginseng is a popular herb used in traditional Chinese medicine. It has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Although research is limited, some studies suggest ginseng may be helpful for tinnitus.
One study followed 82 patients who received high doses of ginseng extract or placebo for 12 weeks. After treatment, ginseng resulted in significantly greater improvement in tinnitus severity and quality of life compared to placebo. Larger studies are still needed.
Researchers believe ginseng may reduce damage caused by free radicals and improve blood flow similar to ginkgo biloba. Ask your doctor before taking ginseng, as high doses may cause side effects.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 plays an important role in nerve conduction and health. Low levels have been associated with tinnitus, hearing loss, and nerve damage.
One study examined vitamin B12 levels in tinnitus patients. 57% were found to have a vitamin B12 deficiency. After 6 months of supplementation, tinnitus loudness and occurrence were significantly reduced.
Another study found that combo therapy of vitamin B12, folic acid, and vitamin B6 led to significant improvement in tinnitus symptoms after 6 months compared to placebo. Vitamin B12 may help reduce neurological damage that can lead to tinnitus.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Since tinnitus may worsen at night for some people, supplements may be helpful.
One small study found a combination of melatonin, sulodexide, and vitamin B12 taken for 90 days decreased tinnitus scores compared to placebo. Larger studies are still needed, but melatonin’s sleep-regulating effects may reduce nighttime tinnitus symptoms.
Other Potentially Helpful Nutrients
Some other vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that may also help relieve tinnitus symptoms include:
– Zinc – zinc deficiency may exacerbate tinnitus, supplements may improve symptoms
– Vitamin D – those with tinnitus had lower vitamin D levels in one study; may have protective neurological effects
– Folate – important for nerve health, paired with B12 may improve tinnitus
– Vitamin E – powerful antioxidant, may reduce oxidative damage involved in tinnitus
– Vitamin C – immune booster with antioxidant properties, may improve inner ear blood flow
– Magnesium – magnesium deficiency linked to hearing loss and tinnitus in some cases
– Pine bark extract – has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that may help reduce tinnitus
Ask your doctor about testing your levels of these nutrients. Addressing any deficiencies could potentially help manage tinnitus symptoms.
Herbal Remedies
Certain traditional herbal remedies have also been used to treat tinnitus. However, high quality research is generally lacking. Some potentially helpful options include:
– Black cohosh – may help improve blood flow to the ears
– Goldenseal – has anti-inflammatory effects that may reduce swelling
– Corn silk – used for urinary tract health, may help with tinnitus related to Meniere’s disease
– Periwinkle – contains vincamine, an alkaloid that may improve circulation
– Olive leaf extract – powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties
Always consult your doctor before trying herbal remedies, as they can have side effects and interact with medications. Only obtain products from reputable sources.
The Takeaway
There is no definitive “cure” for tinnitus. But various vitamins, minerals, herbs, and supplements may provide some relief from symptoms for certain individuals. Some of the most promising options include:
| Ginkgo biloba | May improve blood circulation and provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects |
| Zinc | May boost nerve health and neurotransmission |
| Coenzyme Q10 | Powerful antioxidant that may reduce oxidative damage involved in tinnitus |
| Melatonin | Helps regulate sleep cycles and reduce late-night tinnitus |
| Vitamin B12 | Important for nerve health, low levels associated with tinnitus |
| Garlic | Natural anti-inflammatory, may boost circulation |
It’s best to work with a knowledgeable functional medicine practitioner to identify potential nutritional deficiencies or imbalances that may be contributing to your tinnitus. Your doctor can help guide appropriate dosing and determine if supplements are right for your condition.
While no single herb or nutrient represents a proven cure, some evidence indicates they may provide relief from tinnitus symptoms as part of a comprehensive management strategy.
Other Ways to Manage Tinnitus
Along with certain herbs and nutrients, other tips for managing tinnitus include:
– Avoid overly loud noises which can exacerbate tinnitus
– Reduce stress through relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing
– Limit use of NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen which may worsen tinnitus
– Get enough sleep and rest to avoid fatigue
– Listen to soothing background sounds to distract from tinnitus
– Cognitive behavioral therapy to help cope with tinnitus
– Reduce intake of alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine
– Regular exercise may help improve circulation
While annoying, tinnitus is typically not a serious condition. Finding ways to manage stress and get enough sleep can go a long way in reducing its severity. Herbs, nutrients, sound therapy, counseling, and positive lifestyle changes can all help improve quality of life for tinnitus sufferers. Being proactive is key to preventing tinnitus from taking over your life.
The Bottom Line
Research into natural remedies for tinnitus is ongoing. Larger, more robust studies are still needed to better determine effectiveness. But some supplements like ginkgo biloba, zinc, melatonin, and vitamin B12 show early promise in providing relief for some patients. Always talk to your doctor before taking any new herb or supplement, as safety and appropriate use is important.
While no definitive “cure” exists, tinnitus is a manageable condition for most people. Staying positive, reducing stress, and finding therapeutic options that work for you can help you take control of your tinnitus symptoms. Don’t give up hope – consistent effort to find your own customized, multi-pronged relief strategy is key to successfully living with tinnitus.