Tinnitus.

To: herb.franklin.oit.unc.edu
Subject: Re: ear ringing
From: Karen S Vaughan <creationsgarden.juno.com>
Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2000 17:46:04 -0500

> Can anyone recommend herbs for ringing in the year...oops, I mean ringing in the ears?

Tinnitus is a symptom rather than a disease, which may be an important marker of concussion, cervical fracture, whiplash, TMJ, Menier's disease, excess noise exposure and vascular conditions. In many cases tinnitus can increase after a bout of drinking and smoking. Some cases do occur after antibiotic or other drug therapies and some other cases start after bouts of stress. By far the most common causes are due to lymph and liver toxicity, biochemical imbalances caused by either poor diet, drugs, stress, and digestive disorders. These can affect the electrolyte balances that permit the nerve stimulation by the ear hair, which typically amplifies vibrations coming into the ear. You can also get a transient tinnitus after a cold or influenza, which will go away. First rule out anything serious.

If tinnitus is caused by circulation, gingko and gotu kola can be useful. (The old folk remedy is to tie a hot baked onion over the ear- I don't know about the logistics :-) ) If it is due to infection, try a tincture made of equal parts cultivated NOT wildcrafted black cohosh, berberis, and gingko. Take 1 tsp. 3 times a day. And avoid acidic foods, and often flour products, which can make it worse. Evening primrose seeds or oil can help as can magnesium (or an overnight green milky oat infusion).

Paul can speak better to Chinese medicine analysis where tinnitus can be related to Kidney vacuity or Liver yang rising or Liver fire.

There is a great book out called "Natural Relief From Tinnitus" by Paul Yanick, Jr., Ph.D. published by Keats Publishing.

Karen Vaughan
CreationsGarden.juno.com
***************************************
Email advice is not a substitute for medical treatment.