Essential Oils For Vertigo
Those who suffer from vertigo from time to time are all too familiar with the feeling of the room spinning around them. When you’re feeling off-balance, turning to natural alternatives may offer a natural way to combat the debilitating symptoms of vertigo.
Essential oils hold a host of health benefits that have been used to aid common ailments for generations. Many people are drawing attention to natural alternatives to alleviate the symptoms associated with vertigo.
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is the sensation of feeling light-headed, off-balance or dizzy and is usually associated with vestibular problems or illnesses. Because of this, your body is telling you that you’re off-balance even though it’s not. Dizziness may also be caused by low blood pressure or low blood sugar levels.
Common symptoms may include:
- A spinning sensation either within yourself or of your surroundings
- Feeling unsteady or off-balance
- Light-headedness
- Feeling faint
Depending on the cause of vertigo, other symptoms may also include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Ringing or other sounds in the ears
- Difficulty hearing
- Staggering or loss of coordination
- Finding it difficult to see clearly when moving
Benefits Of Essential Oils For Vertigo
Essential oils have been used for centuries to enhance mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. Unlike conventional medications, essential oils are associated with treating a range of symptoms rather than specific conditions. In doing so, essential oils may help to do the following:
- Alleviate nausea
- Reduce headaches
- Help with blood flow
- Reduce dizziness
Best Essential Oils For Vertigo
Vertigo is not an isolated condition, rather it is usually a symptom of an underlying condition. Some essential oils are known to target symptoms of vertigo. These include:
Ginger Essential Oil
Ginger Essential Oil has been used for centuries for a range of ailments and is associated with overall health and wellbeing. It is also known to help alleviate travel sickness, nausea, headaches and migraines when inhaled. In fact, a 2013 study found that women who used Ginger Oil to treat menstrual pain also experienced fewer bouts of nausea, headaches and dizziness.
You can use Ginger Oil in the following ways:
Diluting: Dilute with your favourite carrier oil and apply it to the temples. We recommend a 2 - 4% dilution for the skin and a 1% dilution for facial application.
Diffusing: Add a few drops to your aromatherapy diffuser for a calming environment.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint Essential Oil is often associated with alleviating cold and flu symptoms, due to its menthol concentration, and carries a cool, crisp aroma. It is known to assist with blood flow and has been seen to reduce feelings of nausea, headaches and vomiting according to the same 2013 study.
You can use Peppermint Oil in the following ways:
Diluting: Dilute with your favourite carrier oil and apply it to the temples. We recommend a 2 - 4% dilution for the skin and a 1% dilution for facial application.
Diffusing: Add a few drops to your aromatherapy diffuser for a calming environment.
Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon Essential Oil carries a refreshing, citrusy aroma and is highly valued for its aromatherapy benefits that have been seen to soothe and relieve headaches. It is also known to help overcome nausea and vomiting, making it a popular option for vertigo relief.
You can use Lemon Oil in the following ways:
Diluting: Dilute with your favourite carrier oil and apply it to the temples. We recommend a 2 - 4% dilution for the skin and a 1% dilution for facial application.
Diffusing: Add a few drops to your aromatherapy diffuser for a calming environment.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender Essential Oil is well known for its versatility and ability to reduce stress levels. For stress-related vertigo symptoms, Lavender Oil has been seen to create a relaxing environment and may also increase blood circulation. The calming aroma may further assist in reducing stress levels and lowering the chance of vertigo surfacing.
You can use Lavender Oil in the following ways:
Diluting: Dilute with your favourite carrier oil and apply it to the temples. We recommend a 2 - 4% dilution for the skin and a 1% dilution for facial application.
Diffusing: Add a few drops to your aromatherapy diffuser to create a soothing and relaxing environment.
Diffusion & Dilution Guidelines
Essential oils are extremely potent so it is important to use a safe application of essential oils. When using essential oils on the skin, you should dilute your essential oils in a carrier oil. Some of our most popular carrier oils include:
- Coconut Oil
- Almond Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Rosehip Oil
We also advise against directly inhaling the vapour from an oil diffuser or steam dispenser as this can irritate the mucous membrane.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is also important to consult with your doctor or health professional before implementing essential oils into your routine.
Other Tips For Vertigo
Vertigo is a symptom of an existing condition rather than a diagnosis so it may result from several things. Other than essential oils other home remedies can alleviate symptoms of vertigo:
- Manage stress levels
- Epley movement maneuvers
- Semont-Toupet movement manuevers
- Brandt-Daroff exercise
- Gingko Biloba
- Yoga and Tai Chi
- Restful sleep
- Hydration
- Increase Vitamin D
- Avoid alcohol
Where To Buy Essential Oils For Vertigo
Whilst essential oils are generally available to purchase at health, wellness and retail stores, it is important to keep in mind that the purity and quality of these essential oils will vary. That is why we recommend finding a reputable supplier.
Here at AWO, we have a wide selection of 100% pure essential oils and organic essential oils that are sold at reasonable prices. Because our stock is purchased in bulk quantities our costs are significantly less, which allows us to offer our high-quality products at affordable prices. We are also based right here in Australia!
Essential Oil Safety
Whilst essential oils are natural products, they are extremely potent and can cause serious harm if used incorrectly. For this reason, we recommend the following:
- In line with the Therapeutic Goods Act, we do not recommend ingesting essential oils without the guidance of a registered Aromatherapist or Naturopath.
- Avoid using Essential Oils during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding.
- We recommend storing your Essential Oils in a cool, dry place at room temperature, ensuring that they are not directly exposed to sunlight and are out of reach of children or pets.
- Essential Oils can be very concentrated and are likely to cause irritation or reactions if applied directly to the skin. For this reason, it is important to first dilute your essential oils before using topically (on the skin). Our recommended dilution percentages can be found under the ‘Best Essential Oils For Vertigo’ section.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness.
Resources
Rizk, S.A., 2013, 'Effect of Aromatherapy Massage using Peppermint Versus Ginger oil on Primary Dysmenorrhea among Adolscent Girls', Journal of American Science, vol. 9, 11.