Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) affects 15-20% of people. Causes include hearing damage, circulation issues, stress, and medications. Herbal support is limited but some options exist.
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) affects 15-20% of people. Causes include hearing damage, circulation issues, stress, and medications. Herbal support is limited but some options exist.
Ringing, buzzing, hissing, clicking, or roaring sounds in one or both ears without external source.
If tinnitus is sudden, one-sided, pulsatile, or accompanied by hearing loss. If it significantly affects quality of life.
Protect hearing from loud noise. Reduce caffeine and salt. White noise machines for sleep. Stress management. Regular exercise.
Ginkgo Biloba is the most studied herb for tinnitus (improves circulation to the inner ear). Results are mixed but some benefit shown. Ground Ivy (Glechoma) is a folk remedy for tinnitus. Black Cohosh has been used traditionally. Adequate zinc and B12 (not herbs but commonly deficient in tinnitus). Stress-reducing herbs (Ashwagandha, Passionflower) may help if stress-related.
Most tinnitus herbs should be used cautiously in pregnancy.
Tinnitus in children should always be evaluated medically.
Sudden tinnitus in one ear only, tinnitus with hearing loss, pulsatile tinnitus (hearing heartbeat), tinnitus after head injury.
Do not self-treat pulsatile tinnitus (may indicate vascular issue). Rule out acoustic neuroma with one-sided tinnitus.
Try our Herbal Support Finder for safety-checked recommendations.
