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Vertigo is what some refer to as dizziness, an unbalanced feeling that creates an illusion of movement in your immediate surroundings, when in fact, your environment is perfectly still.

The symptoms of vertigo can be unpleasant to say the least leaving sufferers with headaches, migraines, nausea and a general feeling of being unsteady on solid ground. Whilst vertigo can be a symptom of many conditions we can minimise its effects with some carefully selected essential oils.

Types of Vertigo

Vertigo is caused by many conditions. If you haven’t already been to see a doctor, you should do so, as underlying causes may need treatment. There are two types of vertigo:

• Peripheral Vertigo – Usually occurs when there is a disturbance in the balance organs of the inner ear.
• Central Vertigo – Usually occurs as a result of a disturbance in one or more parts of the brain, known as sensory nerve pathways.

Peripheral vertigo

Is linked to the inner ear and is incredibly common, affecting 1 in 10 people every year. The inner ear is made up of a complex labyrinth and has tiny organs that enable messages to reach the brain in response to gravity.

From a standing position these messages alert the brain to movement. This is usually what enables people to maintain balance when standing up. When this system is disturbed balance becomes compromised producing what we call, vertigo.

A common source (though not isolated) of peripheral vertigo is inflammation, caused through a viral infection. And, a great way to fight a viral infection is to increase the use of essential oil, or switch to essential oils rich in anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants to fight free radicals within the body.

Central vertigo

Is linked to problems with the central nervous system. It usually occurs due to a disturbance in one of the following areas:

• The brainstem
• The cerebellum

Possible causes are hemorrhagic (bleeding or an abnormal flow of blood) or ischemic insults, which means, (a reintroduction of blood flow bringing oxygen back to tissues, causing a greater production of free radicals) to the cerebellum.

As with any threat of free radicals in the system, we can do our best to help the body work against them with the antioxidant richness of some carefully selected essential oils. Whilst essential oils are not a cure-all natural remedy they can help the body in boosting its natural defences.

How is Vertigo Caused?

Whilst vertigo comes complete with its own set of side-effects, it is usually a symptom of something else. And, this is where a person, already on medication for an underlying cause, could be forced to rely on more prescribed symptom-management medication. No one wants to be a slave to medication, and the beauty of this awareness, is that we can seek natural-medicinal-sources to remedy what we can.

Though it is less common to experience central vertigo than peripheral vertigo, possible causes of each type have been outlined below:

• Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear (a build-up of fluid) that causes:
  • Vertigo- severe dizziness
  • Tinnitus – ringing in the ears
  • Hearing loss – a feeling that the ear is full/congested
• Nystagmus is an uncontrolled movement of the eye which usually moves from side to side. This can occur when a person has vertigo due to a dysfunction of the inner ear or brain.
• Labyrinthitis is inflammation of the inner ear labyrinth (hence its name) and the nerve responsible for deciphering motion between the head and the body’s position. Labyrinthitis can be caused by a viral infection.
• Vestibular Neuronitis is thought to occur as a result of inflammation of the vestibular nerve. This can also be caused due to a viral infection.
• BPPV is thought to occur from a disturbance in the otolith particles. Otolith particles are crystals of calcium carbonate that are found in the inner ear fluid. These touch the sensory hair cells inside the semi-circular canals during movement, and stimulate the vestibular nerve to send information about a person’s position. BBPV causes vertigo because movement of the endolymph fluid continues after movement stops, creating a sensation that the world is moving when it is not.
• Perilymphatic fistula is a tear in one or both of the membranes separating the middle and inner ear causing leakage of inner ear fluid into the middle ear.
• Herpes Zoster Oticus is an acute viral infection of shingles which appears close to the ear affecting the facial nerve.
• Otosclerosis is a middle ear bone problem that causes hearing loss, which can sometimes produce vertigo.
• Side-effects of medication can be a cause of vertigo. You may already be taking medication that produces symptoms of vertigo.
• Migraines
• Head injuries and trauma
• Stroke
• Acoustic neuroma
• Multiple sclerosis

Stress and Vertigo

Stress can be a magnet for much dis-ease within the body. Looking after your body and mind, limiting stressful situations and finding tools to manage unavoidable moments, will help limit the amount of stress a person has to deal with.

Anxiety, a form of stress, can trigger vertigo. Some anxiety sufferers have reported moments of unbalance and lack of stability when anxiety symptoms have been at their worst. Whilst, it’s not always possible to avoid stressful situations, we can arm ourselves with techniques that help manage to slow down breathing, increasing the supply of oxygen in the bloodstream, which will help to reduce the effects/likelihood of an attack of vertigo.

There are many essential oils that can help achieve a sense of calm within the body. Anxiety usually manifests through negative thought patterns. Simply becoming aware of these thought patterns is the turning point you need to break a cycle, and with the help of essential oils, you can produce a calming effect that you can continue to practice as often as necessary until those old thoughts patterns have been completely replaced.

Best Essential Oils for Vertigo

1. Thyme
2. Cypress
3. Rosemary
4. Peppermint
5. Lavender
6. Basil
7. Frankincense
8. Clary Sage
9. Rose
10. Tangerine
11. Ginger
12. Rose

1. Thyme Essential Oil

Thyme essential oil is a member of the mint family and has been used as a natural medicine across many health categories due to its versatility. Because thyme is grown in different regions, the chemical compositions will vary. One of its key components is carvacrol which is where it gets its antioxidant power. It also has abilities to reduce swelling, increase blood flow, balance hormones and fight of infection.

Benefits:

• Anti-inflammatory – This increases blood flow by reducing swelling and could help reduce the dizziness associated with vertigo.
• Antioxidant – This powerful essential oil has one of the strongest antioxidant compounds, perfect for fighting viral infections which may cause of vertigo.
• Stress and Anxiety – The calming nature of this essential oil is not only great to level out hormones in women but can also be used to reduce stress levels.

How to use Thyme Essential Oil:

• Aromatically: Diffuse 1-2 drops – A great way to produce a feeling of wellness around your home.
• Topically:
  • Mix 1-2 drops with carrier oil (coconut or jojoba) and massage into chest. Ratio of 1:1
  • Dab a little on your finger and dab behind the ears and at the temples.
  • Apply any of the above techniques 2-3 times daily.
  • For a sense of relaxation a few drops (1-2) can be added to a bath.

 2. Cypress Essential Oil

Cypress Essential Oil is derived from coniferous and deciduous regions and is considered an all-round medical tree. This oil has been known to stimulate brain function more effectively due to an increase in blood flow. This elevated alertness and cognitive function make it less likely for vertigo to occur.

Benefits:

• Anti-inflammatory – Decreased swelling and increased blood flow to the affect inflamed area will help reduce the symptoms of vertigo.
• Stress and Anxiety – This oil works as a stimulant to relieve nervousness and anxiety.

How to use Cypress Essential Oil:

• Aromatically: Diffuse 1-2 drops – Promoting calm and peace, this is a great oil for diffusing into your environment. A perfect oil to have beside your bed at night, relieving symptoms of anxiety and promoting a restful sleep.
• Topically:
  • Depending on the brand you choose, and how potent the essential oil is, add several drops into your bath water.
  • Potent (1-2 drops), Less potent (5-6 drops)

3. Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary essential oil is known to relieve the symptoms of vertigo by soothing headaches, and relieving dizziness. This time old essential oil has been used for cognitive discomfort, relieving anxiety and stress. It works well on the symptoms of vertigo and can be used as a treatment or as a preventative measure for chronic sufferers.

Benefits:

• Stress and Anxiety – Rosemary essential oil promotes wellness in the body, soothing stresses and calming the body’s reaction to imbalance.

How to use Rosemary Essential Oil:

• Aromatically: Diffuse 1-2 drops daily
• Topically: If feeling the effects of a vertigo episode add 1-2 or 3-4 drops (depending on oil potency) to a bowl of steaming water. Cover it with a towel and inhale deeply.

4. Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint essential oil has been reported to help with nausea, an unpleasant symptom of vertigo. There are very few body and mind issues that peppermint can’t help with. Along with lavender, peppermint essential oil is considered best for its versatility. It can also improve blood flow and stimulate the central nervous system. 

Benefits:

• Anti-inflammatory – Helps to decrease swelling, increase blood flow and improve vertigo.
• Anti-nausea – Its ability to reduce muscle spasms in the gastric lining make it a great remedy to help with motion sickness and nausea which is sometimes associated with vertigo.

How to use Peppermint Essential Oil:

• Aromatically: Diffuse 1-2 drops
• Topically:
  • Add 1-2 drops to steaming water in a bowl, place a towel over it and inhale deeply.
  • Repeat as needed.
  • Dab a little (no more than one drop) behind your ears.

5. Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is host to free radical fighting antioxidants which protect from environmental factors such as pollutants and chemicals, as well as air born viruses that can impede the body’s natural health. Considered a versatile essential oil with its diverse composition, Lavender is also known for treating anxiety, relieving tension and promoting a feeling of calm and wellbeing.

Benefits:

• Anti-inflammatory – Reduces swelling which may reduce pressure in the ears. Increases blood flow to the affected area which may reduce feelings of inbalance.
• Stress and Anxiety – Helps to defuse anxious moments and promotes calm.

How to use Lavender Essential Oil:

• Aromatically: Diffuse 1-2 drops
• Topically:
  • Mix 1-2 drops with carrier oil (coconut or jojoba) and rub onto chest.
  • Add 1-2 drops (if potent) and 5-6 drops if less potent to a hot bath.
  • Dab a little behind the ears.

6. Basil Essential Oil

Basil Essential Oil is one of the stronger oils used for inhalation practices. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds can help balance the nerves and soothe the mind – which may come as a blessing during a bout of vertigo.

Basil has not only been a major star of the culinary world, but since the 16^th century, has been used to treat migraines, a known side effect and possible cause of vertigo.

Benefits:

• Anti-inflammatory – The properties found in this essential oil can help reduce swelling, increase blood flow and ease vertigo, reducing inflammation and relieving headaches.
• Antibacterial – Has been used as a natural ear infection aid.
• Antioxidant – Free radical fighting capabilities to be used if vertigo is brought on by a viral infection.

How to use Basil Essential Oil:

• Aromatically: Diffuse 1-2 drops
• Topically:
  • Apply a drop to the bottom of each foot. This can speed up the recovery time for ear infections.
  • Dab behind the ear.
  • Add 1-2 drops into the bath, or 5-6 if the essential oil is of less potency.
  • Add 5-6 drops (or 1-2 if more potent) in steaming water, place a towel over it and inhale deeply.

7. Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense Essential Oil that has been used for thousands of years to reduce anxiety and induce calmness in the body and mind. It has been known to balance the vestibular system and calm nerves, promoting balance and stability.

Benefits:

• Anti-inflammatory – Reduces swelling and increases blood flow to the affected area.
• Stress and Anxiety – This essential oil’s properties help the body and mind reach a state of peacefulness and contentment.

How to use Frankincense Essential Oil:

• Aromatically: Diffuse 1-2 drops
• Topically:
  • Mix a few drops (1-2) with a carrier oil (coconut or jojoba) and apply to the base of your neck, temples and on your chest.
  • The aromatic compounds alone are enough to help balance the nervous system and prevent vertigo symptoms.

8. Clary Sage Essential Oil

Clary Sage Essential Oil is native to the Northern Mediterranean region and has a lengthy history as a medicinal plant. It is known for its uses in assisting with hormone balance, increasing calmness and aiding circulation of the bloodstream. It’s also a nerve tonic and sedative with soothing and calming components. Perfect for relieving stress.

Benefits:

• Anti-inflammatory – Reduces swelling and increases circulation which could reduce vertigo.
• Stress and Anxiety – A reliable essential oil to relieve symptoms of nervousness which can sometimes result in feelings of dizziness.

How to use Clary Sage Essential Oil:

• Aromatically: Diffuse 1-2 drops daily
• Topically:
  • Rub a drop into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply. Repeat 2-3 x daily.
  • Mix 1-2 drops with a carrier oil (coconut or jojoba) and apply to chest, neck and temples.
  • Add 1-2 drops to a hot bath, or 5-6 if the essential oil is less potent.

 9. Rose Essential Oil

Rose Essential Oil is known for its calming properties that promote feelings of relaxation and peace throughout the body and mind. Its potent antibacterial activity can help fight inflammation caused through infection and reduce stress on the body.

Benefits:

• Anti-inflammatory – Reduces swelling and increases circulation which could reduce vertigo.
• Stress and Anxiety – A reliable essential oil to relieve symptoms of nervousness which can sometimes result in feelings of dizziness.

How to use Rose Essential Oil:

• Aromatically: Diffuse 1-2 drops daily – the sweet aroma of rose essential oil will send your senses into a blissful calm.
• Topically:
  • Rub a drop into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply. Repeat 2-3 x daily.
  • Mix 1-2 drops with a carrier oil (coconut or jojoba) and apply to chest, neck and temples.
  • Add 1-2 drops to a hot bath, or 5-6 if the essential oil is less potent.

10. Tangerine Essential Oil

Tangerine Essential Oil’s sweet and tangy aroma can be relied up on for its calming influence. It can help those who experience occasional nervous irritability. Tangerine, similar to the aroma of orange, is excellent at uplifting the spirit, bringing about a sense of security and stability. It is also rich in the antioxidant d-limonene.

Benefits:

• Antioxidant – D-limonene is a powerful antioxidant brilliant for fighting free radicals caused through viral infection.
• Stress and Anxiety – Tangerine essential oil helps reduce irritability caused through nervousness, and supports rebalance for a more stable environment.

How to use Tangerine Essential Oil:

• Aromatically: Diffuse 1-2 drops daily
• Topically:
  • Rub a drop into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply. Repeat 2-3 x daily.
  • Mix 1-2 drops with a carrier oil (coconut or jojoba) and apply to chest, neck and temples.
  • (Please note that tangerine essential oil can cause skin irritability and MUST be diluted with a carrier oil to avoid a negative reaction.)
  • Add 1-2 drops to a hot bath.

11. Ginger

Ginger Essential Oil is a traditional, natural remedy for treating nausea and vertigo. Well known for its natural nausea relief, ginger is the best oil you can carry with you on the go, to help with onset sickness caused from vertigo or motion sickness, an associated symptom.

Benefits:

• Anti-nausea – Ginger has been at the heart of anti-nausea remedies for as long as records began. This is the perfect go-to remedy when you’re on the go and need something to steady your stomach, fast.

How to use Ginger Essential Oil:

• Aromatically: Diffuse 1-2 drops daily
• Topically:
  • Rub a drop into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply. Repeat as needed.
  • Mix 1-2 drops with a carrier oil (coconut or jojoba) and apply to chest, neck and temples.
• Internally:
  • Apply 1-2 drops in water and drink
  • Always make sure that the essential oil is safe to take internally. Some brands may use synthetic fillers which may not be healthy to ingest!  

12. Lemon

Lemon Essential Oil also has d-limolene as a star compound making this big in the antioxidant category. Lemon has been used to provide instant effects in calming stomachs and relieving nausea, which given its complex compound structure, lends to its versatility as a natural anti-nausea remedy.

Benefits:

• Antioxidant – D-limonene is a powerful antioxidant brilliant for fighting free radicals caused through viral infection.
• Anti-nausea – Helps rebalance the gastric system and restore a feeling of calm.
• Antibacterial – Works best with ear infections which can cause inflammation and increase chances of vertigo.

How to use Lemon Essential Oil:

• Aromatically: Diffuse 1-2 drops daily
• Topically:
  • Rub a drop into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply. Repeat 2-3 x daily.
  • Mix 1-2 drops with a carrier oil (coconut or jojoba) and apply to chest, neck and temples.
  • Add 1-2 drops to a hot bath.  

Which Oil Should You Choose?

Essential Oil Blend Recipes for Vertigo

Blending essential oils can have excellent effects on the body and mind. Two oils can stimulate the body and mind in different ways than only one. Which means, that if the right essential oils are selected, and applied to the mix in the right amount, then one blended essential oil can be the perfect remedy for tackling the side effects of Vertigo, as well as easing the potential cause. 

Blended Recipes to Make at Home:

1. Rosemary and Thyme

can produce positive relief from Stress and Anxiety, Inflammation and viral infection. Depending on the balance of any of these three listed, it would be best to weight the largest number of drops on the biggest issue.

Directions:

• For equally weighted concerns, mix 2 drops of each with a carrier oil (ratio of 1:1)
• Alternatively, drops can be put into a hot bath for you to soak in.

2. Clary Sage and Rose

can stimulate blood flow and increase circulation whilst creating calm and relaxation.

Directions:

• For equally weighted concerns, mix 2 drops of each with a carrier oil (ratio of 1:1). If one concern outweighs the other, experiment by reducing one of the oils and increasing the other. But do not exceed the total number of drops.
• Alternatively, drops can be put into a hot bath.

3. Ginger and Lavender

is a combined remedy to increase circulation in the bloodstream, reduce the feeling of nausea whilst influencing sensations of calm and relaxation.

Directions:

• For equally weighted concerns, mix 2 drops of each with a carrier oil (ratio of 1:1). If one concern outweighs the other, experiment by reducing one of the oils and increasing the other. But do not exceed the total number of drops.
• Alternatively, drops can be put into a hot bath.

4. Rose and Tangerine

is a beautifully aromatic blend that will encourage the mind and body to relax whilst increasing blood flow and help to fight viral infection.

Directions:

• For equally weighted concerns, mix 2 drops of each with a carrier oil (ratio of 1:1). If one concern outweighs the other, experiment by reducing one of the oils and increasing the other. But do not exceed the total number of drops.
• Alternatively, drops can be put into a hot bath for you to soak in.

5. Basil and lavender

combined provide resistance to swelling, defence against infection and bacteria that could be a problem with the ear, whilst producing sensations of calm and relaxation.

Directions:

• For equally weighted concerns, mix 2 drops of each with a carrier oil (ratio of 1:1). If one concern outweighs the other, experiment by reducing one of the oils and increasing the other. But do not exceed the total number of drops.
• Alternatively, drops can be put into a hot bath.

Final Thoughts

Understanding why your body is reacting a certain way is important. Vertigo can be caused by many things. It’s always best to see a doctor first to get to the root of the problem, then you will have the correct information and the knowledge of how you can best help your body with the natural support of essential oils.

There are many essential oils that are brilliant in isolation, yet when combined, can create even greater power tools to help manage the effects of vertigo, so that vertigo doesn’t begin to manage you.

Armed with knowledge and essential oil natural remedies a feeling of balance can be restored.

For more on uses of essential oils and different things they can be used for, please check out our complete list of essential oils and what they are used for in this next article.