Homeopathic remedies for tinnitus

DEFINITION: The use of highly diluted remedies to treat chronic ringing or other sounds in the ear.

STUDIED HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES: Carbo vegetabilis; Chininum sulphuricum; combination homeopathic remedy containing sodium salicylate, ascaridole (Chenopodium), coniine (Conium), and quinine; graphites

Scientific Evaluations of Homeopathic Remedies

For most people, tinnitus is most often described as a ringing in the ears. Other descriptors are a hiss or a buzz. Tinnitus is not curable, including by homeopathic means. As an example, in a twelve-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial with twenty-one participants tested the effectiveness of a homeopathic remedy containing sodium salicylate, ascaridole (Chenopodium), coniine (Conium), and quinine as a treatment for tinnitus. The results were negative in all measures of the condition. Homeopathic treatments may, however, help alleviate symptoms in certain sufferers.

Traditional Homeopathic Treatments

Classical homeopathy offers treatments for tinnitus. These therapies are chosen based on various specific details of the person seeking treatment. The remedy Carbo vegetabilis is sometimes used for tinnitus accompanied by vertigo and nausea, especially when symptoms are most severe at night. Chininum sulphuricum might be recommended for use by people whose tinnitus is extremely loud (to them).

When tinnitus is associated with hearing loss or discharge, graphite is often considered. The type of tinnitus associated with this remedy involves hissing or clicking sounds and loud reports (like gunshots). The homeopathic treatment for tinnitus associated with anemia is China officinalis or cinchona. If the ears feel full, Kali carbonicum may be used. If the patient experiences a roaring or hissing sound, Lycopodium may help, or if the tinnitus occurs after exposure to loud noises, Natrum salicylicum.

Homeopathic treatments for tinnitus symptoms include ginkgo biloba as a herbal supplement. Other treatments are derived from melatonin, vitamins, minerals, and cannabis.

Bibliography

Altunc, U., et al. “Homeopathy for Childhood and Adolescence Ailments.” Mayo Clinic Proceedings vol. 82, 2007), 69-75.

Gillette, Hope. "What Are the Best Homeopathic Treatments for Tinnitus?” Healthline, 8 May 2023, www.healthline.com/health/homeopathy-for-tinnitus. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.

Goldstein, B., A. Shulman, and M. J. Avitable. “Clear Tinnitus, Middle-Ear Pressure, and Tinnitus Relief.” International Tinnitus Journal vol. 13, 2007, 29-39.

Grandmaison, Jace. "Exploring the Role of Homeopathy in Permanently Alleviating Tinnitus." Renewal Wellness Centre, 17 Jan. 2024, renewal.clinic/blog/exploring-the-role-of-homeopathy-in-permanently-alleviating-tinnitus. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.

Simpson, J. J., et al. “Use of Homeopathy in the Treatment of Tinnitus.” British Journal of Audiology vol. 32, 1998, 227-33.

"Tinnitus.” Mayo Clinic, 30 Nov. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tinnitus/symptoms-causes/syc-20350156. Accessed 28 Aug. 2023.

"Tinnitus.” Cleveland Clinic, 12 Apr. 2023, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14164-tinnitus. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.