Dizziness is a broad term that is commonly described by feelings of lightheadedness, imbalance, and faintness. Menopause comes with a myriad of symptoms, affecting women differently depending on genetics and lifestyle. A few common symptoms of menopause include headaches, weight gain, mood swings, fatigue, and breast pain. Dizziness is not a common menopausal symptom but does occasionally occur. Dizziness is often linked to headaches and fatigue. There are several causes of menopausal dizziness, and subsequently, various herbal remedies to help ease symptoms.
Menopausal Dizziness
Hormone fluctuations are the main cause of dizziness during menopause. In fact, the fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone are responsible for most of the common menopausal symptoms. Other triggers of dizziness include a sudden drop in blood pressure, low blood sugar, and dehydration. Common symptoms of menopausal dizziness consist of lightheadedness, loss of balance, nausea, fatigue, weakness, and vertigo. Click here to learn more about dizziness during menopause.
Herbal Remedies
Different herbal therapies can target the various aspects of dizziness.
Ginger
Ginger is an excellent herbal remedy for dizziness and nausea. Studies have shown that ginger can combat nausea and dizziness more quickly than medication since it helps reduce histamine, the compound that causes nauseous feelings. Chewing on fresh ginger, drinking ginger tea, or taking a ginger supplement can all be helpful.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo is beneficial for improving blood circulation and preventing dizziness. Ginkgo works by helping treat inner ear imbalances that cause dizziness.
Garlic
In addition to being a popular seasoning, garlic is a medicinal herb that possesses numerous health benefits. It is often used for its antibiotic qualities, like treating ear infections and preventing colds and flu.
Chamomile tea
Chamomile is a soothing herb that helps reduce stress and combat nausea. It is a useful herb for preventing dizziness caused by headaches and nausea.
Celery
Celery seed extract is effective in treating high blood pressure, which is a common cause of dizziness and headaches.
Other Helpful Treatments
Certain lifestyle changes can go hand-in-hand with herbal supplements to help reduce dizziness.
Avoid skipping meals. Skipping meals causes a drop in blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness, headaches, falling, and even fainting.
Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water before meals and throughout the day is essential to preventing dizziness and lightheadedness.
Avoid strenuous activities. Blood pressure is typically at its lowest 30 - 60 minutes after eating. Doing any kind of strenuous activity right after eating can cause dizziness, nausea, and fainting. It is best to wait and rest before doing any strenuous activities in order to prevent dizziness.
Sleep. Getting plenty of sleep is crucial for feeling your best and preventing menopausal symptoms. On average, adults need between seven and eight hours of sleep per night.
More Information
Menopausal dizziness can be bothersome, but it typically does not last long. In addition to these beneficial herbal remedies, it is recommended to look for treatments that may nourish the endocrine system, the principal cause for dizziness among other symptoms.
Sources
- Bruton-Seal, J. & Seal, M. Backyard Medicine. (2009). New York: Skyhorse Publishing.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Dizziness Causes. Retrieved November 3, 2014, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dizziness/basics/causes/con-20023004
- Moghadam, M.H. et al. (2013). Antihypertensive Effect of Celery Seed on Rat Blood Pressure in Chronic Administration. Journal of Medicinal Food, 16(6), 558-563. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3684138/
- National Health Service UK. (2013). Dizziness (lightheadedness). Retrieved November 3, 2014, from http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dizziness/pages/introduction.aspx