4.8
Vertigo: natural remedies and the evidence behind them
10 natural approaches to Vertigo, graded by evidence — including Acupuncture, Ginkgo biloba and Vitamin D. Dosage, time to results and cautions for each.
10 options · 1 graded A · 2 graded B · 7 traditional or ungraded
What does your vertigo usually feel like?
My neck feels tight or stiff, and the dizziness seems to come from there
Acupuncture
Supported by controlled trials· Centuries of traditional use (Evidence grade A · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleStudied for cervical-related vertigo
- Why this matches
- Movement-triggered vertigo can have a cervical component, and a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized trials suggested acupuncture may help cervical vertigo, though many of the underlying trials were small.
- Why try it
- Moderate clinical evidence suggests acupuncture may reduce the frequency and intensity of cervically driven spinning spells.
- Dose or use
- Work with a qualified, licensed practitioner; ask them how many sessions and how often are right for you.
- Time to results
- Typically 4–6 weeks of regular sessions
- Key study
- Systematic review (2026, PMID 42180241): Comparative effectiveness of acupuncture and Tuina for cervical vertigo: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
- Caution
- Seek a licensed practitioner; inform them of any blood-thinning medications.
GB20 (Fengchi) - Gallbladder 20
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleNeck-base point traditionally used for dizziness
- Why this matches
- Spinning set off by head or neck movement often carries neck tension, and this point at the base of the skull is a classic spot pressed to ease that tension and settle dizziness.
- Why try it
- Known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as 'Wind Pool,' GB20 is traditionally used to relax the neck and to calm dizziness and headache.
- Dose or use
- Find the two hollows at the base of the skull on either side of the spine; press firmly with your thumbs for 1–2 minutes, 1–2x daily.
- Time to results
- May ease neck tension within minutes; consistent use over days to weeks
- Key study
- Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Press gently and stop if you feel faint; avoid strong pressure if you have a neck injury or unexplained severe headache.
PC6 (Neiguan) - Pericardium 6
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleTraditionally pressed to calm nausea and spinning
- Why this matches
- This point is traditionally used to settle the sensation of movement and motion-related nausea that accompanies spinning vertigo.
- Why try it
- Traditionally used to calm the stomach and vestibular system during episodes of dizziness or motion sickness.
- Dose or use
- Press firmly on the inner wrist, two finger-widths below the wrist crease, for 2–3 minutes on both sides, 1–2x daily.
- Time to results
- May offer relief within minutes during an episode
- Key study
- Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Check with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescription medication, or manage a chronic condition.
Sudden spinning spells when I move my head or change position — often with a wave of nausea
Acupuncture
Supported by controlled trials· Centuries of traditional use (Evidence grade A · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleStudied for cervical-related vertigo
- Why this matches
- Movement-triggered vertigo can have a cervical component, and a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized trials suggested acupuncture may help cervical vertigo, though many of the underlying trials were small.
- Why try it
- Moderate clinical evidence suggests acupuncture may reduce the frequency and intensity of cervically driven spinning spells.
- Dose or use
- Work with a qualified, licensed practitioner; ask them how many sessions and how often are right for you.
- Time to results
- Typically 4–6 weeks of regular sessions
- Key study
- Systematic review (2026, PMID 42180241): Comparative effectiveness of acupuncture and Tuina for cervical vertigo: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
- Caution
- Seek a licensed practitioner; inform them of any blood-thinning medications.
Vitamin D
Supported by smaller clinical studies (Evidence grade B · No traditional record)Low levels linked to inner-ear crystal instability
- Why this matches
- Checking for a deficiency makes sense when you want to uncover a hidden root cause, as low Vitamin D may affect the calcium crystals in the inner ear.
- Why try it
- In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, older adults with low vitamin D and positional vertigo (BPPV) who took vitamin D3 had far fewer repeat vertigo episodes over a year than those on placebo — so testing and correcting a low level is a root-cause step with real trial support.
- Dose or use
- Get your vitamin D level tested first; if you're low, correct it under a clinician's guidance (the trial used 2000 IU daily for about 3 months, then 1000 IU daily).
- Time to results
- Recurrence benefit emerged over months of correction; the trial followed people for 12 months
- Key study
- Randomized controlled trial (2025, PMID 39194424): Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing Vitamin D's Role in Reducing BPPV Recurrence in Older Adults.
- Caution
- High doses can be toxic; get levels tested before supplementing.
Ginger
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleWell-known settler for motion-related nausea
- Why this matches
- Spinning spells triggered by movement often come with a wave of nausea, and ginger is a long-trusted remedy for exactly that queasy, motion-sick feeling.
- Why try it
- Ginger's active compounds (gingerols and shogaols) are traditionally used to calm nausea and vomiting, including the motion-related kind that travels with dizziness.
- Dose or use
- Try fresh ginger tea or a standardized capsule around the times spells tend to hit; follow product labeling.
- Time to results
- May ease nausea within an hour of a dose
- Key study
- Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- May interact with blood thinners at high doses; keep to food-like amounts if you take them and check with your practitioner.
PC6 (Neiguan) - Pericardium 6
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleTraditionally pressed to calm nausea and spinning
- Why this matches
- This point is traditionally used to settle the sensation of movement and motion-related nausea that accompanies spinning vertigo.
- Why try it
- Traditionally used to calm the stomach and vestibular system during episodes of dizziness or motion sickness.
- Dose or use
- Press firmly on the inner wrist, two finger-widths below the wrist crease, for 2–3 minutes on both sides, 1–2x daily.
- Time to results
- May offer relief within minutes during an episode
- Key study
- Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Check with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescription medication, or manage a chronic condition.
A foggy, off-balance feeling that hangs around most of the day
Ginkgo biloba
Supported by smaller clinical studies· Centuries of traditional use (Evidence grade B · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleMay support circulation linked to ongoing dizziness
- Why this matches
- Persistent, day-long dizziness is the kind of unexplained vertigo studied in a recent randomized trial of standardized Ginkgo extract, and Ginkgo is thought to support the small-vessel circulation involved in balance.
- Why try it
- In a 12-week randomized, double-blind trial of adults with persistent dizziness or vertigo, standardized Ginkgo extract (EGb 761, 120 mg/day) improved dizziness severity and handicap scores to a similar degree as betahistine, a prescription vertigo medication, and was well tolerated.
- Dose or use
- 120–240 mg daily of standardized extract (24% flavonoids); consult a healthcare practitioner for your dose.
- Time to results
- Typically 4–8 weeks
- Key study
- Randomized controlled trial (2026, PMID 41487075): Efficacy of EGb 761 and Betahistine in Treatment of Dizziness/Vertigo: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.
- Caution
- May interact with blood thinners; avoid before surgery.
Gastrodin
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleTCM herb long used for lingering dizziness
- Why this matches
- When dizziness lingers as a foggy, off-balance feeling most of the day, this is the pattern Gastrodia elata (the source of gastrodin) has traditionally been used to settle.
- Why try it
- A compound from the Chinese herb Gastrodia elata (Tian Ma), traditionally used for dizziness, vertigo, and headache and valued for its calming, neuroprotective reputation.
- Dose or use
- Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner for your dose.
- Time to results
- Typically several weeks of consistent use
- Key study
- Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- May add to the effect of sedatives; talk to your practitioner if you take medications that cause drowsiness.
DU20 (Baihui) - Governing Vessel 20
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleTraditionally used to clear the head and lift fog
- Why this matches
- A sense of ongoing fogginess and imbalance is the classic indication for this crown-of-the-head point in traditional practice.
- Why try it
- Traditionally used to clear the mind, reduce dizziness, and restore a sense of groundedness and mental clarity.
- Dose or use
- Press firmly at the top of the skull (midline, between the ears) for 2–3 minutes, 1–2x daily.
- Time to results
- Traditionally used for immediate calming; consistent use over days to weeks
- Key study
- Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Check with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescription medication, or manage a chronic condition.
I suspect something deeper — I'd like to check for a nutrient gap behind it
Vitamin D
Supported by smaller clinical studies (Evidence grade B · No traditional record)Low levels linked to inner-ear crystal instability
- Why this matches
- Checking for a deficiency makes sense when you want to uncover a hidden root cause, as low Vitamin D may affect the calcium crystals in the inner ear.
- Why try it
- In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, older adults with low vitamin D and positional vertigo (BPPV) who took vitamin D3 had far fewer repeat vertigo episodes over a year than those on placebo — so testing and correcting a low level is a root-cause step with real trial support.
- Dose or use
- Get your vitamin D level tested first; if you're low, correct it under a clinician's guidance (the trial used 2000 IU daily for about 3 months, then 1000 IU daily).
- Time to results
- Recurrence benefit emerged over months of correction; the trial followed people for 12 months
- Key study
- Randomized controlled trial (2025, PMID 39194424): Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing Vitamin D's Role in Reducing BPPV Recurrence in Older Adults.
- Caution
- High doses can be toxic; get levels tested before supplementing.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Deficiency
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleA checkable nutrient gap behind imbalance
- Why this matches
- If you want to know whether a nutrient gap is behind your symptoms, low B12 is a real, testable one: it affects nerve function and can show up as unsteadiness and dizziness.
- Why try it
- Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy nerves; when it runs low, balance problems and dizziness can follow, and a simple blood test can confirm whether this is your root cause.
- Dose or use
- Ask a healthcare practitioner to test your B12 level before supplementing; correct any deficiency under their guidance.
- Time to results
- Typically weeks to a few months after correcting a confirmed deficiency
- Key study
- Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Dizziness has many causes; test rather than assume, and see a clinician for persistent or severe symptoms.
Iron Deficiency
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleLow iron can leave you lightheaded
- Why this matches
- Exploring a nutrient gap makes sense here, and low iron is a common one: too little iron means less oxygen reaches the brain, which can feel like lightheadedness and dizziness.
- Why try it
- Iron-deficiency anemia reduces the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity, a well-recognized and checkable cause of dizziness that a simple blood test can reveal.
- Dose or use
- Ask a healthcare practitioner to test your iron and ferritin before supplementing; correct any deficiency under their guidance.
- Time to results
- Typically several weeks to months after correcting a confirmed deficiency
- Key study
- Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Too much iron is harmful; only supplement if testing confirms you are low, and keep supplements away from children.
What kind of help would you rather start with?
Hands-on relief — pressure points I can use during a spell, or acupuncture sessions
Acupuncture
Supported by controlled trials· Centuries of traditional use (Evidence grade A · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleStudied for cervical-related vertigo
- Why this matches
- Movement-triggered vertigo can have a cervical component, and a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized trials suggested acupuncture may help cervical vertigo, though many of the underlying trials were small.
- Why try it
- Moderate clinical evidence suggests acupuncture may reduce the frequency and intensity of cervically driven spinning spells.
- Dose or use
- Work with a qualified, licensed practitioner; ask them how many sessions and how often are right for you.
- Time to results
- Typically 4–6 weeks of regular sessions
- Key study
- Systematic review (2026, PMID 42180241): Comparative effectiveness of acupuncture and Tuina for cervical vertigo: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
- Caution
- Seek a licensed practitioner; inform them of any blood-thinning medications.
GB20 (Fengchi) - Gallbladder 20
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleNeck-base point traditionally used for dizziness
- Why this matches
- Spinning set off by head or neck movement often carries neck tension, and this point at the base of the skull is a classic spot pressed to ease that tension and settle dizziness.
- Why try it
- Known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as 'Wind Pool,' GB20 is traditionally used to relax the neck and to calm dizziness and headache.
- Dose or use
- Find the two hollows at the base of the skull on either side of the spine; press firmly with your thumbs for 1–2 minutes, 1–2x daily.
- Time to results
- May ease neck tension within minutes; consistent use over days to weeks
- Key study
- Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Press gently and stop if you feel faint; avoid strong pressure if you have a neck injury or unexplained severe headache.
DU20 (Baihui) - Governing Vessel 20
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleTraditionally used to clear the head and lift fog
- Why this matches
- A sense of ongoing fogginess and imbalance is the classic indication for this crown-of-the-head point in traditional practice.
- Why try it
- Traditionally used to clear the mind, reduce dizziness, and restore a sense of groundedness and mental clarity.
- Dose or use
- Press firmly at the top of the skull (midline, between the ears) for 2–3 minutes, 1–2x daily.
- Time to results
- Traditionally used for immediate calming; consistent use over days to weeks
- Key study
- Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Check with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescription medication, or manage a chronic condition.
PC6 (Neiguan) - Pericardium 6
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleTraditionally pressed to calm nausea and spinning
- Why this matches
- This point is traditionally used to settle the sensation of movement and motion-related nausea that accompanies spinning vertigo.
- Why try it
- Traditionally used to calm the stomach and vestibular system during episodes of dizziness or motion sickness.
- Dose or use
- Press firmly on the inner wrist, two finger-widths below the wrist crease, for 2–3 minutes on both sides, 1–2x daily.
- Time to results
- May offer relief within minutes during an episode
- Key study
- Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Check with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescription medication, or manage a chronic condition.
Something I can take — herbs or supplements that calm dizziness and nausea
Ginkgo biloba
Supported by smaller clinical studies· Centuries of traditional use (Evidence grade B · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleMay support circulation linked to ongoing dizziness
- Why this matches
- Persistent, day-long dizziness is the kind of unexplained vertigo studied in a recent randomized trial of standardized Ginkgo extract, and Ginkgo is thought to support the small-vessel circulation involved in balance.
- Why try it
- In a 12-week randomized, double-blind trial of adults with persistent dizziness or vertigo, standardized Ginkgo extract (EGb 761, 120 mg/day) improved dizziness severity and handicap scores to a similar degree as betahistine, a prescription vertigo medication, and was well tolerated.
- Dose or use
- 120–240 mg daily of standardized extract (24% flavonoids); consult a healthcare practitioner for your dose.
- Time to results
- Typically 4–8 weeks
- Key study
- Randomized controlled trial (2026, PMID 41487075): Efficacy of EGb 761 and Betahistine in Treatment of Dizziness/Vertigo: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.
- Caution
- May interact with blood thinners; avoid before surgery.
Gastrodin
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleTCM herb long used for lingering dizziness
- Why this matches
- When dizziness lingers as a foggy, off-balance feeling most of the day, this is the pattern Gastrodia elata (the source of gastrodin) has traditionally been used to settle.
- Why try it
- A compound from the Chinese herb Gastrodia elata (Tian Ma), traditionally used for dizziness, vertigo, and headache and valued for its calming, neuroprotective reputation.
- Dose or use
- Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner for your dose.
- Time to results
- Typically several weeks of consistent use
- Key study
- Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- May add to the effect of sedatives; talk to your practitioner if you take medications that cause drowsiness.
Ginger
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleWell-known settler for motion-related nausea
- Why this matches
- Spinning spells triggered by movement often come with a wave of nausea, and ginger is a long-trusted remedy for exactly that queasy, motion-sick feeling.
- Why try it
- Ginger's active compounds (gingerols and shogaols) are traditionally used to calm nausea and vomiting, including the motion-related kind that travels with dizziness.
- Dose or use
- Try fresh ginger tea or a standardized capsule around the times spells tend to hit; follow product labeling.
- Time to results
- May ease nausea within an hour of a dose
- Key study
- Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- May interact with blood thinners at high doses; keep to food-like amounts if you take them and check with your practitioner.
Test first — find out if a deficiency is driving it before I take anything
Vitamin D
Supported by smaller clinical studies (Evidence grade B · No traditional record)Low levels linked to inner-ear crystal instability
- Why this matches
- Checking for a deficiency makes sense when you want to uncover a hidden root cause, as low Vitamin D may affect the calcium crystals in the inner ear.
- Why try it
- In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, older adults with low vitamin D and positional vertigo (BPPV) who took vitamin D3 had far fewer repeat vertigo episodes over a year than those on placebo — so testing and correcting a low level is a root-cause step with real trial support.
- Dose or use
- Get your vitamin D level tested first; if you're low, correct it under a clinician's guidance (the trial used 2000 IU daily for about 3 months, then 1000 IU daily).
- Time to results
- Recurrence benefit emerged over months of correction; the trial followed people for 12 months
- Key study
- Randomized controlled trial (2025, PMID 39194424): Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing Vitamin D's Role in Reducing BPPV Recurrence in Older Adults.
- Caution
- High doses can be toxic; get levels tested before supplementing.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Deficiency
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleA checkable nutrient gap behind imbalance
- Why this matches
- If you want to know whether a nutrient gap is behind your symptoms, low B12 is a real, testable one: it affects nerve function and can show up as unsteadiness and dizziness.
- Why try it
- Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy nerves; when it runs low, balance problems and dizziness can follow, and a simple blood test can confirm whether this is your root cause.
- Dose or use
- Ask a healthcare practitioner to test your B12 level before supplementing; correct any deficiency under their guidance.
- Time to results
- Typically weeks to a few months after correcting a confirmed deficiency
- Key study
- Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Dizziness has many causes; test rather than assume, and see a clinician for persistent or severe symptoms.
Iron Deficiency
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleLow iron can leave you lightheaded
- Why this matches
- Exploring a nutrient gap makes sense here, and low iron is a common one: too little iron means less oxygen reaches the brain, which can feel like lightheadedness and dizziness.
- Why try it
- Iron-deficiency anemia reduces the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity, a well-recognized and checkable cause of dizziness that a simple blood test can reveal.
- Dose or use
- Ask a healthcare practitioner to test your iron and ferritin before supplementing; correct any deficiency under their guidance.
- Time to results
- Typically several weeks to months after correcting a confirmed deficiency
- Key study
- Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Too much iron is harmful; only supplement if testing confirms you are low, and keep supplements away from children.
Evidence grades describe the strength of published research for Vertigo, not a promise of results. Nothing here is medical advice — talk to your clinician before starting anything, especially alongside prescription medication.