Feel faint when I stand up fast

You get up from a chair or bed. The room goes grey or dim for a moment. Your head feels light, and you may need to grab something.

This often comes from a quick drop in blood pressure. When you stand, blood pools in your legs. It takes a few beats for your heart to catch up.

Common reasons include heat, too little water, or a skipped meal. Standing up after a long rest can do it too. Some blood pressure pills and water pills raise the odds.

When to see someone

See a doctor if you pass out, fall, or hurt yourself. Get help right away for chest pain, a pounding heart, black or bloody stools, or trouble speaking. Book a visit if this happens most days, if you are pregnant, or if you just started a new pill.

Below are home and folk remedies people have used for dizziness. Each one has a grade for how much research backs it. A grade is not a promise, so read it with care and ask your doctor.

Dizziness: natural remedies and the evidence behind them

9 options · 1 graded B · 1 graded C · 7 traditional or ungraded

How does my dizziness mostly show up?

Lightheaded, woozy, or foggy-headed rather than spinning

  1. Ginkgo biloba

    Supported by smaller clinical studies· Centuries of traditional use (Evidence grade B · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Standardized extract with RCT support for dizziness/vertigo

    Why this matches
    If you feel lightheaded or foggy, standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) has been studied specifically for dizziness and vertigo, where it is thought to support blood flow to the brain and inner ear.
    Why try it
    In a 12-week double-blind randomized trial (n=86) in adults with dizziness or vertigo of unclear cause, standardized Ginkgo extract EGb 761 eased dizziness severity and handicap scores about as much as the standard medication betahistine.
    Dose or use
    Standardized extract such as EGb 761 was used at about 120 mg/day in the trial; follow product labeling and consult a healthcare practitioner, especially if you take other medications.
    Time to results
    Typically 6-12 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 and increase bleeding risk; stop before surgery and avoid during pregnancy. Check with your doctor if you take other medications.

  2. Iron Deficiency

    Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use

    Common, correctable cause of lightheadedness

    Why this matches
    If you feel lightheaded, foggy, or worse on exertion, low iron is a common cause - it lowers the oxygen your blood can carry.
    Why try it
    Iron-deficiency anemia is a well-recognized and checkable cause of dizziness and fatigue; a simple blood test can confirm it.
    Dose or use
    Ask your doctor for a ferritin or blood-count test before supplementing; if low, correct with iron-rich foods or supplements as advised.
    Time to results
    Typically several weeks once corrected
    Key study
    Iron-deficiency anemia is a recognized cause of dizziness; identifying and correcting the deficiency is standard care, best confirmed by a blood test rather than assumed.
    Caution
    Don't self-dose iron without testing - too much can be harmful. Confirm a deficiency with a blood test first.

  3. Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Deficiency

    Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use

    Reversible cause of dizziness and imbalance

    Why this matches
    Low B12 can leave you lightheaded, foggy, or off-balance, through both anemia and its effects on the nervous system.
    Why try it
    B12 deficiency is a common, easily missed, and correctable cause of dizziness; a blood test can check your level.
    Dose or use
    Ask your doctor to test your B12 level; if low, correct it with diet, supplements, or injections as advised.
    Time to results
    Typically weeks to a few months once corrected
    Key study
    B12 deficiency is an established, reversible cause of dizziness and imbalance; identifying and correcting it is standard care, best confirmed by a blood test rather than assumed.
    Caution
    Confirm with testing before long-term supplementing, and get evaluated if you have numbness, tingling, or balance problems.

  4. 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 staple

    Crown point traditionally used for dizziness and fog

    Why this matches
    When you feel lightheaded or foggy, DU20 at the crown of the head is traditionally used to lift mental clarity and ease dizziness.
    Why try it
    A classic Chinese-medicine point named for dizziness and mental fatigue, and simple to press as self-care.
    Dose or use
    At the crown of the head, on the midline level with the tops of the ears; press gently in small circles for 1-2 minutes, 1-2x daily.
    Time to results
    Often felt within minutes; ongoing use over weeks
    Key study
    Traditionally used for this purpose; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Use light pressure. Not a substitute for medical assessment if lightheadedness is new, severe, or comes with fainting.

It flares when I'm stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed

  1. Heart Rate Variability Training

    Limited human trials so far· Most of the research is laboratory or animal work (Evidence grade C · No traditional record)

    Calms nervous system driving functional dizziness

    Why this matches
    When your dizziness feels tied to stress or anxiety, HRV biofeedback trains slow, paced breathing to steady the nervous system; a small trial explored it specifically for functional (stress-linked) dizziness.
    Why try it
    In a small pilot RCT (n=24) in people with functional dizziness, HRV biofeedback improved autonomic balance and lowered depressive symptoms. It aims to calm the nervous system rather than being proven to cut the number of dizziness episodes.
    Dose or use
    Practice guided HRV/paced-breathing biofeedback for about 15-20 minutes per session, several sessions a week, ideally with an app or device and a trained practitioner (the trial used six 20-minute sessions).
    Time to results
    Typically 4–8 weeks
    Key study
    RCT (2025, PMID 40072625): Heart rate variability biofeedback in patients with functional dizziness.
    Caution
    Best guided by a trained practitioner, especially if you have a heart condition or irregular heartbeat.

  2. GB20 (Fengchi) - Gallbladder 20

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Traditional 'Wind Pool' point for dizziness/vertigo

    Why this matches
    For spinning or off-balance dizziness, GB20 at the base of the skull is a traditional point used to ease dizziness and support blood flow to the head.
    Why try it
    Long used in Chinese medicine for dizziness, headaches and neck tension, and simple to press on yourself as gentle self-care.
    Dose or use
    Find the two hollows at the base of the skull either side of the spine; press firmly with your thumbs for 1-2 minutes, both sides, 1-2x daily.
    Time to results
    Often eased within minutes; ongoing use over weeks
    Key study
    Traditionally used for this purpose; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Use steady, gentle pressure and stop if it causes pain or headache. Not a substitute for evaluation of new or severe dizziness.

  3. PC6 (Neiguan) - Pericardium 6

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Classic point for nausea with spinning dizziness

    Why this matches
    Spinning dizziness often brings a queasy, motion-sick feeling; PC6 on the inner forearm is the point most widely used to settle that nausea.
    Why try it
    Widely used for nausea (it's the point targeted by motion-sickness wristbands), and easy and safe to press yourself.
    Dose or use
    Three finger-widths below the wrist crease, between the two central tendons; press firmly for 1-2 minutes on each arm as needed.
    Time to results
    Often felt within minutes
    Key study
    Traditionally used for this purpose; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Use gentle pressure only. Seek care if dizziness or vomiting is severe or persistent.

I'm also tired or run-down - could something be off in my blood?

  1. Iron Deficiency

    Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use

    Common, correctable cause of lightheadedness

    Why this matches
    If you feel lightheaded, foggy, or worse on exertion, low iron is a common cause - it lowers the oxygen your blood can carry.
    Why try it
    Iron-deficiency anemia is a well-recognized and checkable cause of dizziness and fatigue; a simple blood test can confirm it.
    Dose or use
    Ask your doctor for a ferritin or blood-count test before supplementing; if low, correct with iron-rich foods or supplements as advised.
    Time to results
    Typically several weeks once corrected
    Key study
    Iron-deficiency anemia is a recognized cause of dizziness; identifying and correcting the deficiency is standard care, best confirmed by a blood test rather than assumed.
    Caution
    Don't self-dose iron without testing - too much can be harmful. Confirm a deficiency with a blood test first.

  2. Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Deficiency

    Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use

    Reversible cause of dizziness and imbalance

    Why this matches
    Low B12 can leave you lightheaded, foggy, or off-balance, through both anemia and its effects on the nervous system.
    Why try it
    B12 deficiency is a common, easily missed, and correctable cause of dizziness; a blood test can check your level.
    Dose or use
    Ask your doctor to test your B12 level; if low, correct it with diet, supplements, or injections as advised.
    Time to results
    Typically weeks to a few months once corrected
    Key study
    B12 deficiency is an established, reversible cause of dizziness and imbalance; identifying and correcting it is standard care, best confirmed by a blood test rather than assumed.
    Caution
    Confirm with testing before long-term supplementing, and get evaluated if you have numbness, tingling, or balance problems.

Spinning spells (vertigo), sometimes with queasiness or feeling off-balance

  1. Gastrodin

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Herbal compound traditionally used for vertigo

    Why this matches
    For spinning or off-balance dizziness, gastrodin - from the Chinese herb Gastrodia elata - has traditionally been used specifically for dizziness and vertigo.
    Why try it
    Long used in Chinese medicine for dizziness, vertigo and headache; taken as a standardized supplement.
    Dose or use
    Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner, especially if you take other medications.
    Time to results
    Typically 2-6 weeks
    Key study
    Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Product quality varies; check with your practitioner if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking sedatives or other medications.

  2. Acupuncture

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Traditionally used for vertigo and balance issues

    Why this matches
    For spinning or balance-related dizziness, acupuncture is traditionally used to address inner ear imbalance and restore equilibrium.
    Why try it
    Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to address vertigo and balance disruption through specific meridian points.
    Dose or use
    Press firmly 2–3 min, both sides, 1–2x daily (acupressure); seek a licensed acupuncturist for needle treatment.
    Time to results
    Typically 2–6 weeks
    Key study
    Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Seek a licensed practitioner; inform them of any bleeding disorders or medications.

  3. GB20 (Fengchi) - Gallbladder 20

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Traditional 'Wind Pool' point for dizziness/vertigo

    Why this matches
    For spinning or off-balance dizziness, GB20 at the base of the skull is a traditional point used to ease dizziness and support blood flow to the head.
    Why try it
    Long used in Chinese medicine for dizziness, headaches and neck tension, and simple to press on yourself as gentle self-care.
    Dose or use
    Find the two hollows at the base of the skull either side of the spine; press firmly with your thumbs for 1-2 minutes, both sides, 1-2x daily.
    Time to results
    Often eased within minutes; ongoing use over weeks
    Key study
    Traditionally used for this purpose; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Use steady, gentle pressure and stop if it causes pain or headache. Not a substitute for evaluation of new or severe dizziness.

  4. PC6 (Neiguan) - Pericardium 6

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Classic point for nausea with spinning dizziness

    Why this matches
    Spinning dizziness often brings a queasy, motion-sick feeling; PC6 on the inner forearm is the point most widely used to settle that nausea.
    Why try it
    Widely used for nausea (it's the point targeted by motion-sickness wristbands), and easy and safe to press yourself.
    Dose or use
    Three finger-widths below the wrist crease, between the two central tendons; press firmly for 1-2 minutes on each arm as needed.
    Time to results
    Often felt within minutes
    Key study
    Traditionally used for this purpose; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Use gentle pressure only. Seek care if dizziness or vomiting is severe or persistent.

What kind of help would I rather start with?

I'm open to a well-studied herb or supplement

  1. Ginkgo biloba

    Supported by smaller clinical studies· Centuries of traditional use (Evidence grade B · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Standardized extract with RCT support for dizziness/vertigo

    Why this matches
    If you feel lightheaded or foggy, standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) has been studied specifically for dizziness and vertigo, where it is thought to support blood flow to the brain and inner ear.
    Why try it
    In a 12-week double-blind randomized trial (n=86) in adults with dizziness or vertigo of unclear cause, standardized Ginkgo extract EGb 761 eased dizziness severity and handicap scores about as much as the standard medication betahistine.
    Dose or use
    Standardized extract such as EGb 761 was used at about 120 mg/day in the trial; follow product labeling and consult a healthcare practitioner, especially if you take other medications.
    Time to results
    Typically 6-12 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 and increase bleeding risk; stop before surgery and avoid during pregnancy. Check with your doctor if you take other medications.

  2. Gastrodin

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Herbal compound traditionally used for vertigo

    Why this matches
    For spinning or off-balance dizziness, gastrodin - from the Chinese herb Gastrodia elata - has traditionally been used specifically for dizziness and vertigo.
    Why try it
    Long used in Chinese medicine for dizziness, vertigo and headache; taken as a standardized supplement.
    Dose or use
    Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner, especially if you take other medications.
    Time to results
    Typically 2-6 weeks
    Key study
    Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Product quality varies; check with your practitioner if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking sedatives or other medications.

Guided care from a practitioner - acupuncture or nervous-system training

  1. Heart Rate Variability Training

    Limited human trials so far· Most of the research is laboratory or animal work (Evidence grade C · No traditional record)

    Calms nervous system driving functional dizziness

    Why this matches
    When your dizziness feels tied to stress or anxiety, HRV biofeedback trains slow, paced breathing to steady the nervous system; a small trial explored it specifically for functional (stress-linked) dizziness.
    Why try it
    In a small pilot RCT (n=24) in people with functional dizziness, HRV biofeedback improved autonomic balance and lowered depressive symptoms. It aims to calm the nervous system rather than being proven to cut the number of dizziness episodes.
    Dose or use
    Practice guided HRV/paced-breathing biofeedback for about 15-20 minutes per session, several sessions a week, ideally with an app or device and a trained practitioner (the trial used six 20-minute sessions).
    Time to results
    Typically 4–8 weeks
    Key study
    RCT (2025, PMID 40072625): Heart rate variability biofeedback in patients with functional dizziness.
    Caution
    Best guided by a trained practitioner, especially if you have a heart condition or irregular heartbeat.

  2. Acupuncture

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Traditionally used for vertigo and balance issues

    Why this matches
    For spinning or balance-related dizziness, acupuncture is traditionally used to address inner ear imbalance and restore equilibrium.
    Why try it
    Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to address vertigo and balance disruption through specific meridian points.
    Dose or use
    Press firmly 2–3 min, both sides, 1–2x daily (acupressure); seek a licensed acupuncturist for needle treatment.
    Time to results
    Typically 2–6 weeks
    Key study
    Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Seek a licensed practitioner; inform them of any bleeding disorders or medications.

I'd rather rule out a fixable cause with a simple blood test first

  1. Iron Deficiency

    Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use

    Common, correctable cause of lightheadedness

    Why this matches
    If you feel lightheaded, foggy, or worse on exertion, low iron is a common cause - it lowers the oxygen your blood can carry.
    Why try it
    Iron-deficiency anemia is a well-recognized and checkable cause of dizziness and fatigue; a simple blood test can confirm it.
    Dose or use
    Ask your doctor for a ferritin or blood-count test before supplementing; if low, correct with iron-rich foods or supplements as advised.
    Time to results
    Typically several weeks once corrected
    Key study
    Iron-deficiency anemia is a recognized cause of dizziness; identifying and correcting the deficiency is standard care, best confirmed by a blood test rather than assumed.
    Caution
    Don't self-dose iron without testing - too much can be harmful. Confirm a deficiency with a blood test first.

  2. Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Deficiency

    Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use

    Reversible cause of dizziness and imbalance

    Why this matches
    Low B12 can leave you lightheaded, foggy, or off-balance, through both anemia and its effects on the nervous system.
    Why try it
    B12 deficiency is a common, easily missed, and correctable cause of dizziness; a blood test can check your level.
    Dose or use
    Ask your doctor to test your B12 level; if low, correct it with diet, supplements, or injections as advised.
    Time to results
    Typically weeks to a few months once corrected
    Key study
    B12 deficiency is an established, reversible cause of dizziness and imbalance; identifying and correcting it is standard care, best confirmed by a blood test rather than assumed.
    Caution
    Confirm with testing before long-term supplementing, and get evaluated if you have numbness, tingling, or balance problems.

Quick hands-on techniques I can do myself, anywhere

  1. 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 staple

    Crown point traditionally used for dizziness and fog

    Why this matches
    When you feel lightheaded or foggy, DU20 at the crown of the head is traditionally used to lift mental clarity and ease dizziness.
    Why try it
    A classic Chinese-medicine point named for dizziness and mental fatigue, and simple to press as self-care.
    Dose or use
    At the crown of the head, on the midline level with the tops of the ears; press gently in small circles for 1-2 minutes, 1-2x daily.
    Time to results
    Often felt within minutes; ongoing use over weeks
    Key study
    Traditionally used for this purpose; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Use light pressure. Not a substitute for medical assessment if lightheadedness is new, severe, or comes with fainting.

  2. GB20 (Fengchi) - Gallbladder 20

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Traditional 'Wind Pool' point for dizziness/vertigo

    Why this matches
    For spinning or off-balance dizziness, GB20 at the base of the skull is a traditional point used to ease dizziness and support blood flow to the head.
    Why try it
    Long used in Chinese medicine for dizziness, headaches and neck tension, and simple to press on yourself as gentle self-care.
    Dose or use
    Find the two hollows at the base of the skull either side of the spine; press firmly with your thumbs for 1-2 minutes, both sides, 1-2x daily.
    Time to results
    Often eased within minutes; ongoing use over weeks
    Key study
    Traditionally used for this purpose; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Use steady, gentle pressure and stop if it causes pain or headache. Not a substitute for evaluation of new or severe dizziness.

  3. PC6 (Neiguan) - Pericardium 6

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Classic point for nausea with spinning dizziness

    Why this matches
    Spinning dizziness often brings a queasy, motion-sick feeling; PC6 on the inner forearm is the point most widely used to settle that nausea.
    Why try it
    Widely used for nausea (it's the point targeted by motion-sickness wristbands), and easy and safe to press yourself.
    Dose or use
    Three finger-widths below the wrist crease, between the two central tendons; press firmly for 1-2 minutes on each arm as needed.
    Time to results
    Often felt within minutes
    Key study
    Traditionally used for this purpose; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Use gentle pressure only. Seek care if dizziness or vomiting is severe or persistent.

Evidence grades describe the strength of published research for Dizziness, not a promise of results. Nothing here is medical advice — talk to your clinician before starting anything, especially alongside prescription medication.

Other ways people describe this

Same underlying problem, different words.

These suggestions come from our full page on Dizziness, where you can see every option and how it is graded. Evidence grades are explained in our methodology, and every phrasing we cover is listed under health topics.

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