My father-in-law has trouble with dizziness, I think it's the kind that comes with age, and was hoping to find an herbal cure or aid. Is there anything you can recommend?

Dizziness is one of the common complaints. It is a feeling of light headedness, swimming sensation, spinning and disequilibrium. This occurs due to certain medication, dehydration, fainting and on serious note a few disorders. Dizziness now and then is harmless. However if it is accompanied by chest pain or rapid heart rate, or if you experience deafness or ringing sensation in the ears, then it is advisable to consult a doctor. Certain remedies that can be useful for dizziness are:

• Drink loads of water especially in summer to prevent dehydration to prevent the incidence of dizziness. Avoid coffee or alcohol or too sweet or too salty foods as it can affect the balance of the ears and can increase the susceptibility of dizziness.
• Do not get up with a jerk from the bed. This can lower the blood pressure. Sit up for a minute or two on the bed and then get up from the bed.
• Do not hold your breath or breathe rapidly especially while exercising as it can increase the content of carbon dioxide leading to dizziness. Take deeper and slower breaths so that the carbon di oxide balance is restored.
• Peppermint and chamomile can be useful for relaxation. Have a tablespoon each of honey and apple cider vinegar for prevention of dizziness.
• For dizzy spells, sit down and take deep breaths for 10 times and lie down for 10 minutes. This will help in sending the oxygen back to the brain.

answered by J M

Dizziness is a fairly common occurrence among the elderly and can be both a symptom of an underlying problem, or a chronic disorder on its own. From among all the causes, imbalances related to the ear seem to be implicated in most cases (Otological dizziness). If the dizziness in this case is otological the Brandt-Daroff exercise can be tried if it is possible for the person to do so. Sit comfortably on the edge of a firm couch or bed, with the back erect and knees bent and feet comfortably on the floor. Lean to one side and end up lying on your side on the bed for 30 seconds. Get up and do the same for the other side. Make sure these movements are done slowly and without hurting the head or upper body.

As mentioned earlier dizziness is frequently experienced by those of advanced age. Although one of the common causes is listed above, it can also result from many other factors. Also it may be symptomatic of another preexisting condition. It is therefore important to rule out these other factors or predispositions by having the person examined professionally. It is best to tackle dizziness resulting from any cause promptly as it can have negative long-term implications for the person's socio-emotional health and day-to-day functioning.

answered by G R