Vertigo is a balance disorder that occurs when a person damages the posterior semi circular canal of the inner ear. Vertigo sets off an abnormal dizziness and creates an illusion of a spinning environment. Symptoms include loss of balance, dizzy spells, nausea, vomiting, etc. Vertigo may be a result of a head and neck injury, viral infection, pressure in the inner ear fluids, migraines, etc. While mild vertigo is common, it isn’t a serious condition. However if vertigo is recurring and or severe, it may indicate a more serious underlying cause.

Although the very popular film "vertigo" has caused a number of people to believe that the medical condition is primarily concerned with the fear of heights, the condition actually has nothing directly to do with altitude or looking down at object located at lower levels. However, the condition is essentially a feeling that everything around you is moving and spinning. Vertigo can be classified into two categories- subjective vertigo and objective vertigo. An individual is said to be suffering from subjective vertigo when he or she feels that his or her body is moving, while the condition of objective vertigo is said to be prevalent in the instances where the individual experiences the surroundings moving rapidly. It is important to remember that vertigo should be seen as a symptom of some underlying condition and not a disease on its own.

Ginkgo Biloba

There are several natural remedies to cure vertigo. These include:
1) Ginkgo Biloba
This Chinese herb is one of the best known natural remedies to cure vertigo. It is known to boost blood flow to the brain, which helps the symptoms of vertigo to subside.

2) Ginger
Is another common and effective vertigo home remedy. When taken during an attack, it is said to offset symptoms within minutes.

3) Stay Hydrated
It is important to drink at least eight glasses of water. For a more effective vertigo remedy, soak a tablespoon of coriander seeds in a glass of water and leave overnight. The next morning, strain water and drink. Similarly a mixture of black pepper, lemon juice and salt water also helps. Another common natural remedy to cure vertigo is to soak almonds, pumpkin seeds, a tablespoon of poppy seeds, and three tablespoons of wheat. Leave these overnight. The following day grind this mixture into a fine powder, while frying some butter with half a spoon of cloves. Add the fine powder and a cup of milk to the pan and bring to a boil. Drink this once a day to help negate symptoms.

4) No Jerky Movements
Avoid head positions that can bring on an attack, particularly bending your neck back while looking up. Also avoid amusement park rides and virtual reality games.

5) Focus
When you feel the onset of an attack, focus on a stationary object around you- a hoarding, building, etc. Focusing on a fixed point sends visual cues to the brain, allowing it to balance appropriately, stopping the dizziness.

6) Diet
Eat vitamins and protein rich foods. In addition add shavings of lime (or lemon) peel to your salad. This helps combat the spinning sensation. Also avoid caffeine, chocolates, fried foods, iced teas, and excess salts.
Therapeutic disciplines- Chiropractic treatment, especially in the case of neck trauma, helps correct the vertebrae in the neck and in turn reduces vertigo. Breathing exercises and meditation also help.