The 2025 Guide to Natural Relief: Why Essential Oils for Vertigo are becoming a Go-To Remedy

Have you ever felt like your head is spinning? Like everything around you is moving rapidly? Well, it is a sign of vertigo. Vertigo is a common symptom of many illnesses. It can be very painful and leave you weak and unstable. It usually comes with dizziness and a little weakness in your body.

Many people use Essential oils for vertigo and dizziness, but do they actually work? This is exactly what we will go through in this blog. 

In this blog, we shall see what vertigo is, how essential oils help with it, and which are the best essential oils for it.

Before we start this blog, it is important to note that this guide is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are having vertigo, please consult a medical professional.

So, without further ado, let’s get straight into it and find out the best essential oils for vertigo and their effect.

What is Vertigo? Definition, Symptoms, and Cause

According to Medline Plus, Vertigo is defined as a sensation of motion or spinning that is often described as dizziness. It is important to understand that vertigo is not the same as feeling light-headed.

There are two types of vertigo. Let’s take a look at each of them and how they are different from each other.

Peripheral Vertigo: In our ears, we’ve an area called the vestibular labyrinth, or semicircular canals, which controls balance. Peripheral vertigo happens because of a problem in these areas of the inner ear. 

Here are a few reasons why it might happen:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
• Medication side effects
• Head injury
• Inflammation
• Meniere’s disease
• Pressure on the vestibular nerve

Central Vertigo: Now, central vertigo is caused by problems in our brain, specifically in the cerebellum or the brain stem.

Here is what causes central vertigo:

• Blood vessel disease
• Certain drugs, such as anticonvulsants, aspirin, and alcohol.
• Multiple sclerosis
• Stroke or Seizures, though rarely
• Tumors (cancerous or noncancerous)
• Vestibular migraine

How do Essential Oils For Vertigo help with it?

Now that we know what vertigo is, let’s try to understand how essential oils can help you.

Essential oils are often used as a complementary therapy to help manage the symptoms of vertigo. And while we will talk about it in detail, it’s important to understand that there is limited scientific research on their effectiveness. 

Here’s how essential oils for vertigo are thought to help with vertigo symptoms:

• Deal with Nausea and Dizziness: Many essential oils, like ginger, peppermint, and lemon, have long been used to ease nausea and motion sickness. These properties are particularly helpful for managing stomach upset and lightheadedness. And these symptoms often go along with a vertigo episode.
• Promoting Relaxation and Reducing Anxiety: Vertigo can be a frightening and stressful experience. And the resulting anxiety from it can often worsen symptoms. Essential oils for vertigo, such as lavender, chamomile, and clary sage, are recognized for their anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties. By stimulating a sense of calm and reducing stress, these oils may help to lessen the severity of a vertigo attack.
• Improving Circulation and Blood Flow: Some essential oils, like peppermint and cypress, are believed to increase blood flow. Improved circulation to the brain could potentially help reduce feelings of lightheadedness and dizziness.
• Anti-inflammatory Effects: As we discussed earlier, vertigo can be caused by inflammation in the inner ear. While more research is needed, some essential oils for vertigo, like frankincense, are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that might help address this underlying cause.

7 Best Essential Oils for Vertigo and How to Apply Them?

These 7 essential oils are the best for vertigo. If you want to reduce the pain and dizziness caused by vertigo, here are some recommended oils for you to try.

1. Lemon Oil

Lemon oil is considered helpful for vertigo, due to its effects on relieving nausea and dizziness. It also has anxiety-relieving properties, which can help manage stress related to vertigo episodes. Using lemon oil through inhalation or a diffuser may provide symptomatic relief during vertigo attacks.

2. Gibnger Oil

According to a research paper published by NCBI, ginger root extract has been found effective in reducing vertigo and motion sickness in clinical studies and controlled trials. Ginger oil may help lessen vertigo symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and headaches by improving blood flow to the brain. The oil is known to provide a grounding effect.

3. Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil may help relieve vertigo symptoms primarily by improving blood flow to the brain. It also reduces associated symptoms such as nausea and headaches. The menthol in peppermint oil has cooling and refreshing properties. The oil can stimulate the mind and body. It is important to note that overuse might cause side effects like headaches or dizziness.

4. Cypress Oil

Cypress is one of the best essential oils for vertigo. The oil can have a positive effect on vertigo by stimulating brain function and increasing blood flow. This improves alertness and cognitive performance, thereby reducing light-headedness and dizziness associated with vertigo.

5. Clary Sage Oil

Clary sage oil helps with vertigo mostly by calming the nervous system and reducing anxiety. It is often used to reduce the frequency and severity of anxiety attacks. Clary sage is often used in aromatherapy through diffusion or diluted topical application during vertigo episodes.

6. Rose Oil

Rose oil is one of the most used essential oils for vertigo. Rose oil helps prevent peripheral symptoms of vertigo. It is typically used via diffusers or added to bathwater for a relaxing effect. The calming and anxiety-reducing properties of rose oil help manage vertigo. It is recommended to use rose oil in aromatherapy or diluted to support vertigo symptom relief safely.

7. Thyme Oil

Thyme oil is known for its natural anti-dizziness properties. That’s why it is often used to help relieve vertigo episodes. It may also help reduce headaches that accompany vertigo. People commonly use thyme oil by diffusing it or drinking thyme tea for dizziness relief.

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How to Apply Essential Oils for Vertigo?

There are two ways to use essential oil to combat vertigo symptoms, i.e., inhaling and massaging. You can either massage diluted essential oil on your head or inhale it. 

Inhaling: To inhale essential oils for vertigo, add a few drops of the oil to a bowl of hot water. Hold your face over the water. Make sure your face doesn’t touch water. Use a towel to cover your head and the bowl. Inhale for a few minutes. 

Another way is to place a few drops of the oil in a diffuser that will scent the room. This will be automatically inhaled by you, essentially calming you down.

Massaging: It is not safe to directly apply essential oils to your skin. And that is why massaging needs to be done with a little more care. If you want to massage essential oil onto your skin, you need to dilute it with a carrier oil, such as virgin coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, or avocado oil.

Once you mix them, just apply the mixture to your forehead, the back of your neck, and your temples.

Risks with Using Essential Oils for Vertigo

While essential oils are great for aromatherapy and safe for external use, there are some risks associated with using them. You should be aware of these risks to make sure you don’t hurt yourself.

1. Dilution is Non-Negotiable

Essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause skin irritation, inflammation, or a rash if applied directly. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, such as jojoba, coconut, or almond oil, before applying them to your skin. A common recommendation is a 1-5% dilution.

Be extra careful when applying diluted essential oils to sensitive areas like the face, neck, or behind the ears.

2. Never Ingest Essential Oils

Essential oils for vertigo are not for internal use. Swallowing them, even in small amounts, can be toxic to your body. And it can lead to serious health problems, such as stomach issues, headaches, vomiting, or in severe cases, seizures and organ damage.  

Always keep them out of reach of children and pets.

3. Check for Allergic Reactions

Before using a new essential oil, perform a patch test. Apply a small amount of the diluted oil to a discreet area of your skin (like the inside of your wrist or elbow). Once you apply it, wait 24 hours to check for any redness, itching, or irritation.

4. Use with Caution Around Vulnerable Individuals

The effects of essential oils on pregnant or breastfeeding women and their children are not well-researched. Many healthcare professionals advise against their use during this time. If you are going to use essential oils around them, it is advised to consult a doctor before use.

If you have asthma, epilepsy, or other chronic conditions, certain essential oils can trigger adverse reactions. For example, some oils can cause asthma attacks in susceptible people.

5. Inhalation and Diffusion Safety

When using a diffuser, it’s best to diffuse intermittently. For example, keep the diffuser on for 30-60 minutes, then off for 30-60 minutes. Continuous diffusion can lead to headaches, respiratory irritation, or other negative effects.

Always diffuse in a well-ventilated area to prevent a high concentration of the oil in the air.

General Safety Practices to Protect Yourself from Vertigo

Beyond direct remedies, simple household adjustments can prevent accidents and manage symptoms during an episode.

Here are some safety measures you can take to prevent vertigo.

• Move Slowly: Avoid sudden changes in position. Especially getting up quickly from a sitting or lying position.
• Focus on a Fixed Point: When you feel dizzy, staring at a stationary object can help your brain and eyes reorient. This will reduce the spinning sensation caused by vertigo.
• Use Support: Have a cane, walker, or furniture to lean on when you’re feeling unsteady to prevent falls.
• Good Lighting: Use a nightlight or keep a lamp on if you get up at night to prevent disorientation.

What Other Remedies Can You Take Besides Essential Oils for Vertigo?

While essential oils are effective in getting some rest from vertigo’s effects, do visit a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, as it can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition.

But, there are some household remedies besides essential oils for vertigo that can give temporary relief from the pain. Here are some remedies you can try:

Repositioning Maneuvers: For Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), vertigo is caused by dislodged calcium carbonate crystals in the inner ear. You can use specific head and body movements to reposition them. The Epley Maneuver involves a series of targeted movements to guide the crystals back into place. The Brandt-Daroff Exercise requires moving from a sitting position to lying on each side with your head turned.

Dietary and Lifestyle Adjustments: Your diet and lifestyle choices can significantly impact vertigo. Staying hydrated is key, as dehydration can be a trigger. Drink plenty of water to maintain fluid balance in the body and inner ear. A diet rich in Vitamin B12 (found in meat, fish, and dairy) and potassium (found in bananas and avocados) can also help support your nervous system and fluid regulation.

Acupressure

Applying pressure to specific points on the body, similar to acupuncture, can help alleviate symptoms. The P6 (Pericardium 6) point is located on your inner wrist, about three finger widths below the palm crease. Applying gentle pressure here can help reduce the nausea and vomiting that often come with vertigo.

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Conclusion

Essential oils for vertigo are gaining traction as a valuable, natural complement to conventional treatments. Their ability to address common symptoms like nausea, anxiety, and dizziness makes them a compelling option for many seeking relief. By understanding the properties of key oils like ginger and peppermint, individuals can take a more proactive approach to managing their symptoms and improving their quality of life.

At last, the decision to incorporate essential oils into your vertigo management plan is a personal one that should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional. They can be a powerful tool when used responsibly and in conjunction with medical advice. The growing popularity of essential oils for vertigo in 2025 emphasizes a broader trend towards natural, patient-led wellness. Essential oils offer a new path to finding balance and stability in a world that can sometimes feel like it’s spinning out of control.

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Reference: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001432.htm#:~:text=Vertigo%20is%20a%20sensation%20of,world%20is%20spinning%20around%20them