Find your balance: 10 natural remedies to treat labyrinthitis at home

Inside your inner ear lies a complex network of fluid-filled channels - aptly named the labyrinth. This intricate structure plays a crucial role in both hearing and balance. When the labyrinth becomes inflamed, it is known as labyrinthitis.

Superintendent Pharmacist Daniel Higham explains that labyrinthitis usually affects people aged between 30-60, and can affect one or both of your ears. Children may also be susceptible to the condition.

"There are various causes of labyrinthitis, with the most common being viral infections such as a cold or flu," explains the Merseyside-based pharmacist. "Bacterial infections - although less common than viral - could also lead to labyrinthitis."

What are the symptoms of labyrinthitis?

The symptoms of labyrinthitis can vary. You might experience these suddenly, and they could worsen as the day goes on.

What natural remedies can help treat labyrinthitis?

For many, labyrinthitis can be debilitating and disrupt your daily activities. The good news is that symptoms typically resolve on their own within a few weeks.

However, Higham says there are several things you can to do help ease these symptoms:

1. Drink plenty of water

Being dehydrated can make your labyrinthitis symptoms worse. This is especially true if you are being sick. Aim to drink 6–8 glasses of water a day, in small, regular intervals.

2. Lie down in a dark room

Resting on your side in a dark quiet room with your eyes closed, can help with your feelings of dizziness.

3. Get moving

As soon as you feel able, going for walks will improve your balance and help you get back to normal. It's best not to do this alone you until you are steady, and keep your eyes focused on a fixed object while walking.

4. Avoid alcohol and caffeine

Alcohol and caffeine consumption are known to exacerbate symptoms of labyrinthitis.

5. Use ginger

Ginger is well known to help with symptoms of sickness and nausea. You can also find it in foods or drinks such as ginger biscuits or tea.

6. Drink peppermint tea

Peppermint has a calming effect on the digestive system, which can also help with sickness.

7. Eat smaller meals

Eating smaller, more frequent meals will put less strain on your digestive system.

8. Up your vitamin D intake

Some studies suggest that a lack of vitamin D in your diet may be linked to inner ear issues. Foods rich in vitamin D include oily fish, red meat, egg yolks, liver, and fortified options like breakfast cereals.

9. Sleep well

Make sure you get enough rest, as tiredness may aggravate your symptoms.

10. Targeted exercises

If your balance issues persist for longer periods, see a medical professional as labyrinthitis should typically improve within a couple of weeks. Some exercises - such as Brandt-Daroff exercises, dynamic balance exercises and sitting exercises - can help with symptoms. These are used to manage symptoms of vertigo from other causes such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). These exercises, which involve slow, gentle movements to restore balance, should be performed under the guidance of an ENT specialist, trained physiotherapist, or trained audiologist.

Other treatments for labyrinthitis

In more severe cases, you may be prescribed anti-sickness or motion sickness tablets to help relieve your symptoms.

According to Higham, these may include:

• Antihistamines - these could be medicines such as promethazine, cinnarizine, cyclizine or prochlorperazine which help reduce dizziness, vertigo and nausea.

• Antibiotics - if it is suspected the cause is bacterial you may be prescribed antibiotics to help clear up any infection - although this is rare.

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) - these are a series of exercises that help improve balance and reduce symptoms of dizziness. Again, you should only do these while under the supervision of a health professional.

Can you prevent labyrinthitis?

While there's no definitive way to prevent labyrinthitis, certain lifestyle changes can help minimise your chances of developing it.

"Labyrinthitis can be distressing, but most people do not require any treatment and will recover well within a few weeks," Higham concludes. "There are treatments available for those whose symptoms are more severe and prevention techniques can reduce your chance of experiencing further episodes."