Herbal Remedies for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

The word 'Benign' means not very serious, 'Paroxysmal' means it occurs suddenly and for a very short period of time and 'Positional' means it triggers with certain postures or movements. This condition is the most common cause of vertigo. It affects both young and old individuals. It is the most common cause of vertigo followed by head injury in young individuals and occurs spontaneously in the age group of 50-70 years. This condition is likely to be the cause of falls and other morbidities in the elderly. It has been established that the symptoms of BPPV are attributable to detached otoconia in any of the semi-circular canals.

It occurs when the tiny calcium particles known as canaliths clump up in the inner ear canals. It may occur without any reason or may be associated with age. The inner ear sends signals to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity which helps to keep the balance.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF BENIGN PAROXYSMAL POSITIONAL VERTIGO (BPPV)?

Often, there is no known cause of BPPV, therefore it is known as an idiopathic BPPV. It is often associated with a minor to severe blow to the head.

Ear's Role In Causing BPPV

There is a tiny organ known as vestibular labyrinth inside the ear which includes three loop-shaped structures known as semi-circular canals that contain fluid and fine hair like sensors that monitor the rotation of the head.

Other structures are known as the otolith organs which contain the crystals that make the person sensitive to gravity. They monitor the movements of head- up and down, back and forth, right and left.

These structures can be dislodged due to variety of reasons and can move into one of the semi-circular canals especially during lying down. This condition causes the semi-circular canal to become sensitive by changes in the position of head which makes the person to feel dizzy.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BENIGN PAROXYSMAL POSITIONAL VERTIGO (BPPV)?

The signs and symptoms of BPPV can come and go, with symptoms commonly lasting less than a minute. The symptoms can disappear for some time and they can recur. Some of the common symptoms are:

• Dizziness
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Loss of balance or unsteadiness
• A sense that you and your surroundings are moving

WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF BENIGN PAROXYSMAL POSITIONAL VERTIGO (BPPV) ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA?

In Ayurveda, this condition is referred to as "Bhrama" where vitiated Vata (Prana Vata) combines with vitiated Pitta (particularly Sadhak Pitta) and causes "spinning" like sensation. The imbalanced Sadhak Pitta aggravates Prana Vata which regulates the nervous system, brain and respiration and also decreases tarpak kapha in the brain.

Reference: Astang Hridyam Sutrasthanam, Chapter No. 11, Shloka No. 5 & 6

Meaning: In this shloka, symptoms of increase in Vata dosha are explained. Vata when increases produce emaciation or weakness, black discoloration in the skin, person will desire for hot things (like hot beverages and hot weather). and experiences tremors, bloating, fullness, distention of the abdomen, constipation, loss of strength, insomnia, loss of sensory functions, irregular sleep, delusion, dizziness, giddiness, vertigo and timidity.

Reference: Astang Hridyam Sutrasthanam, Chapter No. 11, Shloka No. 16

Meaning: In this shloka, the effects of decreased Kapha dosha are explained. According to this shloka, decrease of Kapha dosha causes delusion, dizziness, emptiness in the organs belonging to Kapha dosha, tremors of the heart (palpitation).

HOW PLANET AYURVEDA CAN HELP IN THE TREATMENT OF BENIGN PAROXYSMAL POSITIONAL VERTIGO (BPPV)?

Planet Ayurveda offers various herbal remedies which are very effective, safe and eliminate the root cause. These herbal remedies are prepared using the best quality herbs and follow the Ayurvedic principles strictly.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR BENIGN PAROXYSMAL POSITIONAL VERTIGO (BPPV) ARE

1. Shilajit Capsules
2. Brahmi Chyawanprash
3. Brahmi Capsules
4. Memory Support Capsules

Herbal Remedies For BPPV

1. Shilajit Capsules

Planet Ayurveda Shilajit Capsules contain the standardized extract of Asphaltum. Shilajit is a herbo-mineral drug which is pale-brown to blackish-brown in colour and is composed of gummy exudate that oozes out from the rocks of the Himalayas in the summer season. It contains fulvic acid as the main carrier molecule. Shilajit enhances the oxygen carrying capacity of blood and its diffusion into the tissues. It also improves blood circulation. Shilajit is considered as the best rejuvenative and one of the strongest natural supplements with the potential to eliminate all kinds of weakness.

Dose: 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

2. Brahmi Chyawanprash

Planet Ayurveda Brahmi Chyawanprash acts as a Rasayana which is prepared from herbs such as Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Amla (Emblica officinalis), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri) etc. These herbs work in a synergistic manner and give strength to the nervous system. It is considered as the best rejuvenator and fulfils the nutritional needs of a person; who becomes malnourished due to unhealthy eating habits. Thus, Brahmi Chyawanprah is very useful in the conditions such as BPPV.

Dose: Take 1-2 teaspoon with milk or plain water twice a day.

3. Brahmi Capsules

Brahmi Capsules by Planet Ayurveda are prepared using the standardized extract of the herb Bacopa monnieri. This herb is a very good brain tonic and improves co-ordination between limbs, tongue and brain. It is a very good anti-oxidant as well. Hence, it protects the nerves, heart and blood vessels, improves life quality, act as anti-stress tonic etc. Therefore, these capsules are very effective for benign parsoxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

Dose: 1 capsule twice a day with plain water after taking meals.

4. Memory Support Capsules

Planet Ayurveda Memory Support Capsules contain the standardized extracts of various herbs that work on the brain and nervous system. These capsules are a blend of natural ingredients that help in improving blood circulation to the brain, provide strength to the brain and improve its functioning. According to Ayurveda, these herbs are useful in increasing Tarpak Kapha in the brain. These capsules work quite effectively in the treatment of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).

Ingredients Of Memory Support Capsules Are:

Sr. No.	Herb Used	Botanical Name	Part Used	Quantity
1.	Brahmi	Bacopa monnieri	Whole	150 mg
2.	Vacha	Acorus calamus	Root	150 mg
3.	Shankhpushpi	Convulvulus pluricaulis	Whole	100 mg
4.	Licorice	Glycrrhiza glabra	Root	100 mg

Dose: 1 capsule twice a day with plain water after taking meals.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE

• Include plenty of raisins or dates in the diet.
• Add poppy seeds to the diet.
• Oil massage should be the part of lifestyle.
• Good rest is essential i.e. earlier bedtime.
• Sleep without taking pillow for better blood circulation.
• Exercise regularly to stay active and to avoid stress
• Regular Yoga and Meditation practice are also very beneficial.
• Limit the consumption of refined sugar, salt and alcohol consumption.
• Caffeine consumption should also be limited as it can aggravate Vata and Pitta doshas.
• Non-vegetarian food should be avoided as they are heavy to digest which can lead to kapha stagnation and thus inhibits brain function.