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Tinnitus, or ring in the ears, is a sensation of noise in the ears
in the lack of real external sound. Tinnitus itself is not considered a disease. Tinnitus rather occurs as
a symptom of an underlying disease. Tinnitus is often associated with the hearing loss to some extent.
The causes for tinnitus are very diverse and no common treatment for tinnitus
exists. Therefore, it is very important to track
down the cause in each case before any effective remedy like Chinese herbs can be chosen.
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Some common causes for tinnitus include: extensive exposure to loud sounds
(e. g., at work or iPod), ear infection, overdose of certain drugs (like aspirin), diseases like hypertension,
diabetes, Meniere's syndrome, atherosclerosis, thyroid disorders etc. Tinnitus can also be part of normal
aging process in elderly people or due to excessive sexuality, stress, depression.
Tinnitus can be cured when the cause of tinnitus is corrected.
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Traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) can be effective for tinnitus when
applied properly. It is necessary to first distinguish different patterns of tinnitus and then
select the right Chinese herbal formulas.
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1. Kidney deficiency. A common pattern of tinnitus in TCM terms is
due to weakened kidney functions. The TCM theory states the kidney is
fundamental to all organs and is the source for Yin and Yang. An early indicator of kidney functions is the ear.
When kidney functions decline tinnitus is usually manifested. This type of tinnitus often occurs to people
who are getting older, or have excessive sexual life, masturbation. The tinnitus is typically associated
with the weakness and
soreness of the lower back and knees and with dizziness. The tinnitus is felt as a buzzing sound, low but persistent,
day and night (may get heavier in the night time). A common Chinese herbal medicine formulated specially
for kidney deficient tinnitus is
Er Long Zuo Ci Wan. However, many Chinese herbal formulas for nourishing kidney Yin or Yang like
YinViveTM or
YanViveTM may help kidney deficient tinnitus as well.
Please note these herbal remedies do not apply to tinnitus that occurs suddenly.
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2. Liver fire. This type of tinnitus occurs suddenly. The sound may
be roaming and loud. The tinnitus may be related to emotional changes. It gets worse after irritation. The associated symptoms
may include red face and eyes, bitter taste, headache, dizziness, and mental irritability. The Chinese herbal medicine may be used for this type
of tinnitus is Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan. Another Chinese herbal formula
is Long Dan Xie Gan Wan, which we do not carry for concerns about its potential side effect and quality control.
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3. Blood Deficiency. The tinnitus is intermittent. The severity of the sound
varies. It often occurs after a major disease or excessive workload and is associated with sleeplessness, anxiety,
palpitation, lack of energy, and pale face. The Chinese herbal medicine may be applied include
Gui Pi Wan or QiViveTM.
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In addition to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ginkgo biloba has been implied in
some studies in helping tinnitus. You may see more discussion on the topic
here.
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All Chinese Herbs we carry are 100% natural herbal remedies.
They are time-tested and safe, with no pharmaceuticals,
no preservatives, no artifical colors.
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by X. Li, Ph. D.
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