Would you know of an herbal remedy or natural cure I might try?

DEAR READER:
Tinnitus is defined as a noise, ringing, clicking, or buzzing in the ears that affects more than 12 million Americans. Common causes are ears blocked by wax and damage from loud noises such as from lawn mowers, engines and heavy equipment.

Tinnitus isn’t an actual condition, but a symptom of an underlying problem such as injury to the ear, a circulatory system disorder or simple, age-related hearing loss. Less common conditions are Meniere’s disease and acoustic neuromas. Some antibiotics, cancer medications, diuretics, and almost 200 other medications are linked to tinnitus.

The most common type of tinnitus is known as subjective, caused by problems in the outer, middle or inner ear where tiny hairs move as a result of sound wave pressure. Tinnitus results when the hairs become bent or broken. It may be present constantly, some of the time or in one ear or both.

Avoid alcohol, loud sounds and other triggers. If you are bothered while attempting to sleep, try turning on music (or better still, static) from a radio at a low volume. If you are on any medication that is linked to tinnitus, ask your physician to switch you to another drug.

Herbal remedies include feverfew, Hawthorne, rosemary, ginkgo biloba and essential oils. Vitamins and mineral remedies include magnesium, vitamins A and C, and bioflavonoids. I am not sure how effective vitamins, minerals or herbs might be. The only thing I can say is that they should not cause any harm if taken according to packaging recommendations.

An over-the-counter drug known as Lipo-Flavonoid, has met with success, according to a number of my readers.

Because you indicate nothing can be done for your tinnitus, I interpret you have seen an ear-nose-and-throat specialist. If not, that is your first step. Determine the reason for this annoyance and demand an understandable explanation of why nothing can be done. If you remain dissatisfied, request a second opinion from your primary care physician.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Ear Infections and Disorders”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

I also have a solution for skin that bruises easily or appears blotchy. I simply chop or grind a naval orange, peel and all and then eat it with a spoon. I usually mix in some crush pineapple and artificial sweetener to make it taste a bit better. I generally eat one crushed orange over several servings rather than all at once. It generally takes a few days before the bruises and blotches start to clear up.

The orange thickens the capillary walls. When these walls “leak” it shows as blotches or bruises. I’ve noticed that most people with these spots are on aspirin or other blood thinners. The orange doesn’t thicken the blood. I believe it would be good for people with a family history of aneurysms.

DEAR READER:
You are one of many that have touted Rutin (also known as bioflavonoids) for hemorrhoids. Bioflavonoids also help with tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and symptoms of Meniere’s disease and is one of the main ingredients in Lipo-Flavonoid which I have mentioned in previous columns for inner ear abnormalities. I am passing this information on to my readers for their use and input.

As for the orange for bruising, I believe this works because of the vitamin C. I am unsure that your therapy actually thickens and strengthens the capillary walls but if it works for you stick with it. You may find, however, that simply taking a multivitamin or vitamin C supplement may due the trick and will be far less time consuming than grinding, mixing, eating, and storing the orange “pudding” for later use.

I should mention that easy bruising is often associated with aspirin and other anti-coagulant therapy only if the dosage is too high. With proper monitoring this should not happen. Other individuals who often have difficulty with bruising are those with anemia. This is usually caused by a lack of iron. Iron supplements are available over-the-counter and may also solve the problem. As I always say, if you suddenly develop symptoms, see your doctor who can order appropriate testing. It is always best to be on the safe side and find that the problem is minor and easily corrected than to go undiagnosed and later find (after symptoms worsen) that the condition is caused by something serious, such as cancer.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Blood — Donations and Disorders”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.