Could Natural Medicine Solve Recurrent Dizziness?

Suffering from dizziness and vertigo severely impacts the lives of thousands of Australians, but new research from Southern Cross University could be a “game changer.”

Researchers from the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM) at Southern Cross University believe a unique blend of Chinese herbal medicine might hold the solution. They are calling for adults aged 18-75 with recurring dizziness or vertigo to participate in a clinical trial.

Lead investigator Dr. Janet Schloss emphasizes the trial’s accessibility, noting it will be conducted via telehealth and online to reach as many Australians as possible.

“More than a third of adults over 50 are impacted by dizziness and vertigo, which is quite staggering. If we can fnd a natural preventative, it really could be a game changer,” Dr. Schloss says.

The 12-week, Australia-wide clinical trial will evaluate whether a Chinese herbal medicine supplement can help prevent dizziness and vertigo episodes. Additionally, the trial will assess if the supplement can reduce the severity and duration of symptoms when they do occur.

Dr. Schloss highlights the signifcant impact of recurring dizziness and vertigo on sufferers’ social, functional, and psychological wellbeing, linking these conditions to isolation, depression, and reduced independence.

“The anecdotal accounts of this product’s ability to prevent dizziness and vertigo for 6-12 months is very exciting. If this herbal combination performs well in this clinical trial, it could make an enormous difference to many people,” she says.

Co-researcher Dr. Mark Shoring, Principal Investigator and Chinese

Medicine Practitioner, notes the growing public interest in the potential benefts of natural medicines.

“Previous research has shown the effcacy of specifc Traditional Chinese Medicine formulations, and this trial, funded by Australian natural products company CMOL Pharmaceuticals Australia, is twofold: assessing whether this combination of natural herbs can both prevent and reduce dizziness and vertigo.”

The trial seeks generally healthy participants aged 18-75 years with recurrent dizziness or vertigo, who are willing to take a 2-week herbal supplement course and have fortnightly telehealth appointments. Interested individuals can sign up for the trial at scu.edu.au/dizzytcm or email dizzytcm@ scu.edu.au. Participants who complete the trial will receive a $100 gift voucher.