Herbs Traditionally Used for Dizziness
The Donguibogam view
The Donguibogam explains dizziness (hyeonhun) as either a shortage of what should rise — blood and essence failing to reach the head — or a surge of what should not. It distinguishes blood-deficient lightheadedness, kidney-essence deficiency, and heavy, spinning phlegm-type dizziness, with herbs recorded along each line.
This page organizes herbs recorded in the Donguibogam's herbology volume for dizziness, with original citations. Modern causes — inner ear, brain, blood pressure — matter greatly here; recurring dizziness warrants medical evaluation first.
Herbal reference is not appropriate in these situations — seek medical care first:
- Dizziness with slurred speech or one-sided weakness (stroke signs)
- With chest pain or fainting
- Sudden severe vertigo with hearing change or tinnitus
- Loss of balance severe enough to prevent walking
Herbs recorded for this concern
Prepared Rehmannia Root熟地黃
Prepared rehmannia is the richest blood-nourishing root in Korean tradition, made by steaming and drying …
Recorded as greatly tonifying weakened blood — central for blood-deficient dizziness with pallor and faintness.
Korean Angelica Root當歸
Danggwi is the foremost blood tonic of Korean tradition, central to formulas such as Samul-tang. Its name…
Recorded as breaking old blood and nourishing new — combined where dizziness stems from deficient or stagnant blood.
Cnidium Rhizome芎藭
Cnidium rhizome is celebrated in Korean tradition as the premier herb for blood-related headache, prized …
Called the sovereign herb for blood-deficient headache — lifts qi and blood to the head in dizziness formulas.
Goji Berry枸杞子
Goji berry, the fruit of a deciduous shrub in the nightshade family, is the classic tonic for the liver a…
Recorded as replenishing essence and brightening the eyes — for blurry, weary dizziness from accumulated strain.
Cornus Fruit山茱萸
Cornus fruit is a foundational kidney-nourishing herb in Korean tradition, valued for strengthening what …
Recorded as filling essence and tonifying kidney qi — for kidney-deficient dizziness with weak lower back and knees.
Frequently asked questions
I think my dizziness is from anemia — can herbs fix it?
A blood test to confirm and explain the anemia comes first. Traditional blood tonics addressed blood-deficiency patterns, but modern causes like iron deficiency or bleeding need their own treatment.
How does the Donguibogam classify dizziness?
Broadly into blood deficiency, kidney-essence deficiency, and phlegm-type — distinguished by whether pallor, weak back and knees, or heavy-headed queasiness accompanies it.
Is head-rush on standing the same kind of dizziness?
Orthostatic dizziness relates closely to blood pressure and hydration in modern terms. Independent of traditional records, recurring episodes warrant a check-up including blood pressure.