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 is the classic tonic for the liver and kidney in East Asian tradition, long associated with no…
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.