What Are Home Remedies for Vertigo?

Written by Nicole Schmidt
Medically Reviewed by Shruthi N, MD on September 28, 2025
9 min read

The spinning sensation and dizziness you get from vertigo can limit your activities and make you feel sick. But depending on the cause, some simple maneuvers (exercises or steps) you can do at home might bring relief.

The most common type of this condition is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). It happens when small crystals of calcium get loose in your inner ear. You may feel it when you’re getting in or out of bed or tilting your head up. People over age 60 are more likely to get BPPV. It’s also the easiest type of vertigo to treat.

Before you try to treat it yourself, see your doctor. If you have vertigo, you’ll need to know what type it is and which ear has the problem. To determine the affected side:

  1. Sit on a bed so if you lie down, your head hangs slightly over the end of the bed.
  2. Turn your head to the right and lie back quickly.
  3. Wait one minute.
  4. If you feel dizzy, then the right ear is your affected ear.
  5. If there’s no dizziness, sit up.
  6. Wait one minute.
  7. Turn your head to the left and lie back quickly. 
  8. Wait one minute. 
  9. If you feel dizzy, then the left ear is your affected ear.

If you have BPPV, certain actions can help move the calcium crystals that cause the problem out of your ear canal. That should bring relief.

Your doctor or therapist can show you how to do these moves.

If your vertigo comes from your left ear and side:

  1. Sit on the edge of your bed. Turn your head 45 degrees to the left (not as far as your left shoulder). Place a pillow under you so when you lie down, it rests between your shoulders rather than under your head.
  2. Quickly lie down on your back, with your head on the bed (still at the 45-degree angle). The pillow should be under your shoulders. Wait 30 seconds (for any vertigo to stop).
  3. Turn your head halfway (90 degrees) to the right without raising it. Wait 30 seconds.
  4. Turn your head and body on its side to the right so you’re looking at the floor. Wait 30 seconds.
  5. Slowly sit up, but remain on the bed for a few minutes.
  6. If the vertigo comes from your right ear, reverse these instructions. Sit on your bed, turn your head 45 degrees to the right, and so on.

Do these movements three times before going to bed each night, until you’ve gone 24 hours without dizziness.

This exercise is for dizziness from the left ear and side:

  1. Sit on the edge of your bed. Turn your head 45 degrees to the right.
  2. Quickly lie down on your left side. Stay there for 30 seconds.
  3. Quickly move to lie down on the opposite end of your bed. Don’t change the direction of your head. Keep it at a 45-degree angle and lie for 30 seconds. Look at the floor.
  4. Return slowly to the seated position, and wait a few minutes.
  5. Reverse these moves for the right ear.

Again, do these moves three times a day until you go 24 hours without vertigo.

Some people find this maneuver easier to do:

  1. Kneel down and look up at the ceiling for a few seconds.
  2. Touch the floor with your head, tucking your chin so your head goes toward your knees. Wait for any vertigo to stop (about 30 seconds).
  3. Turn your head in the direction of your affected ear (i.e., if you feel dizzy on your left side, turn to face your left elbow). Wait 30 seconds.
  4. Quickly raise your head so it’s level with your back while you’re on all fours. Keep your head at that 45-degree angle. Wait 30 seconds.
  5. Quickly raise your head so it’s fully upright, but keep your head turned to the shoulder of the side you’re working on. Then slowly stand up.

You may have to repeat this a few times for relief. After the first round, rest for 15 minutes before trying it for the second time.

Here’s what you need to do for this exercise:

  1. Start in an upright, seated position on your bed.
  2. Tilt your head around a 45-degree angle away from the side causing your vertigo. Move into the lying position on one side with your nose pointed up.
  3. Stay in this position for about 30 seconds or until the vertigo eases off, whichever is longer. Then move back to the seated position.
  4. Repeat on the other side.

You should do these movements three to five times in a session. You should have three sessions a day for up to two weeks or until the vertigo is gone for two days.

Ginkgo biloba is a plant extract that comes from the leaves of ginkgo trees. It contains two important substances that may be good for your body: flavonoids, which are a type of antioxidant that helps protect your cells, and terpenoids, which can improve blood flow by widening your blood vessels. 

Some small studies suggest that taking ginkgo extract might help lower the intensity, frequency, and duration of vertigo in some people because of its ability to improve blood flow to the brain, but there isn’t enough research yet to say for sure that it works. 

Meredith Evelyn Adams, MD, MS, associate professor of otolaryngology and neurotology at the University of Michigan, recommends talking to your doctor about other treatment options before starting any new supplement. “It’s easier to think about taking a supplement over things like changing your lifestyle, but supplements aren’t just unhelpful — they can also be harmful,” she says.

Ginkgo can interact with some medications, including antidepressants, diabetes medication, and ibuprofen. That’s why it’s important to check with your doctor first to make sure a supplement is safe and understand the possible side effects.

Repetitive movements can help your brain and body overcome the confusing signals of vertigo. They can also help you manage the sudden start of dizziness and motion sensations. 

When you begin these exercises for vertigo, start slowly and understand that initial reactions may make you feel worse. Make sure that you complete these exercises individually, taking breaks between each one. Speak with your doctor before beginning any of these exercises, and let them know if your vertigo symptoms become more serious or if you have any new symptoms.

Marching in place exercise

Marching in place can help you with balance while standing, and it acts as a stepping stone for more advanced movements.

Step 1. Stand near a wall or corner, or place a chair nearby. Place your arms by your side.

Step 2. Lift your right knee, followed by your left knee as you march. Try to raise your knees as high as comfort allows.

Step 3. March in place 20 times. 

Repeat this exercise two times a day, and try to extend each set to 30 marching steps.

Turning in place exercise

Turning in place is a more advanced exercise than marching in place. Make sure you have a chair or sturdy walker nearby in case you feel dizzy.

Step 1. Stand straight with your arms at your sides. 

Step 2. Slowly turn left in a half-circle, equal to 180 degrees. 

Step 3. Stop moving and stand motionless for 10-15 seconds. 

Step 4. Slowly turn right in a half-circle. Stand still for 10-15 seconds.

Repeat this exercise five times. As you complete each round, favor moving in the direction that makes you feel dizzier. 

When completing the standing exercises for vertigo, stand near a wall or handrail, or set up a chair, walker, or other personal assistance device in case you lose your balance. If you have a higher risk of falling, ask someone to stand close by as you work on these exercises.

Sleep problems are more common in people with conditions that cause vertigo, but not getting enough rest can make symptoms worse. 

While sleep alone won’t usually stop vertigo, Adams says that having a regular sleep cycle can make symptoms more manageable. That’s because sleep plays a big role in helping your brain and body recover. “Many of these internal symptoms are better when our schedules are more regular and when we are practicing good self care,” she says. That includes not just sleep, but also regular exercise and a healthy diet. 

Most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. If you want to improve your sleep, here are a few tips to try:

  • Stick to a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up around the same time each day.
  • Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and comfortable.
  • Create a bedtime routine that helps you relax. This might include staying off screens or doing yoga.
  • Avoid having coffee or alcohol close to bedtime.
  • Try sleeping with your head propped up on two pillows. Some studies have shown that keeping your head elevated can avoid episodes of vertigo at night.

When you’re stressed, your body releases a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol helps you cope with stress, but it also affects your blood pressure and heart rate and how well your nervous system works — which is why it can often leave you feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or off balance.

Stress and vertigo can create a cycle: Stress makes vertigo symptoms worse, while feeling dizzy can make you even more stressed. Adams says that this can make a person feel isolated. “It makes some people want to back away from daily activities, and that makes their symptoms worse,” she says. “If you can, don’t stay home. Try to focus on meaningful tasks or engagement. It helps the brain reset in the middle of these episodes.”

To better manage your stress, try these tips:

  • Practice breathing exercises or daily meditation.
  • Try to exercise every day.
  • Get enough sleep each night.
  • Eat a balanced, healthy diet.
  • Stick to a regular daily routine.

Vertigo is usually a symptom of another health condition and not a diagnosis on its own. This is why Adams recommends talking to your doctor if you have it. “It’s like saying that your diagnosis was pain without knowing what the cause of it is.” Left untreated, vertigo can sometimes shift from being easily treatable to becoming a chronic condition. In more serious cases, it may even be a sign of a stroke, which needs immediate medical care.

To understand what’s causing your vertigo, your doctor will ask about your health history — questions like how long your episodes last or whether you’ve noticed any triggers. “Going to the doctor doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll need to go through an inordinate number of tests,” Adams says. “Usually, a really good history can help us get to the bottom of what’s happening.”

There are plenty of simple things you can try at home to help with vertigo, including getting enough sleep, managing your stress, eating well, and doing gentle exercises. These can make your symptoms more manageable, but they aren’t cures. Because vertigo is usually a sign of another health condition, it’s important to talk to your doctor if your symptoms don’t get better or they suddenly get worse.

What is the fastest home remedy for vertigo?

Physical therapy exercises can bring quick relief from vertigo, but the best option depends on what’s causing your vertigo.

What can I drink to stop vertigo?

Dehydration can make you feel dizzy, so drinking enough water throughout the day may help with vertigo symptoms. 

Where is the pressure point for vertigo?

Applying pressure to the P6 pressure point, located on the inside of your arm just below your wrist, may help relieve vertigo for some people.

What triggers vertigo attacks?

The triggers for vertigo attacks are different for everyone, but things such as your sleeping position, caffeine, or certain foods may set off the symptoms.