Tinnitus is the medical term for experiencing sound, such as ringing, buzzing, or hissing, when no external sound is present. This sensation is often a symptom of an underlying condition, such as age-related hearing loss or a circulatory system disorder. Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) is an aggressive, low-growing plant belonging to the mint family. Although widely regarded as an invasive weed in North America, this plant has a history of medicinal use dating back centuries in European folk traditions for ear health and tinnitus symptoms.
Identifying Creeping Charlie and Its Traditional Uses
Proper identification of Glechoma hederacea is important before considering its use. The plant’s leaves are typically round or kidney-shaped with scalloped edges, growing oppositely along the stems. A distinct characteristic is its slender, square stems, common to the mint family. When crushed, the plant emits a pungent, herbaceous odor.
Creeping Charlie is a perennial that forms dense mats, rooting at the nodes as its stems creep along the ground, which is the source of its common name. It produces small, tubular, blue-violet flowers in the spring. European settlers intentionally brought the herb to North America for various applications, including use as a medicinal tonic.
Its historical use for ear issues, including earaches and tinnitus, is documented in traditional herbal texts. Herbalists classify it as an anticatarrhal, suggesting a traditional action of drying up excess mucus and fluid. This property is believed to be the basis for its application in cases of tinnitus linked to congestion or fluid stagnation in the ear-nose-throat system.
Preparing Creeping Charlie Remedies for Tinnitus Support
Traditional remedies often involve preparing Creeping Charlie for internal consumption as an infusion or tincture. An infusion, commonly called a tea, is a simple method using the dried or fresh aerial parts of the plant. To prepare a standard infusion, steep one teaspoon of dried herb or a small handful of fresh herb in one cup of boiling water. The mixture should be covered and allowed to steep for 10 to 15 minutes before straining and drinking.
A tincture is a stronger, more concentrated preparation that uses alcohol to extract the plant’s medicinal compounds. To create one, chop the fresh leaves, stems, and flowers and place them in a glass jar. Cover the material completely with a 40% alcohol base, such as vodka or brandy. The mixture is sealed and left to infuse for two to six weeks, shaken occasionally, before the plant material is strained out. Traditional dosage suggestions for the finished tincture range from a few drops up to a full dropperful, taken orally several times a day.
While historical accounts describe applying the crushed juice directly to the ear, modern herbal practice advises against inserting plant material or liquid into the ear canal. For external support, a poultice of crushed fresh leaves or an infused oil can be applied topically to the external ear area and neck lymph nodes. These preparation methods are rooted in folk tradition and are not standardized medical treatments with proven efficacy for tinnitus.
Safety Concerns and Lack of Clinical Evidence
Before using Creeping Charlie, consider the potential health and safety implications. The plant contains a volatile oil that includes pulegone, a compound known to be hepatotoxic, meaning it can cause liver damage when consumed in large quantities. This risk is amplified with prolonged or excessive consumption. High doses of the herb can also irritate the stomach, intestines, and kidneys.
Creeping Charlie is known to be toxic to grazing animals, particularly horses, causing symptoms like slobbering, sweating, and dilated pupils. For humans, the herb is regarded as possibly safe only in small amounts, such as those used for flavor or short-term, low-dose medicinal use. Substances within the plant have also been linked to potential harm during pregnancy, including the risk of miscarriage.
There is an absence of modern scientific validation for using Glechoma hederacea to treat tinnitus. Currently, no peer-reviewed, randomized clinical trials support the efficacy of Creeping Charlie for this condition. The plant’s historical use is based entirely on traditional knowledge and anecdotal evidence, not on the standards of modern medicine. Individuals should consult a qualified physician before incorporating any herbal remedy, especially if they have existing health conditions, are pregnant, or are taking prescription medications.