Evaluation of QOL in Ménière’s Disease Treated with Herbal Tea / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

ABSTRACT

<b>Objective/Design:</b> The purpose of this study was to confirm the effect of herbal tea therapy (HTT) on Ménière’s disease, especially, about the quality of life (QOL). We studied 26 patients with Ménière’s disease who came to the International University of Health and Welfare MITA hospital between 2007 and 2008.<br> <b>Methods:</b> We divided subjects into two groups, one with 16 patients treated with herbal tea (HTT group) and one with 10 patients treated without herbal tea (non-HTT group). All patients were diagnosed as having Ménière’s disease and underwent otoneurologic examination, audiometric measurements, questionnaires of functional level and tinnitus every month. Moreover, we instructed these patients to keep a record of the number of times vertigo was experienced. In the HTT group, after 6 months of general treatment, we treated patients with herbal tea for one year. This herbal tea was effective as a diuretic, in promoting antivertigo, antistress, and relaxation. We compared results before and after HTT. Moreover, based on SF-36 questionnaires, we compared clinical symptoms between groups.<br> <b>Result:</b> HTT reduced the percentage of relapse and improved their Ménière’s symptoms, especially vertigo. QOL scores, especially for mental function, were higher in the HTT group than in the non-HTT group.<br> <b>Conclusion:</b> We thought that HTT might improve their mental health or stress and prevent worsening of Ménière’s disease.<br>