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5 Natural Remedies for Ear Infections (Acute Otitis Media)

The middle ear : 1)Eardrum 2)Ossicles 3)Eustac...

Image via Wikipedia

I woke up last night with an earache.  It is only the third one I have ever had in my life.  There is inflammation and the pain is mild, which makes my ear infection perfect for natural remedies.

WebMd describes an ear infection as:

Ear infections (acute otitis media) occur in the space behind the eardrum, which is called the middle ear. Ear infections are more likely to occur after a cold or other upper respiratory infection has been present for a few days.

During a cold, throat infection, or allergy attack, the tube that connects the throat and the middle ear (eustachian tube) swells and prevents air from entering the middle ear. This can create suction, which pulls fluid into the middle ear space. The fluid becomes trapped in the middle ear, allowing viruses or bacteria to grow and cause infection.

 

It used to be that doctors regularly prescribed antibiotics for ear infections; however, there has been a shift in the medical community to prevent the overuse of antibiotics.  According to CBS News,  “only 1 in 8 children needs antibiotics to treat his/her ear infection.”

Here are five natural remedies for ear infections:

1.  Eucalyptus and Lavender oil steam:  Pour boiling water into a large glass bowl (do not use plastic). Add two to three drops of each oil.  Cover your head with a towel and breath in the steam to reach those areas connecting your ears, nose, and throat. Be careful not to use too much oil or too much heat.

2.  Garlic:  Boil one clove of garlic in 1/2 cup of water until the clove is soft, not mushy.  Place on the ear, cover with gauze or a cotton ball and secure with first aid tape. Do not push the clove into the ear canal.  Change daily.  The garlic helps draw the infection out.  This remedy comes from The Handbook to Alternatives to Chemical Medicine, which was my first natural health book.

3.  Hot compresses:  Take a washcloth soaked in hot water, and allow the heat to relieve the pain.  Repeat as often as needed.

4.  Mullein Drops:  Mullein is useful for so many things, and luckily, it grows wild where we live.  Make a strong tea of one teaspoon mullein flowers to one-half cup of water. Mix one tablespoon of mullein tea with one tablespoon olive oil and allow to sit overnight. Apply one drop of liquid in the infected ear.  Again, this remedy comes from The Handbook to Alternatives to Chemical Medicine.

5.  Breastmilk:  Just a few drops of breastmilk offers relief, although breastfed babies have a much lower rate of ear infections than bottle-fed infants and thus may never need this remedy.  Repeat several times a day.

*Remember, I am not a doctor, and this should not be construed as medical advice.  Ear infections can be extremely painful, and some require antibiotics in order to heal.  Never let your child suffer from a painful ear infection.    The New York Times offers the following advice as to when to see the doctor:

Careful monitoring of the child”s condition (watchful waiting) along with home remedies and common over the counter cold medicines may be a viable alternative to antibiotic treatment for many children with a first episode of acute otitis media.

  • In one 2000 study, 240 children under age 2 who were diagnosed with acute otitis media were treated with watchful waiting. After 4 days, only 3% of the children required treatment with antibiotics, while the infection cleared in the other 97%.
  • High fever, severe pain, or other signs of complications should warrant immediate attention by a medical professional.
  • Parents of infants should contact their doctor immediately if they have any fever, regardless other symptoms.

 

 
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Comments

  1. Valerie Lecoeur says

    November 4, 2011 at 7:25 am

    I have 3 kids, my 2 oldest all had multiple ear infection, my son even got tubes. With my 3rd child, i took her to a chiropractor right after the was born, she went a couple times. She has never had an ear infection in her life, she is 4 years old.

    Reply
    • Jennifer Lance says

      November 4, 2011 at 10:29 am

      I have heard chiropractors are great for ear infections. So happy it worked for your daughter.

      Reply
  2. Ace King says

    October 25, 2012 at 2:39 am

    Hi there,

    Just wanted to say thank you for these tips. So easy to carry out and use.

    Reply
  3. Dr. Charles L. Foster says

    December 3, 2012 at 2:04 pm

    Ear infections drive parents crazy and cause countless days of suffering for our young people. The search for safe, drugless alternatives will continue and many are being understood to be effective. In our clinic we approach it thru diet and with spinal care. Vertebral subluxations are often the cause.

    Dr. Charles Foster
    Chiropractor
    Rutland, VT

    Reply
  4. Kate Jeleen Manahan says

    August 30, 2013 at 7:51 pm

    For how many minutes do you need to place the garlic on your ear?

    Reply
    • Jennifer Lance says

      August 31, 2013 at 7:46 am

      overnight is best

      Reply
      • Kate Jeleen Manahan says

        August 31, 2013 at 9:11 pm

        Oh, thank you very much. This will really help me…

        Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 5 Natural Remedies for Ear Infections (Acute Otitis Media) – Eco Child’s Play | emedicalnews.net says:
    November 3, 2011 at 8:48 pm

    […] 5 Natural Remedies for Ear Infections (Acute Otitis Media)Eco Child’s PlayThis remedy comes from The Handbook to Alternatives to Chemical Medicine, which was my first natural health book. 3. Hot compresses: Take a wash cloth soaked in hot water, and allow the heat to relieve the pain. Repeat as often as needed. 4. … […]

    Reply
  2. 5 Natural Remedies for Ear Infections (Acute Otitis Media) – Eco Child’s Play | ehealthjournal.net says:
    November 3, 2011 at 10:55 pm

    […] 5 Natural Remedies for Ear Infections (Acute Otitis Media)Eco Child’s PlayThis remedy comes from The Handbook to Alternatives to Chemical Medicine, which was my first natural health book. 3. Hot compresses: Take a wash cloth soaked in hot water, and allow the heat to relieve the pain. Repeat as often as needed. 4. … […]

    Reply
  3. 5 Natural Remedies for Ear Infections (Acute Otitis Media) says:
    November 26, 2011 at 9:17 pm

    […] water, and allow the heat to relieve the pain. Repeat as often as needed. 4. … Read more on Eco Child’s Play Amazon.com WidgetsSpread the word, share this: « Previous […]

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About Eco Child’s Play

Our ethos is to provide news, information, and opinions on natural, green parenting to help your family live a greener, healthier life! Additionally, we offer personal consulting services to help you achieve your green living goals.

Jennifer is a vegetarian, yoga teacher, gardener, hiker, teacher, and mother that has been living off-the-grid for over 20 years.

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