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Earache & Infection
*Do not put anything into the ear canal if you have signs of a perforated eardrum, which would be drainage coming from the ear. Seek medical help if this is the case. These remedies are for earaches that result from cold, flu or respiratory congestion not for "swimmers ear". If conditions do not improve within 24- 48 hours a visit to the Dr. would be a good idea.
Before doing any type of remedies I go see the chiropractor! He can adjust the ear to allow for mucous and build up to drain from the ear canals, aiding in healing and preventing an infection from starting.
Avoid congesting type of foods such as eggs, dairy, wheat, sugar, orange juice and refined, processed foods.
Make sure patient gets plenty of rest and stays indoors for a couple of days. Cold air and running around will only aggravate the condition.
Give probiotics several times a day. This could be in the form of fermented foods, kefir, yogurt (plain), or capsules.
You can reduce discomfort by applying a warm compress (using any of the herbs below), warmed herbal sachet or warmed rice bag.
3-4 cups lemon balm tea per day, until symptoms subside.
Ear Infection Tincture (from Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health by Rosemary Gladstar)
1 part echinacea root
1 part fresh garlic
1 part usnea
¼ part ginger root
¼ part goldenseal (or Oregon Grape Root)
Make an extract with the herbs. Use ½ dropper with meals, three times a day. Just to clarify this extract is to be taken internally not in the ear. (Herbal tinctures can be purchased from Mountain Rose Herbs or check your local health food store)
Antibiotic herbs - 1-2 dropperfuls extract or 2-3 capsules, every couple of hours utnil symptoms subside.
Chamomoile, German
Echinacea - infection fighter, immune booster. I give 1-2 dropperfuls of extract every hour until symptoms subside.
Garlic
Lemon balm
Mullein flowers - works best as an herbal infused oil with fresh flowers. Use a warm dropperful or two in both ears 2-3 times a day.
Apply 2 drops of essential oil and 2 drops warmed carrier on a cotton swab and trace along the inside of the ear (ear well - not canal), also apply oils to outside of the ear, on the bone directly behind the ear and down the jaw line. Before bed place 2-3 drops on a cotton ball and place it over the ear opening overnight. I have used melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) and lavender successfully.
Helichrysum
Lavender
Melaleuca - tea tree
Myrrh
Ravintsara
Peppermint
Eucalyptus - radiata
Rosemary
Valerian - combine with helichrysum for best results
References
Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health: 175 Teas, Tonics, Oils, Salves, Tinctures, and Other Natural Remedies for the Entire Family
Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide
Herbal Drugstore by Linda White
Herbal Home Healthcare by John R. Christopher
