Babies and young children often have earaches. Earaches are classified as either Otitis externa, which is an infection and inflammation of the external ear, or Otitis media, which pertains to the middle ear. In the latter, excess fluid and mucous impair drainage through the Eustachian tubes. Symptoms of ear infections include pain, throbbing, discharge, and/or a feeling of fullness. Infants too young to talk may cry shrilly, pull and rub their ears, and have low-grade fever and/or diarrhea.
One of the causes of earaches is an allergy to cow’s milk and other dairy products. Other common allergens include wheat, eggs, corn, soy, citrus, peanuts and peanut butter, and tomatoes. A food sensitivity may cause an increase in mucous production and even swelling, thus creating blockage and pressure. For those with extreme sensitivities, even a tiny amount of the offending food may be a catalyst to an ear infection. For breastfed babies, the mother may need to be scrupulous in her avoidance of the offending substance, as it would be passed on to the baby through her milk. Here’s how to get natural relief from ear infections.
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR EAR INFECTIONS
To help the body fight an ear infection, use the very effective herb echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia). This herb has large polysaccharide molecules, which the body perceives as a bacteria, thus white blood cell production becomes activated, making the immune system stronger. One simple way to administer echinacea to a baby is in an extract or tincture form. Dosages on the bottle will usually be for an adult unless you purchase a product dosed for kids such as Wishgarden Herbs. Look for kid-friendly tinctures made with vegetable glycerin rather than alcohol. They can be placed directly in the child’s mouth or added to tea, juice, cup, or bottle.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Bottle-fed babies have more frequent ear infections than those who are nursed. Not only is there more exposure to possible allergenic substances, but the baby given a bottle has to suck harder, which creates more negative pressure in the Eustachian tubes. Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding while the baby is lying in a prone position may also contribute to more frequent ear infections as milk or fluid can drain into the ears. It is best to hold the child slightly more upright. Teething infants are often prone to ear infections, especially when molars are coming in, as this may cause swelling in the maxilla bone plate.
Cures from Grandma’s Kitchen
Make your own teething solution with 5 drops each of essential oil of cloves and anise diluted in 2 tablespoons olive oil. Rub a small amount on the afflicted area up to four times daily.
MASSAGE TO SOOTHE EAR INFECTIONS
When an ear infection is present, gently massage behind the ear, around the outer ear and ear opening, and pull slightly on the earlobes, massaging gently down the neck to encourage lymphatic drainage. Rubbing the temples helps increase blood flow to the area as well as to move toxins. Using a drop or two of essential oil of lavender makes this antiseptic as well.
GOOD TO GROW!
I often make my own ear drops in the summer by gathering the fresh picked golden blossoms of mullein, layering them in a clean glass jar with slices of garlic, and covering the mixture with olive oil. Cover the mixture with a piece of cheesecloth secured around the jar with a rubber band. This allows excess moisture to evaporate while keeping dust and debris out. In two weeks, strain and rebottle the liquid portion into amber-colored dropper bottles. These can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two years.
Thrifty Cures!
A simple way to treat an ear infection is to position the ear so that the sun’s rays are directly warming the painful region. Keep doing for up to a minute for a child or three minutes for an adult at a time, repeating if needed. It doesn’t cost a thing!
Stimulate the reflex points to the ears by pressing deeply for about 20 seconds in a circular motion at the base of and between the fourth and fifth toes. These points may be tender yet often provide relief.
Massaging children with two drops essential oil of lavender will help to relieve congestion and alleviate pain. Massage behind the ear, down toward the neck. Keep away from the eyes and mouth.
BEST FOODS FOR EAR INFECTIONS
For children old enough for food, give plenty of warm fluids (tea and soups) or lemon in water or 2 teaspoons each of apple cider vinegar (10 ml) and raw honey (13 g) in 1 cup (235 ml) of water to help thin mucus secretions. (Note: Do not give honey to babies under a year old because of the slight danger of botulism spores.) Goat’s milk is more easily tolerated, and its high fluorine content actually helps to improve lymphatic drainage.
Skip This!
Avoid congesting foods (dairy and wheat are common culprits) if you are nursing a baby with an ear infection.
REMEDIES FOR OLDER KIDS AND ADULTS
The remedies on page 148 work for older kids and adults. Here are a few more that older kids and adults can try:
• Deliberate yawning may also help to open blockages in the ear.
• For those familiar with yoga, the simple lion pose also helps to open the ears.
• During the night, it is best to elevate the head slightly to promote better drainage of the ears. (In the case of children, do this only if the child is old enough to sleep with a pillow.)
• When you are having a treatment done to your ears, breathe deeply and visualize sending healing energy to your ears. A painful ear is an ear calling for attention!
• If anger and turmoil fill your household, it makes sense to create more harmony so you will feel less compelled to “tune out” the negativity by perhaps psychologically blocking the ears. Louise Hay suggests that the person with the earaches, if old enough, frequently repeat the affirmation “Harmony surrounds me. I listen with love to the pleasant and the good. I am a center for love.”
WHEN TO SEE YOUR M.D.
If an earache persists for more than 48 hours, if the person has a high fever, or if the earache is accompanied by a discharge of blood or green or yellow pus, it is time to consult with a health professional.
This Home Remedies For Ear Infection article is taken from :
The Country Almanac of Home Remedies - Brigitte Mars
