Tuesday 3 March 2015

How to nip an ear infection in the bud

Last month was a doozie in our house; a new born, more snow storms than ever before, and a cold that kept coming back. Admittedly with late pregnancy, the holidays, and all that the new year brought I had become a bit lax about my preschooler's immune support supplements. 
For the first time in his life my son complained of a sore ear. I took a quick peek at his ear canal and saw some redness and a little fluid behind the ear drum, but no frank infection. That day I whipped up an old faithful naturopathic home remedy, garlic ear oil. He did not love the sensation of receiving the ear drops, but by supper time his ear was forgotten and the slight temperature he had been running was back to normal. I checked his ear for the next three days and all was normal. 
Ear infection,  or otitis media, is one of the most common early childhood infections. This is partially due to the fact that little ones ear canal are more horizontal than adult tubes, making it less easy for them to drain on their own. An upper respiratory tract infection such as a cold, sore throat or cough can all contribute to fluid backing up into the ear canals. As this fluid sits it creates a localized area of inflammation and sets the stage for middle ear infection. 
Garlic is a powerful antibiotic, anti viral and it contains a natural anti- inflammatory; quercitin. Mullein is a commonly used herb in cough remedies as it helps to thin secretions, in this case, promoting drainage of fluid from the ears. 
 
Garlic Ear Oil
Ingredients: 
1/4 cup olive oil
4 cloves crushed garlic
Hand full dried mullein herb 
Method: 
Stir olive oil, crushed and peeled garlic and mullein in a stainless steel sauce pan over low heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally for 25-30 minutes. Strain with a wire mesh tea strainer oil into a clean glass jar, discard herbs. Allow to cool before use. 
Administration: 
Run glass jar under hot water to heat oil to slightly about body temperature. Fill a eye dropper with oil. Have child lay down on side,with affected ear up. Drop 10-15 drops oil into ear, place cotton ball to keep oil from dripping out, have child lay in this position for up to 30 minutes if possible. Repeat 3 times per day. 

For the treatment of sore ears I would also suggest gentle massage from behind the ears down the sides of the neck towards the collar bones to promote fluid drainage. Repeat 15-20 times always starting behind the ears and moving downwards. Implementing warming socks hydrotherapy can also be helpful to ward off early signs of ear infection, and to help reduce fever naturally. Place a pair of cold wet well wrung cotton socks on your child's feet, then place dry wool socks on top, leave them on overnight or until the feet warm up during the day. 
Please note, this home remedy does not take the place of naturopathic or conventional medical attention. It should only be used at the first sign of ear discomfort or if you know for sure the ear drum is intact. 




3 comments:

  1. I did have a recurring ear problem a few months back. Home remedies helped me a lot, especially garlic, mullein oil and olive oil. In addition to your post, I found additional useful info here: http://survival-mastery.com/med/health/home-remedies-for-ear-infection.html

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