Earache Remedies

Earaches, which are infections of the middle ear, are quite common in children. 93% of 7 year olds will have experienced an ear infection at least once.

Usually parents bring their young child in to the doctor with an earache and leave the clinic with a prescription for antibiotics. However, in 1997 the American Academy of Pediatrics has made the public aware of the overuse of antibiotics for ear infections.

Ear infections can be serious in young children and need to be looked after at the first signs. In fact, whenever a child has a cold, that is good time to work on prevention of earaches.

Do work with a holistic caregiver or physician if the child is extremely uncomfortable during his earache.

The best thing to do is to try natural remedies for earaches first: dietary changes, enhancing the immune system and herbal ear oils.

Earache and Ear Infection Prevention

• Earaches and infections quite often arise after a cold or flu when fluid gets trapped in the middle ear. When having a cold, elevate the head to drain the ear fluid and take care to boost the immune system with rest, healthy diet, and echinacea.

• Allergies are often linked to ear infections, especially dairy allergies. Check to see if this is the case.

Earache Remedies

Echinacea Tincture or glycerite
is important to boost the immune system.

Lemon Echinacea Ginger Tea
I like to give this tea to children and myself during a cold. It also helps with drainage of the ear.

Garlic Oil
Garlic and mullein are excellent herbs for ear infection home remedies. Use these herbs in an ear oil. Place a few warmed drops in each ear and gently massage around the ear. This herbal ear oil will help with pain and the infection. Do not use this oil if you suspect a burst ear drum or if fluid is draining out of ear.

Other good anti inflammatory herbs besides the garlic and mullein, are calendula, lavender, and chamomile. These can be added to an ear oil.