Natural Remedies for Ear Infections
Garlic is a traditional remedy for the ears.
In this article, we will define ear infections and explore how we can successfully approach them with herbs, essential oils, and other natural treatments.
Ear infections, also called otitis media, are infections of the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum. They are often caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Exposure to tobacco smoke or high levels of air pollution can increase the risk of ear infections. Babies who drink from a bottle, especially while lying down, tend to have more ear infections than babies who are breastfed. If unresolved, over time ear infections can lead to hearing loss. Pressure caused by the buildup of fluid behind the eardrum can sometimes cause tearing of the eardrum. Although most eardrum tears heal within 72 hours, in some cases, surgical repair is needed.
Ear infections are common, especially among younger children. As we get older the Eustachian tubes, canals that drain the middle ear, lengthen, widen, and slope down more. This allows for better drainage and lessens the chance of infection. Yet for some like me, ear infections can flare up with head colds, flu, sore throat, sinus infections, seasonal allergies, and under times of stress.
Herbal Ear Drops
Symptoms
Ear infections can be very painful, caused by inflammation and pressure. Pain is often worse when lying down. Onset is usually rapid and symptoms such as headache, loss of balance, and fever can present. Small children may tug or pull at their ears, cry, become irritable, have difficulty sleeping or hearing, and may develop a fever.
Ear infections can often clear up on their own, so treatment might begin with managing pain and monitoring the problem. Tubes can be a good physical solution for chronic ear infections. If ear infections persist, I generally view tubes as a better choice than antibiotics. Our son got ear tubes as a toddler when he was having trouble hearing due to chronic infections that were affecting his speech.
Natural Treatments
One of my favorite ways to deal with ear infections is by putting herbal drops in the ears. I like ear oils, especially for younger children and animals. For older children or adults, I am partial to herbal tinctures (or extracts). Note: Never put anything in the ears if the eardrum has ruptured.
How To Administer Ear Drops
If you are using an herbal oil, it's nice to warm it by running the dropper under hot water. Then wipe it with a clean cloth to prevent water from getting in the ear. Lay on one side and put about 5 drops of tincture or oil in the ear. Rest on your side for five minutes or until you can slightly “taste and smell” the drops. Then put a cotton ball over your ear, roll over, and treat the other side. Always treat both sides whether you have symptoms in both ears or not. In this way, you decrease the possibility of a double ear infection.
Mullein Flowers
Natural Remedies for Ear Infections
Herbs:
The following herbs can be helpful when taken internally or used topically for the ear.
Herbs: Echinacea spp. (Echinacea), Allium sativum (Garlic), Usnea spp. (Usenea), Anemopsis californica (Yerba mansa), Verbascum thapsus (Mullein), Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal), Propolis, Populus spp. (Poplar)
Supplements:
Supplements can encourage immune function and tissue repair, aiding in recovery.
Vitamin C and flavonoids can be helpful to support the immune system. Dosage: take the age of the person in years multiplied by 50 mg. This dosage can be taken every 2 hours or until bowel tolerance is reached (meaning lower the dose if the person starts getting symptoms of diarrhea).
Essential oils:
Essential oils should only be inhaled or diluted and used topically. Note: These oils are not for internal use. Please don’t consume them orally.
Essential oils: Lavandula spp. (Lavender), Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree), Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile), Inula graveolens, Salvia rosmarinus (Rosemary) (verbenone type), Mentha piperita (Peppermint), Thymus vulgaris (Thyme), Satureja montana (Savory), Eucalyptus radiata. Please see the Ear Rub essential oil blend below.
Diet:
If ear infections become chronic, look for food allergies! It can also be helpful to eliminate dairy, gluten, and sugar for the duration of an infection.
Thyme
Topical Treatments
Ear drop recipes are often all that is needed to nip an ear infection in the bud. Please see the recipes below.
A hot, wet compress over the ear can soothe and encourage healthy blood flow to the area. To use a compress, soak a washcloth in hot (but not scalding) water (an herbal infusion or tea can be used as well). Place the washcloth over the ear for a few minutes until the cloth cools. This can be done several times in a row to encourage circulation and ear drainage.
Neti pots help reduce inflammation and infection by reducing infection and congestion of the upper respiratory system and sinuses. This helps encourage drainage of the estuation tubes. See my article on Herbs for the Sinuses to learn how to use a neti pot here.
Humidifiers can moisten dry air and help keep mucus membranes healthy. This helps keep the ears healthy and reduces the overall chances of cold, flu, and respiratory infection.
Herbal Recipes
Mullein Flower Ear Oil:
1 oz Hypericum perforatum (St John’s Wort) oil
1 oz Calendula officinalis (Calendula) oil
2 oz Allium sativum (Garlic) oil
2 oz Verbascum thapsus (Mullein) Flower oil
¼ teaspoon Vitamin E Oil
Mix all ingredients in a dark glass dropper bottle and label well. Warm a dropper of the ear oil under hot water and dry with a cloth. Add 5 drops to each ear and cover each with a cotton ball. Keep the drops in the ear for at least 5 minutes. Put a cotton ball or tissue over the ear and turn onto your other side, letting the ear drain into the cotton ball. Apply 2 x daily for earache, sinus infection, or excessive earwax. Never use with a perforated eardrum. This recipe can also be used before and after ear candling. Always treat both ears.
Calendula
Herbal Ear Infection Drops:
1 ounce Salvia Apiana (White sage) tincture
1 ounce Echinacea spp. (Echinacea) tincture
1 ounce Verbascum thapsus (Mullein) flower tincture
1/3 ounce vegetable glycerin
Mix all ingredients in a glass dropper bottle and label well. Dosage: lay on your side and add 5 drops to the ear. Keep it in the ear until you can “taste and smell” it. Put a cotton ball or tissue over the ear and turn onto your other side, letting it drain into the cotton ball. Apply 2 x daily and always treat both ears. Never use with a perforated eardrum.
Ear Rub Essential Oil:
15 ml (1/2 ounce) Calendula officinalis (Calendula) Oil (or another fixed oil)
20 drops Salvia rosmarinus (Rosemary) essential oil
20 drops Pelargonium gravolens (Geranium) essential oil
20 drops Eucalyptus globulus essential oil
20 drops Citrus limonum (lemon) essential oil
Add all oils together and mix well. Store in a darkly colored glass bottle and label. Dab a small amount on the finger and rub it from behind the upper back of the ear down the side of the neck twice a day. Ear Rub Essential Oil is good for ear infections, sinus problems, and swollen lymph nodes.
In Conclusion
I find that I can reliably resolve an ear infection in several hours by using these natural methods. Remember to start as soon as you feel any ear pain coming on and continue the herbs until everything feels back to normal.
Please note: This article is for educational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease or as a substitute for advice provided by your doctor or other health care professional. Remember to consult with a health care professional before using any natural remedy especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a serious health concern. If a condition persists, please contact your physician or health care provider.