This condition occurs primarily because of swelling and blockages of the eustachian tube. This swelling allows for fluid to accumulate which produces an environment for the growth of bacteria and viruses. Common symptoms include: earache, redness, bulging of eardrum, and fever with chills. Most ear infections can be prevented through adequate water intake during a respiratory infection. Lack of good water causes the secretions and mucus to thicken, leading to the prime environment for overgrowth in bacteria and increased pressure.
Ear Infections- OTITIS MEDIA
EAR INFECTIONS
Holistic Remedy Guide
HOLIStIC REMEDIES
Ear infections are a great example of an infection that really shouldn’t be prescribed antibiotics. Some natural antimicrobials that can be helpful in supporting the immune system and fighting the infection, depending on what agrees most with the person, include:
GARLIC/OLIVE OIL-
Applying garlic oil (mullein drops) to the affected ear or taking garlic supplements may be helpful in treating ear infections. Adding to this Olive oil as it contains a compound with antimicrobial properties against a range of pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. Taking olive leaf extract supplements may be helpful in supporting the immune system and fighting ear infections.
**Apply warm (not hot) drops of herbal ear drops that contain either Echinacea, Mullein, Goldenseal or Garlic to the ear canal once a day. DO NOT do so if the eardrum is perforated. Before using any ear drops, make sure the ear is dry by dropping a few drops of a vinegar/ alcohol mixture. This prevents oil from sealing in excess moisture that could make the problem worse. Remember that oil helps to bring in and absorb the herbs, and glycerin will draw out fluid. Whichever product is used, be sure to flush the ear with hydrogen peroxide the following morning after the treatment to regain equilibrium that may have been lost due to fluid in the ear canal.
Tea tree oil/ collodial silver-
Applying diluted tea tree oil to the affected ear may be helpful. - Colloidal silver: Applying colloidal silver drops to the affected ear or taking colloidal silver supplements may be helpful in treating ear infections
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
ECHINACEA
Take Echinacea internally. It is an herb that is found to kill a broad range of disease causing bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. Echinacea contains a natural antibiotic called echinacoside, which is compared to penicillin in its broad spectrum activity.
EFA’s
Essential Fatty Acids are very important for those especially with recurrent ear infections. You can find these in foods such as nuts, seeds, and deep sea fish like Mackerel, Sardines and Herring. Also Flaxseed Oil, Black Seed Oil and Evening Primrose Oil. Test each individual to see which one best suits them.
Whole body/LIFESTYLE Recommendations
Make effort to open the eustachian tubes (yawn/chew)
Drink plenty of warm fluids
Lymphatic Drainage massage focusing around the ear. You can focus on pulling the earlobe down gently, stroking the neck and rubbing the temples. All of these actions will encourage drainage and increase blood flow
Eliminate all dairy and mucous forming foods from your diet until the condition clears. Dairy is known to produce excess mucus which further clogs the eustachian tube
Raise the head while in bed or while lying to help eustachian tubes drain
Stay well hydrated to encourage thinning of mucus
Eliminate any sensitive foods that one might be allergic or intolerant to
Avoid foods with simple sugars (white sugar, candy, processed grain products, popsicles, ice cream, sodas, fruit juices)
Alternative PractitionerS & Therapies for Ear infection:
Acupressure- There are points that can help speed up the healing and improve circulation to aid in recovery with pain relief from an ear infection. One point, the Third Eye/ Yin Tang, which is located in between the eyebrows and just above the nose- when pressed and massaged can relieve pressure in the sinus cavity. The Wind Mansion Point, located at the base of the middle of the skull can also ease ear pain as well as the Wind Screen point- just behind the earlobe.
Acupuncture- There are specific points around the external ear canal that are believed to be the primary gatekeepers of the ear's energy, and acupuncture on these points will assist in clearing the middle ear fluid as well as providing immunomodulatory properties.
Chiropractic Adjustments- Spinal manipulation therapy provided by a chiropractor influences the sympathetic and parasympathetic neural activity via the biochemical changes that are produced by the spine during an adjustment. This form of therapy also reduces tension and increases lymphatic drainage and opening of the eustachian tube. It is also seen that chiropractic care can help to prevent recurrent infections by correcting misalignments and allowing for fluid to drain from the middle ear.
Homeopathy- An alternative medicine to heal diseases by administering diluted substances that mimic the symptoms of those diseases in healthy people.
This practice is based on curing a disease by examining the current symptom of the person and the similar symptom the substance would cause. The homeopathic remedy for a given ailment will have a set description that should equate to the patient's symptoms. Most of these homeopathic remedies will combine a diluted extract of a natural substance that is combined with a synthetic compound, thus enhancing the therapeutic effect
Belladonna/ Ferrum Phos/ Hepar Sulphur/ Pulsatilla/ Chamomilla/ Soluble Mercurius/ Silica/ Colloidal Silver
Functional Medicine- A comprehensive healing approach that combines Eastern medicine, Western healthcare and the latest research in wellness. This is a new approach in healthcare that focuses on the cause of disease rather than just the symptoms. Functional medicine considers the whole body and takes into account the nutrition, environment, and genetic factors for one's medical issues.
Reflexology- I found much help from this method with my girls, especially with relieving pain that keeps them from sleeping. Reflexology helps to stimulate circulation to specific parts of the body, supporting detoxification and boosting immune response. For relieving ear pain, focus on applying pressure to the area that is in between the big toe and the second toe, follow the space where the toes meet the foot pad and massage away any nodules you might feel- this space corresponds to the Eustachian tubes.