Natural Remedies for Ear Infections
Ear infections often occur due to viral illnesses that cause mucus production and fluid stagnation. This ultimately leads to pressure in the ear which causes the ear drum to bulge, become red and cause ear pain. Continue reading to learn natural remedies for ear infections! These natural remedies are safe for most ages.
Chiropractic Care & Lymphatic Massage
It may surprise you that chiropractic adjustments can be a game-changer if you [or your little one] are dealing with a pesky ear infection. Gentle adjustments in the upper neck can help restore proper function & drainage of the auditory tube to improve ear pain.
Along with restoring nerve function, chiropractic adjustments can help support lymphatic drainage. Lymphatic drainage is essential for ear infection treatment, since stagnant mucus is often to blame for the ear infection in the first place.
In addition to chiropractic adjustments, lymphatic massage and other soft tissue techniques can aid you to quick recovery. You can also utilize some of these lymphatic drainage techniques AT HOME, we will teach you how!
Home Remedies for Ear Infections
First things first… Use an Otoscope
Before you use any ear drops, it is important to see if the eardrum is ruptured. A ruptured ear drum will have a tear or hole in the thin membrane that separates the ear canal from the middle ear. You will need an otoscope to see this; here is a good one from Amazon. It’s not too expensive but it works well!
If you don’t know how to use an otoscope, or you can’t visualize the ear drum well, we highly recommend being examined by a healthcare professional before putting anything into the ear. If your child has ear tubes or a history of ruptured ear drums, you should also avoid ear drops and stick to the other natural options we share below!
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Garlic Mullein for Ear Infections
Garlic mullein is a simple, natural solution for ear infections. Garlic has antimicrobial properties, so it can help fight against viruses, bacterias, and fungal infections.
How to Use Garlic Drops for Ear Infections
Place 1-2 drops into the affected ear up to 4x/day. Lay with affected ear up for 5-10 minutes afterwards, or place a cotton ball gently in the ear to ensure the drops stay in the ear canal.
More Natural Ear Drops
Elderberry
Elderberry can help combat colds, flu, allergies, and general congestion. It also increases immune system activity to help fight against bacterial and viral infections.
Elderberry comes in a variety of forms, including syrups, drops, capsules, and lozenges. Elderberry often contains honey, so do not give it to children under the age of 1.
Onion Ear Muff
An onion ear muff may seem strange, but it can be an effective home remedy for you or your child’s ear infection! It should soothe ear pain but it also has antimicrobial effects to help fight infection.
Simply cut an onion in half and bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Cover the hot onion with a thin cloth and place the cut side next to the affected ear(s). You can move the onion closer to the ear as it cools. Once the onion is cool enough, treat it like an ear muff and for 10 minutes.
Bee Propolis
Another natural immune supporter is Bee Propolis. Bee propolis is what keeps the bee hive antimicrobial! You can find it as a throat spray, nasal spray, among other options.
Lavender, Basil, & Tea Tree Oil
Utilize essential oils as a natural ear infection remedy! Lavender, basil, and tea tree oil all have properties to naturally soothe ear pain and and treat infections naturally.
Essential Oils for Ear Infections
Use DILUTED essential oil of choice on the outside of the ear! You rub it behind the ear, in front of the ear, and down the side of the neck.
Nasal Sprays
Our ears, nose, and throat are ALL connected. An infection in one area is easily spread to another. Keeping your nasal passages clear and moist with a saline nasal spray can help reduce the risk of viral and bacterial infections. There are a lot of different kinds of nasal sprays on the market. Below are our favorites for kids.
Saline Mist Inhaler : this is more like a Nebulizer than a nasal spray. It works great for young kids.
Medical disclaimer: All information, content, and material of this website is for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.
Homeopathic Remedies for Ear Infections
These remedies are for guidance ONLY. Do not start homeopathic remedies before discussing it with a trusted health care provider. They should be able to recommend the correct option and dose for your child based on their specific symptoms and age.
Pulsatilla : pain is worse in the evenings, hearing is difficult, post-cold ear infections
Belladonna : high fevers, sudden onset, throbbing pain
Chamomilla : red cheeks, ears are sensitive to touch, child is irritable
If you are interested in learning more on homeopathy and ear infections, read THIS.
