Intense pain and infection can accompany earaches, often making them a scary experience. Infection can develop behind the eardrum from an overgrowth of bacteria, which causes pressure and inflammation. If an infection is expected, a doctor should be consulted. Homeopathic remedies can help eliminate the discomfort of an earache, which can be especially useful for infants and children due to the safety and effectiveness of their use. Remedies are chosen based on individual symptoms.
Aconite
This remedy is most effective when used in the early stages of an earache. When throbbing pain comes on suddenly after exposure to wind or cold air, aconite may be indicated. When a person needs this homeopathic remedy, he may be agitated or fearful. Children may be restless. A fever may be present with strong thirst. Symptoms may become more intense around midnight and cause sleep disturbances.
Belladonna
When a throbbing earache is accompanied by a high fever, belladonna may be the remedy of choice. The ear may be bright red with moments of pain that come and go suddenly. Any jarring motion may intensify symptoms. Children in need of belladonna may be drowsy or restless and may experience nightmares when they do sleep.
Chamomilla
This homeopathic remedy is especially useful in cases of an irritable child suffering from an earache. If this child screams, yells and wants to be held and walked one minute, then put down the next, chamomilla may help. Heat and wind may exacerbate symptoms. Often, one cheek may be hot and red, sometimes both.
Hepar Sulphuris
Hepar sulphuris is often indicated when an earache feels like a splinter from the throat into the ear canal. The ear is usually very sensitive to the touch. Sensitivity to cold and drafty rooms is to be expected. When an advanced infection is present, this homeopathic remedy can be used along with mercurius solubilis as "homeopathic antibiotics", according to Dr. Ellen Feingold.
Mercurius Solubilis
Severe earaches accompanied by a ruptured eardrum with discharge may respond well to mercurius solubilis. This remedy is beneficial for children who are screaming in pain. According to Dr. Carolyn Dean, this is the most commonly required remedy for chronic ear infections. The individual in need of this homeopathic remedy may be very sensitive to hot or cold. Swollen lymph nodes may be present along with bad breath, sweat and drooling.
Pulsatilla
When an earache comes along with or after a cold, pulsatilla may be indicated. The affected ear may be hot or inflamed with a deep itching. Pain is often worse in the evening or from heat. The child in need of pulsatilla is often weepy, wanting to be comforted and held. He may be fearful and have a low-grade fever.
References
- "Homeopathic Remedies for Children's Common Ailments"; Carolyn Dean, MD; 1995
- "Homeopathy, Herbal Remedies, and Nutritional Supplements"; Ellen Feingold, MD; 2008
- "Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing"; Gary Null, Ph. D; 2005
