Ear infections most commonly occur in the middle ear or the area behind the ear drum. This type of ear infection is known as otitis media and is a common and sometime recurrent affliction of infancy and early childhood. Ear infections can be caused by a variety of infectious organisms, namely bacteria and viruses. Alternative treatments for ear infections attempt to reduce susceptibility, treat the infection, relieve pain and other associated symptoms as well as prevent recurrences. The use of such remedies should be discussed beforehand with your health care practitioner.
Echinacea
Echinacea is an herb well known for its immune boosting and antimicrobial activities and is often the first remedy enlisted to fight a cold. Ear infections, particularly middle ear infections generally occur as complications of a cold or upper respiratory infection (URI).
The Eustachian tube, which leads from each ear to the back of the throat functions to equilibrate ear pressure with swallowing. This passageway can become blocked by URI congestion and inflammation and develop into a breeding ground for microbes. In children, this tube is also more horizontal than in adults, allowing for ease of fluid and microbial accumulation.
The book, “Evidenced-based Otitis Media” by Dr. Richard M. Rosenfeld notes that Echinacea pallida may assist in shortening the duration of a URI and possibly preventing consequential events like ear infections. Some people may be allergic to Echinacea so it is important to discuss this herb with your doctor before use.
Herbal Ear Drops
Ear drops containing pain relieving substances are used as a mainstay remedy in the conventional medical approach to treating ear infections. Interestingly, an olive oil extract of four herbs has been found to be as effective as the pain relief provided by prescription ear drops, notes a University of Maryland Medical Center or UMMC article.
The herbal ear drops contain garlic, mullein, St. John’s wort and calendula. The herbal education organization website, HerbalEd, notes the drops work to inhibit growth and kill bacteria, decrease inflammation and itching, reduce pain and soften ear wax for easy removal.
The diverse effects make this remedy useful for both external and middle ear infections. The suggested use of drops varies by product manufacturer and should be reviewed with your doctor.
Probiotics
Probiotics are the native and beneficial bacteria of the body. Their healthy balance assists the body in maintaining low levels of bad bacteria and other disease-causing organisms. A UMMC article on otitis media reports that sufficient levels of probiotics have been found to reduce the frequency that children get colds. Preventing colds theoretically reduces the susceptibility of ear infections in children, so discussing the use of these friendly bacteria with your doctor may be helpful.
Homeopathy
Homeopathic is a science of matching a particular remedy to the symptoms that a person presents. Although ear infections are common, not everyone will respond to the condition the same way so nuances of specific responses can be paired to a homeopathic remedy.
The UMMC article suggests that Belladonna may be helpful for a person who experiences a rapid onset of symptoms, extreme pain that radiates to the neck, a high fever, agitation and swollen glands.
Chamomilia, on the other hand may offer benefit when the pain is so intense that the child elicits screams, exhibits extreme irritability and can only be calmed by rocking or being carried back and forth.
Pulsatilla is used for the weepy or mildly whining child whose ear pain is relieved by cool compresses, desires affection and whose ear emits a yellowish/green discharge.
Mercurius is a remedy for chronic ear infections, but all alternative treatments should be discussed with a doctor.
Diet
Many alternative health care practitioners believe that allergies may be at the root of chronic ear infections. Food allergies are particularly suggested by Dr. Rosenfeld as a causative agent, because allergic response leads to chronic buildup of fluid behind the eardrum, nasal inflammation and congestion.
Common food allergens include eggs, milk, nuts, wheat, fish and soy. Dr. Rosenfeld recommends that a suspected food allergen is removed from the diet for 1 to 2 weeks to help identify allergens. He also notes that eliminating identified foods from the diet provides considerable relief by lessening the frequency of infections. All dietary changes should be discussed with your physician.
References
- “Evidenced-based Otitis Media, Volume 1”; Richard M. Rosenfeld, Charles D. Bluestone; 2003
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Otitis Media
- HerbalEd: Mullein Garlic Compound
