Numerous herbs may be helpful in treating your ear infections. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, an ear infection is an inflammation of your middle ear that manifests when fluids accumulate behind your tympanic membrane, or eardrum. Although anybody can develop an ear infection, children get them more often than adults. Before taking herbs to help treat your ear infection, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Garlic
Garlic is an herb and a food that may be helpful in treating your ear infection. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, garlic, also known as Allium sativa, is a perennial plant native to central Asia, but it is now grown throughout the world. Garlic, a member of the lily family, has a pungent taste. The cloves of the plant may be used medicinally to help treat numerous conditions, including ear infections, cardiovascular disease and the common cold. Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that garlic has been used to treat infections of your ears, eyes and throat as well as heart disease associated with elevated cholesterol, colds and flu and obesity. Garlic is an antibacterial, anti-fungal and immune system booster. Before taking garlic to help treat your ear infection, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Mullein
Mullein is an herb that may be beneficial in treating your ear infection. The website Botanical states that mullein is a widely distributed plant that grows throughout Europe and the temperate parts of Asia, as far as the Himalayas. Mullein also grows in the eastern part of the United States. Mullein, a member of the figwort family, has a sweet, bitter and mucilaginous taste. The flowers and leaves of the plant are used medicinally. According to Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," mullein is a demulcent, expectorant, astringent and alterative. Tilgner notes that mullein has been used to treat numerous health conditions, including ear infections, hoarseness, coughs, bronchitis, asthma and hay fever. Before taking mullein to help treat your ear infection, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Echinacea
Echinacea is an herb that may be effective in treating your ear infection. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, echinacea, also known as purple coneflower, is native to the United States and southern Canada. Echinacea, a member of the aster family, has a slightly sweet and pungent taste. The roots, seeds and flowers are used medicinally to help treat numerous health problems, including colds, flu and other infections, such as ear infections. Tilgner states that echinacea is an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal. Echinacea, notes Tilgner, enhances your immune system's resistance to infection, including ear infections. When taken by mouth, echinacea usually does not cause any side effects. Before taking echinacea to help treat your ear infection, talk with your doctor about proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
