Some supplements may be beneficial for preventing fluid accumulation in your ears, which is a condition called otitis media. According to the Kids Health website, otitis media is an inflammation of the middle ear that is often caused by bacteria or viruses. Common signs and symptoms associated with otitis media include pain while lying down or chewing and fluid in your middle ear that pushes against your eardrum. Before consuming supplements to help treat or prevent fluid in your ears, talk with your physician about possible drug interactions, proper dosage and potential side effects.
Spilanthes
Spilanthes, also called Spilanthes acmella, is an herbal supplement that may help treat or prevent fluid accumulation in your ears. Spilanthes is a flowering plant that belongs to the Aster family and grows in Brazil. Most parts of the plant, especially the leaves and heads of the flowers, are used for medicinal purposes. Spilanthes has a pungent, aromatic and tongue-numbing taste and is grown for both medicinal and ornamental reasons. According to herbalist Ed Smith, author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," spilanthes has antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral action and improves the function of your immune system. Smith adds that spilanthes helps ward off many types of infections, including ear and respiratory system infections. Spilanthes is also known to help treat and prevent malaria and Lyme disease. Spilanthes stimulates wound healing and is an immune system modulator.
Stone Root
Stone root is a plant that belongs to the Mint family and can grow to a maximum height of 4 feet. The stone root plant has yellowish-green flowers that bloom from July to September and thrives in moist, woodland conditions. Stone root, also known as Collinsonia canadensis, has an astringent taste, possesses cooling and drying tendencies and grows in North America, from southern Canada to the Carolina region. According to Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic doctor and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," stone root is an alterative, diuretic and astringent that stimulates your mucus membranes. Stone root, notes Smith, has been used to help treat or prevent numerous health complaints, including middle ear inflammation, laryngitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, hoarseness, hemorrhoids and varicose veins. Tilgner cautions that stone root may cause you to vomit if you consume the aerial parts of the plant.
Mullein
Mullein, or Verbascus thapsus, is a biennial plant that belongs to the Figwort family. Mullein is indigenous to Asia, Europe and northern Africa, although it now grows in Australia and the Americas. The flowers and the leaves of the mullein plant are used in herbal supplements to help treat inflammation of respiratory and urinary passages. Mullein possesses a pleasant odor and has a bitter, sweet and mucilaginous taste. According to Tilgner, mullein is a demulcent, expectorant, astringent and alterative. An alterative is a substance that helps your body repair tissues and promotes healthy changes in your body. Dr. William A. Mitchell, Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that mullein contains numerous beneficial constituents, including mucilage, saponins and caffeic acid derivatives. Mullein can be used to help treat earaches, notes Smith.
References
- Kids Health: About Middle Ear Infections
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
