Having an earache can be an unpleasant and painful experience, and one that parents dread in young children. Various natural treatments and homeopathic remedies may be helpful in relieving ear pain inside the ear canal and involving the outer ear. Homeopathy uses minute doses of a substance to initiate the body's natural response to a stimulus, allowing the person to heal.
Chamomilla
Chamomilla is indicated for the treatment of all forms of earaches in either the right or left ear when the pain is excruciating, according to "Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines." During the earache, the child may scream and cannot be consoled. Chamomilla is indicated for children with irascible, cross dispositions, who are cross and angry, throw things and need to be rocked or carried for comfort.
Belladona
The remedy Belladona is indicated for ear pain that has a sudden onset, often at night. The pains tend to be worse in the right ear, with the child experiencing terrible throbbing and redness of the outer ear, says "Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines." Belladona is frequently indicated for earaches that occur during teething and the child may have a high fever, be flushed red in the face, feel very hot to the touch and have a glassy-eyed appearance.
Pulsatilla
Pulsatilla may help an earache that comes and goes and moves from one ear to the other, according to Dr. William Boericke in the "Materia Medica and Repertory." The outer ear may be red and swollen with a smelly, yellow discharge coming from the ear canal. The pain is usually worse at night and the ears feel stopped up. Pulsatilla may help a child who is warm and wants the window open or to be exposed to cool air. The child will generally be mildly irritable and whiny, wanting comfort and company.
Verbascum
Verbascum is indicated in earaches affecting mostly the left ear and side of the face. There is tremendous pain and a feeling as though the area is being pinched with a metal pliers or tongs. Parents may find that talking, sneezing or a change of temperature aggravates the pains in the ear, both inside and out, adds Boericke.
Other Considerations
There are quite a few homeopathic remedies that are suitable for the treatment of earaches of all kinds. Consult with an experienced homeopath to find the best remedy for your condition or your child. Some people keep homeopathic first aid kits at home with first aid reference books so they have remedies on hand in the event of an acute earache. Even if you decide to self-treat for an earache, consult your health practitioner if the pain persists beyond 24 hours. Most homeopathic remedies are available without prescriptions at health food stores and online. Ask your practitioner for dosing guidelines.
References
- "Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines", Stephen Cummings, F.N.P. and Dana Ullman, M.P.H. 1984
- "Materia Medica and Repertory"; William Boericke; 1998
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Otitis Media
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