Herbal Remedies For Ear Problems

Any number of things can cause an earache. Middle ear infections, insects lodging in the ear, pressure from an airplane ride or sinus problems can all trigger pain and, sometimes, discharge. Young children are prone to ear infections, which cause excruciating pain, often keeping the child and parents awake at night and in a state of anxiety. Various herbs may be helpful in reducing symptoms and for speeding recovery; however, many herbs can also cause side effects. Check with your health care practitioner before using herbal remedies for an earache.

Mullein

Mullein is a medicinal plant used to treat upper respiratory problems, rheumatism, skin ailments and earaches, according to Virginia Tech Weed Identification Guide. The dried or fresh herb is infused into a base oil to make an infusion for use as an earache treatment. Mullein acts as an astringent to dry up mucus and discharge and also contains mild sedative and narcotic properties that kill pain, according to the Medicinal Plants of the Southwest website. Most of the mullein is considered safe for use when directions are followed, but its seeds are toxic if consumed. If you make your own mullein oil, remove the seeds before heating the herbs.

Garlic

Garlic possesses numerous medicinal properties, making it an all-purpose herb for use in fighting viruses, fungus and bacteria. It has been used for centuries to treat infections including earaches. Garlic can be used in several ways to relieve ear pain. You can peel and remove the end of a clove of garlic, wrap it in a small piece of gauze and gently put it into the outer ear canal, cut end facing inward. Don't push it right into the ear. Allow it to remain as long as possible and replace when needed. Do not use garlic in this manner with young children, who may push it into their ears and cause damage.

Another method for using garlic to relieve earaches is by making garlic oil. Follow the directions for making infusions, but use three to four fresh cloves of garlic instead of dried herbs. Garlic oil is special among herbal infusions in that it must be stored in the refrigerator to prevent the growth of botulism spores, according to the University of California at Davis. Warm the oil before using it.

Chamomile

A lotion or infusion of chamomile can be used to treat earaches. Chamomile was used traditionally in this manner and is still effective as an antibacterial agent for fighting middle ear infections, according to James Duke in "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook." Both German and Roman chamomile are equally effective, notes Georgetown University Medical Center. You can make an herbal infusion with dried chamomile. In addition to its antibacterial properties, chamomile has been recognized for centuries as a calming herb and a pain killer, two factors making it a wonderful remedy for soothing children suffering from earaches. People who are allergic to the daisy family should avoid using chamomile. In some cases, it may cause allergies and skin dermatitis. If you have an allergic reaction, stop using it and contact your health practitioner.

Herbal Infusions

To make an herbal infusion, use the dried herbs, available in most health food stores. Place 1 tbsp. of the dried herb in about 1 cup olive oil, preferably, and warm on the stove for 30 minutes. You can use another oil if you don't have olive oil, but it should be organic, to protect against the presence of pesticides and chemicals. Do not boil the oil. Remove the oil from the heat and strain through a fine cloth. Cool to body temperature and place several drops of warm oil in the painful ear followed by a cotton ball. Have the patient lie with the sore ear pointing upward for about 15 minutes to ensure the oil remains in the ear. If you prefer, you can buy the herbal extract and mix it with plain, warm olive oil to make the eardrops. Although it is not necessary to store the most infusions in the refrigerator, they should be kept in a cool, dark cupboard to maintain their potency. Keeping oils in the refrigerator will help to keep the oil itself from going rancid. Always warm oil infusions to body temperature before using them. Never put liquids into an ear where you suspect a broken eardrum.