Herbal Remedies For Swimmer's Ear

Swimmer's ear, a condition that may be acute or chronic, involves inflammation or infection of certain parts of your ear, including your ear canal and your outer ear. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that swimmer's ear, also known as otitis externa, is particularly common among teens and young adults, and that swimming in polluted water is a common cause of this condition. Before using herbal remedies to help treat your swimmer's ear, ask your doctor if herbs are right for you.

Swimmer's Ear

Swimmer's ear, notes the National Health Service of the United Kingdom, may be caused by an infection or allergic reaction in your outer ear canal, although in many cases, the cause of this condition is unclear. Possible contributing factors include scratching inside your ear, getting something lodged in your ear canal and damage that occurs when you clean wax from your ear. Common signs and symptoms associated with swimmer's ear include ear pain, hearing loss, ear itching and drainage from your ear.

Appropriate Herbal Remedies

Several herbal remedies may be appropriate for treating your swimmer's ear, or ear infection. Phyllis A. Balch, a nutrition researcher and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that echinacea, garlic, mullein, St. John's wort, olive leaf extract, goldenseal, astragalus and onion may all be helpful in treating your ear infection. Some of these herbs are ingested while others are used in eardrops and poultices. Further scientific testing may be required to determine the effectiveness of these herbs for this health purpose.

Featured Remedy

Extracts from the olive leaf help combat all types of bacterial and fungal infections, states Balch. In his book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," herbal medicine expert Ed Smith reports that olive leaf extract is also a broad-spectrum antiviral, and that this remedy has historically been used in treating irregular heartbeat and elevated blood pressure. Olive leaf extract may possess antioxidant action, and it is helpful in treating almost any infectious condition. The principal nutrient in this herbal remedy is calcium.

Warning

Certain ear infections, if not treated promptly and appropriately, may lead to serious health complications, including mastoiditis, meningitis and a perforated eardrum. Herbal remedies may contain many powerful constituents that can cause strong reactions within your body. Herbs, like prescription drugs, should always be used with great caution and in the manner instructed by your physician. Discuss all aspects of herbal medicine with your doctor before using herbs to treat your ear infection.