When you or your child suffers from a middle ear infection, fluid such as mucus or pus is trapped in the Eustachian tubes, often the result of colds or allergies. Ear pain and difficulty with hearing are the obvious symptoms of middle ear infections, but the condition may also involve fever, runny nose, congestion, headaches, sore throats, ear ringing or neck pain. In some cases, natural treatments like garlic eardrops may be preferable to antibiotics and over the counter pain killers, but be sure to consult your physician.
Home Remedy Benefits
Because overuse of antibiotics may lead to a rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria, researchers urge doctors to prescribe home remedies and over-the-counter medications whenever possible. For middle ear infections, antibiotics are generally unnecessary. According to "The New York Times" Health Guide, a 2000 study followed children with ear infections who were treated with "watchful waiting" by their parents, which involved home care for symptoms. In 97 percent of the cases, the ear infections cleared up in a few days without the need for antibiotics.
Garlic Eardrops
Garlic eardrops are a traditional remedy for the pain of middle ear infections, notes herbalist Barbara Griggs in "The Green Witch Herbal." The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that herbal ear drops containing garlic can be just as effective as prescription drops for ear pain. Some people make their own, but commercial versions are available. Some include additional herbal extracts such as mullein, calendula and St. John's wort.
Homemade Garlic Drops
To make small preparations of garlic eardrops, sauté one garlic clove in 1 oz. olive oil. Cool, strain and decant into a dropper bottle for use during individual bouts of middle ear infections. For larger bouts that will see you through several ear infections, Griggs suggests layering garlic and mullein flowers, if available, in large glass jars. Cover the botanicals with olive oil, cover the jar with cheesecloth and let it steep in the sun for at least two weeks. Strain and decant into individual dropper bottles and store in the refrigerator for up to two years.
Caution
Always check with your pediatrician before using garlic or garlic-herb ear drops on yourself or your child. Some herbs may cause side effects, notes "The New York Times" Health Guide. Additionally, if you need to go to the doctor for a suspected serious case of ear infection, the oil in natural eardrops may interfere with examinations. According to the Centers for Disease Control, you should seek medical attention if the ear infection does not improve, if a fever of 100.4 degrees or more accompanies ear pain or if you notice bloody or pus-filled discharge.
