My baby caught her first ear infection when she was eleven months old, along with cough and flu. At the time I knew just enough to treat her cough and cold naturally, but not ear infections. I didn't know what caused it, the risks, and how severe it could be. The doctor prescribed an antibiotic for the ear infection and I gave in because I didn't know any better, despite trying to avoid antibiotics as much as I can.
There can be three causes to ear infections:
1. Bacterial (which, theoretically, antibiotics can help)
2. Viral (which antibiotics will not help)
3. Allergen-induced
How to Treat Ear Infections Naturally
The problem is that it's not easy for doctors to diagnose the cause of most ear infections and so they commonly prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics are hard on our body. So far my little one hasn't had another ear infection, but I was determined to find a few natural alternative remedies in case it strikes again. Hopefully you will find this list useful if you're ever faced with one.
- Grapefruit Seed Extract. Mix a few drops in a small amount of plain water and put a few drops in the ears. One application usually relieves the pain. Nutribiotic sells ear drops made of grapefruit seed extract mixed with tea tree oil. Two drops in the ears two times a day.
- Onions. Onions are anti-inflammatory and have an amazing drawing power. You can do it in two ways:
1. Cut an onion in half and take out a couple of layers inside so that you have a nice hole in the middle of the onion. Heat the onion in a toaster until it is just warm. Stick the onion directly over the ear. Keep the onions on for at least 3-4 times a day, 30 minutes each time, until ear ache is gone.
2. Heat chopped onion that is covered with olive oil in a small saucepan for about twenty minutes on low. Let cool. Strain and use a couple drops of the oil in the ears.
- Ginger. Ginger is anti-viral and anti-bacterial. Grate ginger finely and squeeze the juice mixed with a small amount of olive oil. A few drops in the ears a few times a day.
- Colloidal Silver. It is a natural antibiotic which has anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. Two drops in the ears two times a day.
- Activated Charcoal. Activated charcoal removes toxins by binding other substances to its surface and absorbs thousands of times its own weight. You can do it in two ways:
1. Add some water to make an activated charcoal poultice and put a couple of drops in the ears.
2. Put the activated charcoal powder directly into the ears. Lay your head on one side so that you get a straight shot into the ear lobes. Note that your ears will be black for a few days.
- Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oils. They are anti-septic, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial in nature. Put one drop each behind or in front of the ears.
- Peroxide. Two drops in the ears two times a day. Caution - Only use this if the eardrum is healthy.
- Breastmilk. A few drops of breastmilk can speed up the healing process of ear infection. Although it may sound funny, it doesn't hurt to try if you're running out of options.
Notes:
- Before putting any drops in the ears, test on a the skin elsewhere first for possible allergic reaction.
- If the ear infection is allergen-induced, then you will want to address the root cause of the allergy, not just the ear infection.
- When dealing with natural remedies for ear infection, it is best to treat both
ears, not just the one that is causing the pain.
I do understand and remember that as much as I would like to heal illnesses naturally, there are cases where I can't or it's not possible and we need to turn to conventional medicine. My job is to be informed and do the best I can with the natural resources God gives me and then be willing to allow Him to direct us toward other help if that is necessary.
How have you tried to heal ear infections naturally?
Disclaimer: I am not a certified or a licensed medical practitioner who can counsel anyone in medical issues and cannot be held responsible for any decision you make regarding your health. This compilation is based on my own research and other people's testimonials. What works for them may not work for everyone and I encourage you to do further research or ask your doctors whenever you're in doubt.1. Add some water to make an activated charcoal poultice and put a couple of drops in the ears.
2. Put the activated charcoal powder directly into the ears. Lay your head on one side so that you get a straight shot into the ear lobes. Note that your ears will be black for a few days.
- Peroxide. Two drops in the ears two times a day. Caution - Only use this if the eardrum is healthy.
- Breastmilk. A few drops of breastmilk can speed up the healing process of ear infection. Although it may sound funny, it doesn't hurt to try if you're running out of options.
Notes:
- Before putting any drops in the ears, test on a the skin elsewhere first for possible allergic reaction.
- If the ear infection is allergen-induced, then you will want to address the root cause of the allergy, not just the ear infection.
- When dealing with natural remedies for ear infection, it is best to treat both
ears, not just the one that is causing the pain.
I do understand and remember that as much as I would like to heal illnesses naturally, there are cases where I can't or it's not possible and we need to turn to conventional medicine. My job is to be informed and do the best I can with the natural resources God gives me and then be willing to allow Him to direct us toward other help if that is necessary.
How have you tried to heal ear infections naturally?
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Vera had her first ear infection a few months back. Wish I had info like this at that time, but at least now I know! Thanks for sharing Vicky!
ReplyDeleteHi June, don't feel bad about not knowing it sooner. We do the best we can with what we know and have and let God takes care of the rest. :)
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