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| Natural Remedies for Ear Infections |
 drchristie writes, "Fever, ear pain, and irritability- a feared triad of symptoms for parents with a child that suffers from chronic ear infections. Almost half of all children will suffer from at least one middle ear infection (otitis media) before they're a year old, and two-thirds of them will have had at least one episode by age three."
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What is an ear infection?
Otitis media is caused by either a bacterial or viral infection and frequently results from another illness such as a cold. For many children, it can become a chronic problem, requiring treatment month after month, and year after year. Unfortunately putting the child at risk of permanent hearing damage and even more scary; associated speech and developmental problems.
Why does my child get them?
Otitis media commonly emerges when there is improper drainage of the lymph system in the neck, or when the muscle that is supposed to keep bacteria or viruses from entering the eustacean tubes (the tubes in the back of the throat that lead to the inner ear) does not work correctly. While both of these things can happen in adults, it usually does not result in an ear infection for two reasons: First, the angle and the length of the eustacean tubes are different in adults, allowing easier drainage and making it more difficult for a bacteria to invade. Second, adults tend to spend more time upright than young children do, which also encourages better drainage and decreases risk of infection.
In either case, the underlying root cause of otitis media is usually a mechanical problem. There is either a reduced or blocked drainage of the lymph vessels in the neck lymphatic chains that causes a build up of fluid in the inner ear, or a loss of normal function of the small muscle at the opening of the eustacean tube in the throat that allows bacteria and viruses from the mouth to enter the inner ear. Instead of treatment that tries to kill the bacteria or virus, a more natural approach would be to restore normal drainage of the ears and neck lymphatics.
So what can I do?
Home Remedies
Using blow dryer on low heat, about 12 to 15 inches from the affected hear, can assist in warming, and draining trapped fluid trapped in the Eustachian tube reducing pressure, and thus pain.
Natural antiobotics, such as garlic mixed with olive oil, colloidal silver, lobelia extract, or mango leaf juice in 2-3 luke warm drops, can be placed into the affected ear. The ear should later be covered with a ear plug or cotton plug for 2-3 hours.
Holy basil leaves are also an excellent adult ear infection home remedy. The juice of holy basil leaves, when put in the ears serves as a cleanser and disinfectant to fight bacteria and viruses present inside.
Dietary Changes
Eating diet rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, can boost your immune system, helping combat the infection.
Top 10 Vitamin C containing foods (in descending order)
1: Red and Green Hot Chili Peppers
2: Guava
3: Bell Peppers
4: Fresh Herbs (Thyme and Parsley)
5: Dark Leafy Greens (Kale, Mustard Greens, Garden Cress)
6: Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts
7: Kiwi
8: Papayas
9: Oranges and Clementines (Tangerines)
10: Strawberries
Increase Zinc intake, essential mineral for keeping a healthy immune system.
Top 10 sources of zinc (in descending order)
1: Oysters
2: Toasted Wheat Germ
3: Veal Liver
4: Sesame Seeds and Tahini (Sesame Butter)
5: Low Fat Roast Beef
6: Roasted Pumpkin and Squash Seeds
7: Dried Watermelon Seeds
8: Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Powder
9: Lamb (Mutton)
10: Peanuts
Traditional Medical Treatments
If home remedies are not successful, you may wish to seek professional treatment. The current treatment of choice by medical doctors is to prescribe oral antibiotics, usually amoxicillin, which can be helpful to get rid of a bacterial infection. But, according to many research studies, antibiotics are often not much more effective than the body's own immune system. And repeated doses of antibiotics can lead to drug-resistant bacteria, making infections even harder to treat and rendering drugs ineffective.
Most people have heard about the common practice of placing 'tubes in the ears' to relieve the pressure, and therefore pain, of otitis media. During this surgical procedure, a small opening is made in the eardrum and a small tube is placed in the opening. Although not a cure, this opening helps to relieve the pressure in the ear and prevents fluid buildup.
Alternative Therapy
An alternative approach is through your chiropractor - by helping to restore the normal function of the tissues of the neck, otitis media can usually be significantly reduced or completely eliminated in most children, without the use of antibiotics and surgery.
What to Avoid
Avoid going in front of any one smoking, as cigarette smoke can block Eustachian tubes. Wash your hands regularly. Avoid touching nose and eyes.
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Posted on Feb 15, 2012 09:06am.
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