Herbal Remedies for Ear Infections

herbs Herbs for ear infection will vary depending on whether the infection is an internal ear (otitis media) or external ear infection (otitis externa). External ear infections will often occur during summer months when the ear canal can become wet and bacteria thrive under these conditions. For this type of infection, herbal antiseptic ear drops that also sooth and dry out the ear canal are the principal treatment.

Internal ear infections require closer attention as to their cause; and this type of infection is often secondary to a bout of tonsillitis, sinus infection or a viral cold. This type of infection is more common in children because the eustacean tube is so short and infection can migrate easily to the middle ear. In many children, this type of infection can become chronic and it is important to treat the whole child in the first instance. This includes investigating diet, lifestyle and possible allergens and by boosting the bodies immunity to infection. Herbal remedies for ear infection treat the whole person, and bring relief to the symptoms of ear infection.

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Medicinal Herbs for Ear Infection

Wild Indigo (Baptisia tinctoria)
This herb is powerful antibiotic that is specific to the upper respiratory tract and ears, where it also a well regarded anti-catarrhal herb. Wild Indigo is especially good where there is sinus congestion and infection and where there are enlarged lymph nodes, as it has the added benefit of working as a decongestant and lymphatic drainer, while fighting infection. This herb is considered to be strong herb and has a fairly low dose range; the fluid extract has a maximum dose of 1.2ml for adults.

Echinacea (Echinacea spp.)
This popular herb for ear infection is available in a standardised formula known as Echinacin™. Echinacea can be used as a preventative measure to avoid ear infections, and has shown to reduce the incidence of cold and flu when taken at therapeutic doses. Herbal remedies for ear infections also need to include herbs that help reduce inflammation and assist in draining catarrh. While Echinacea is an exceptional antibiotic, it is surpassed by Wild Indigo for ear infections.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
The flowers of this herb are well known for their ability to promote healing and their action as an anti-inflammatory, astringent and antiseptic. In addition, recent research has indicated that Calendula is useful as a topical antiviral and anaesthetic, soothing inflamed tissue as it promotes healing. Calendula is a brilliant upper respiratory tract herb as is not only fights infection but also assists with lymphatic drainage. This herb does come with a caution though and should not be used where there is an allergy to plants in the Aster family, such as daisies and chrysanthemums.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
Like Calendula, this herb will help the lymph nodes drain and will assist clearing congestion to ease blocked eustacean tubes. Fenugreek can be used as a tea that will still have beneficial effects in lymph drainage and in fluid extract for more acute cases of ear infection.

Mullein (Verbascum Thapsus)
The leaf of this herb has soothing properties and helps to drain mucous in the ear. Where irritation, and inflammation is present such as internal and external ear infections, Mullein helps to calm inflamed tissue and relieve pain associated with ear infection.

Good Recipe for Herbal External Ear drops:

Mullein or Comfrey Root – 6 drops
Pulsatilla – 6 drops
Golden Seal – 3 drops
Poke Root – 3 drops
In 25ml of distilled water.

Dose: Apply with a dropper to the affected ear and gently plug with cotton wool. This can be applied 4-6 hourly.

The Use of Herbal Remedies and Herbs for Ear Infection

When using herbal remedies for ear infections, other causative factors such as allergies and food sensitivities that could be aggravating the ear infection, including diet, can play an enormous role in avoiding further infections.

From a nutritional perspective, Vitamin A and C will help reduce the viscidity of the mucous in the ear and assist in draining a blocked eustacean tube. It is also wise to remove wheat, dairy and simple carbohydrates and sugar from the diet, in order to give the body a rest from foods that may be increasing mucous production in the ears and upper respiratory tract. Fresh vegetables, lean meats and lots of fluids will speed up the healing process and decrease the chance of re-infection.

Herbs for ear infections help drain the ear, fight infection and boost the immune system, and a supplement that contains the classic infection fighting Vitamins, C and A, plus Zinc will give an added bonus to recovery.

"Health is not simply the absence of sickness !"
Hannah Green

May You Grow and Prosper.