8 Natural Solutions for Ear Infections
Does your child suffer frequent or chronic ear infections? Does
it seem like the antibiotics just aren’t working anymore?
Is the doctor suggesting you get tubes placed in your child’s
ears but you don’t want to get the surgery? Are you looking
for natural solutions?
Childhood ear infections may be common, but they are not normal.
Unfortunately, the practice of giving your child antibiotics for
every infection may actually make the problem worse in the long
run. In fact, it is now beginning to appear as though children
treated with antibiotics do not recover any faster than those
that are not treated by antibiotics but they do suffer more from
repeat infections.
Ear infections are usually the result of inflammation or infection
of the middle ear. This can be caused by allergies (both seasonal
and food), infections (either bacterial or viral), ear trauma
or swollen adenoids (which also tend to be caused by seasonal
or food allergies). The only time an antibiotic will be effective
for an ear infection is when it is caused by a bacteria. Often
times, repeated treatment with antibiotics cause recurrences of
ear infections do to bacterial resistance and an overgrowth of
candida albicans.
When an ear infection becomes chronic, doctors often suggest
having tubes placed in the ear drum to allow fluid to drain. However,
this can often make the problem worse as the tubes can; them selves
become infected and often does not seem to improve the situation.
The good news is that there are many things that can be done
to prevent ear infections before having to resort to surgery.
1. It is absolutely critical not to smoke around children that
suffer from chronic or recurring ear infections.
2. If at all possible, breast feed rather than bottle feed infants
for at least 1 year. This helps to build immune systems and reduces
or eliminates early food allergies.
3. Check for food allergies. This is one of the most common causes
of frequent ear infections. The biggest culprits tend to be dairy
products including milk and cheese. Keep a food diary that also
notes any physical reactions that may occur in the following hours
or days. Eliminate any foods that appear to cause reactions and
reintroduce after 2 weeks. If the symptoms return, you can safely
assume that a food allergy is contributing to the problem.
4. Address potential candida infection.
5. Taken regularly, the herb Eyebright is considered an herbal
ear tube and will help increase drainage and prevent swelling.
The following remedies have been successfully used for those
experiencing an ear infection.
1. Echinacea or Golden Seal taken by mouth helps to fight infection.
2. A few drops of warm (not hot) garlic oil placed inside the
ear followed by a couple of drops of lobelia helps to alleviate
pain.
3. Colloidal silver mixed with a couple of drops of tea tree oil
may be placed directly in the ear to help fight a potential bacterial
infection.
Ear infections have become much more prevalent in recent years
but by using some natural remedies, we can get back to health
and reverse the cycle.
Nicole Bandes is a
Certified Herb Specialist who's passion is educating individuals
about natural alternatives available to them. Find more articles
by Nicole and order health supplements at www.naturallyherbs.com.
Copyright © 2006
by Naturally Herbs, all rights reserved. May be redistributed
only with full attribution and a link to www.naturallyherbs.com.
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