Childhood ear infections are a painful, uncomfortable affair that can effect the whole family. Unfortunately some children and their parents end up in the Emergency Room at their wits end. The issue is that the great majority of inner ear infections are viral caused, this means antibiotics will have NO EFFECT and the hours spent in the ER will not be of much help. Besides antiinflammatories/pain medications our superhero ER docs (Huge respect for MDs who dedicate themselves to frightened children and their families) will have very little to offer. Watchful waiting doesn’t mean you have to “do nothing”.

  • First things first– see me for a personalized herbal description for immune support and if appropriate (after an inner ear visualization) botanical drops to soothe the ear canal.
  • A healthy diet with immune boosting foods is essential to fight off infection and prevent recurrence. Foods that support are fruits, vegetables, protein, garlic and ginger. Keep them hydrated with age appropriate fluids which could include breastmilk, water, herbal teas, soups, broths or smoothies.
  • Onion Ear Muffs or Heat Application– Steam or bake an onion with the skin on until it is soft. Cut the cooked onion in half (around the equator if the stem is the North Pole) lay the child on their side with the “bad” ear up. Once cooled to a comfortable temperature wrap the cut, warm onion in a tea towel and place on top of the ear until cooled. Alternately a warm damp towel or sock filled with warmed coarse salt will also be helpful if the child doesn’t like the smell of onions.
  • Magic Socks- helps promote circulation, supports the immune system, relieves congestion/pressure in the head and provides comfort. Place a pair of cold damp socks on your child’s feet. Cover with a dry pair of thick wool socks and send them to bed. The socks will be dry and warm by morning. Magic!
  • Lymph node massage– Grasp the lower part of the affected ear and begin stretching and massaging it. After a few minutes of massaging the ear, begin using a “milking” technique to increase lymphatic drainage in the neck and throat. Place your finger in the indentation just under the ear and behind the jawbone. Gently stroke the neck downward from this point. Gently massage the lymph nodes in the throat area, too. You’ll know what they are because you’ll feel hardened, lumpy areas in the neck and throat. Cold-pressed organic castor oil can be useful to lubricate the massage and increase the drainage. These movements will dramatically increase the flow of lymph moving away from the ear, hopefully relieving pressure and pain immediately.