Home Remedies for Ear Infections With Children

A child's ear infection may be treated without antibiotics when the condition is not severe. Home treatments can be effective in handling the child's discomfort. Herbal treatments are often used to treat mild conditions, but you should always consult a doctor before administering any herbs to a child.

Natural Remedies

• Warm water held against the ear is a home remedy for an ear infection that may relieve the pain and discomfort. A warm bottle of water is one method to apply heat to the area to stop pain. An old-fashioned method of applying warmth is a warm bag of salt.

  Another technique to use for ear infection in children is the Valsalva maneuver. Have your child take a deep breath and hold it. As you simultaneously pinch his nostrils, have the child blow his nose gently. Blowing too hard can damage the eardrum. This technique opens the tubes in the ears and may provide some relief from infection symptoms.

Herbal Treatments

• Herbal treatments and remedies are not without controversy. Discuss herbal treatments with your doctor before trying any of them for your child's ear infection. Most herbs are not dangerous, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not evaluate their effectiveness.

  Mix a paste with onion powder and warm water and apply it to the outside of the ear. Use this treatment to relieve pain.

  Heat garlic oil and apply a few drops to the inside of the ear. Garlic is frequently used for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

  Use St. John's wort oil on an ear infection to reduce inflammation.

When to Seek Help

• Seek medical attention if your child has a high fever and severe pain with an ear infection. This may be a sign of complications. Bring your infant to a doctor immediately with any sign of fever even if no other symptoms are present.

  When earache or infection is accompanied by a severe headache or stiff neck, it may be a sign of a serious condition and should be evaluated by a doctor. A doctor should check symptoms such as vomiting or nausea as well when your child has an ear infection.

  When home remedies do not relieve pain or the ear infection does not resolve within a couple of days, take your child to a doctor.