What Is the Holistic Treatment for an Ear Infection?

According to Shiroko Sokitch, M.D., of Healthy Kids website, about two-thirds of children will have an inner ear infection by the time they turn three. Many adults continue to have ear infections as they age. Conventional treatments involve antibiotics and sometimes tubes in the ears to improve drainage. Holistic treatment for ears can also be an effective option.

Types

• There are three types of problems that usually cause ear pain---bacterial ear infections, viral ear infections and inflammation of the ear drum. Antibiotics only work for bacterial infections. Inflammation can be treated with ibuprofen or aspirin, but don't give aspirin to a child as there are potentially severe side effects for children who take aspirin. Supportive care is given for viral infections.

Considerations

• One holistic approach to treating ear infections is to strengthen the immune system to enable the body to fight off the infection on its own. This is particularly helpful for viral ear infections.

Oils

• Warm mullein oil on the stove to a comfortable temperature, not boiling. Use an ear dropper to place several drops in the sore ear and pull the ear lob gently downward to disperse the oil. You can also use olive oil in place of mullein, or a mixture of 1 to 2 drops of tea tree oil added to 20 drops of olive oil.

For a Child

• Dab tea tree oil on your fingers and massage behind the child's ear and down toward the collarbone to improve circulation and stimulate the flow of mucus from the Eustachian tubes. Also elevate the child's head so that gravity assists the draining process.

Other Suggestions

• Pediatrician Lawrence B. Palevsky, M.D., who is a Diplomate of the American Board of Holistic Medicine, chiropractor, holistic doctor and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommends chiropractic manipulations to improve the circulation of mucus out of the ears and prevent future infections.