Problems such as earache are particularly common in children, and they may be linked to infections in other areas, for example tonsillitis.

Earache (Otitis)

Pain in the ears can be caused simply by loud noise and exposure to cold, windy conditions, or, more seriously, by infection. A heating pad or wrapped hot-water bottle held over the ear will ease the pain.

CAUTION Infection of the inner ear (otitis media) is a serious condition -and medical help should be sought if it is suspected. Antibiotics may be advisable, particularly in children with a high fever. Untreated, it can lead to meningitis.

Nutritional and dietary therapy

If pain is recurrent, reduce intake of dairy products, drink 6-8 glasses of water every day, and cover ears in windy conditions. Regular supplementation with vitamin C, zinc, and garlic can also help.

Herbal Beauty

Herbal medicine

Put 2-3 drops of warmed almond or castor oil into the ears and seal with a small swab of cotton. Other effective drops are oils of garlic, hypericum, or mullein. A couple of drops of tinctures of pennywort, chamomile, yarrow, hyssop, or lobelia can also help. An alternative is a hot onion or mustard poultice placed behind the ear and left until the ache eases. If infection ‘is the cause of the ache, take echinacea tincture every two hours: 30 drops (half a teaspoon) for an adult; half that dose for a child.

Homeopathy

For restlessness and irritability: chamomile 3c. Following measles or whooping cough: pulsatilla 3c. In early stages or recurrent earache: ferrum phos 3c/6c, or aconite 3c. With flushed face: belladonna 3c. For discharging ears: hepar sulf 3c. Following infection: silicea 12c.

Tinnitus

A constant background noise in the ear, usually described as “ringing in the ears,” that you can hear but nobody else can. There is no single known cause, but some likely sources are depression, stress, anxiety, infection, high blood pressure, drugs, and congestion (with wax).

Herbal medicine

“Ear candles” are said to be particularly beneficial, though you will need someone to help. The “candles” are thin, hollow tubes, containing traces of herbs, that are placed in each ear in turn and burned slowly down to the ear. It takes about 10 minutes to do one ear. Wax and other impurities are drawn into the tube, and the smoke from the herbs is said to have a healing effect on the ear cavities. The technique is simple to perform and painless. The herb ginko biloba can also help, taken either as a capsule or as a tincture of equal parts with black cohosh.

Press a point on top of the cheekbone about a finger’s width from the ear to relieve ringing in the ears. Hold your finger in this position for a few seconds and release. Do as often as comfortable.

Hydrotherapy

Inhaling steam containing the same herbs that help clear noses and sinuses can help ringing in the ears.

Homeopathy

For pain with giddiness and a “roaring” noise: salicylic acid 6c. For ringing, tinkling, or hissing noises: cinchona off 6c.

Yoga and meditation

Head and neck exercises, such as slowly rotating the head and trying to touch your shoulders with your ears, can benefit by improving circulation. Meditation may also help.

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Ears Pain, Herbal Health