Ear Infection Treatments

An adult ear infection is treatable and any of the buildups can be removed whether it is bacterial or viral. Antibiotics are necessary for infections caused by bacteria. Fortunately, infections caused by bacteria are easy to treat. Viral infections, on the other hand, are more complicated and may need a myringotomy, a minor surgery where they insert a small plastic tube into the eardrum. This relieves the pressure from the buildup or from the infection by acting as a vent. The fluid in the ear that remained is also drained through the tube. The tube that was inserted will not stay there forever; it will fall out on its own after a short period. If the buildup or infection inside the ear is caused by the adenoids, removal is needed. Similar to tonsils, they are not necessary so they can be removed with no complications.

Acute Ear Infection Treatment

Fever, headache, pain, tiredness, enlarged lymph glands, diarrhea and sometimes nausea are just some of the initial symptoms of an ear infection. Treatments for ear infection at the initial stage are at its best with the use of antimicrobial herbs such as olive leaf extract, garlic and Echinacea. These herbs can be added to your diet or you can take them in capsules, tinctures or as tea. These are child-friendly herbs that are available in liquids and tinctures. Other herbs that is effective for treatment of ear infection includes Golden Seal, Gao Mao Ling which is a Chinese herbal combination, Pau d'arco, Cat's Claw and Wild Indigo.

Chronic ear infection treatment

For recurrent infection of the ear or chronic ear infection symptoms may include hearing loss, fluid congestion, and balance loss, ringing in the ear, ongoing fatigue and dizziness. The best treatment for infection of the ear with chronic cases is the Chinese herb astragalus which is a powerful herb. This herb strengthens the immune system and it helps in rebuilding stamina and strength. Astragalus is also good for preventing further infections.

Loss of hearing, dizziness and ringing in the ear or tinnitus are long term effects of an ear infection. For a symptomatic relief for these symptoms, a wonderful herb for this is Gingko biloba. It works by improving the circulation and the nutrient and oxygen supply for the ears.

Herbs for treating the lymph

Infections can affect the spleen, liver and lymphatic system. To help this, traditionally the herbs used are red root and milk thistle.

Herbs to reduce inflammation

The pain and soreness from ear infection usually comes from ear inflammation or the inflammation of the Eustachian tubes. Pain is caused by the pressure put on the nerves by the inflamed tissue and fluid. Characteristics of inflammation are swelling, heat, redness and pain. The affected area's function is also reduced. To some, a complete healing never occurs from an infection and it becomes chronic. Fortunately there are anti-inflammatories from a natural source that can help with easing the swelling and pain without any of the side effects from conventional drugs. My favorites are turmeric, ginger and cayenne. They can be bought in a capsule form or as tablets or you can use them in your cooking.

Herbs for reducing mucous

The breeding ground for viruses and bacteria is our mucus and it's often what helps infection to travel to our ears. If a lot of mucous is in your respiratory tract, herbs such as thyme, garlic, sage, horseradish and fenugreek are great. These herbs can be added to food or you can buy them as capsules.

Herbs for reducing fever

Fever, unless it gets too high, should not be reduced. It is there for a reason as it raises the body temperature so it can kill the bacteria or viruses that invade the body. For high fevers that febrile convulsions are associated with, you can use cleavers or coriander tea to reduce the body temperature so you'll feel a bit more comfortable.

Garlic and Olive Oil Treatment

4 large tbsp of garlic would be needed. Have some water and olive oil, just enough to cover the bottom of the sauce pan fully. Chop up the onions then let it simmer while occasionally stirring until the garlic looks dry and chunky. Straight its juice into a cup or a bowl then use an eye dropper or a syringe to put it in your year while you hold your head to the site for about 5 to 10 minutes. Tilt your head again to let the left over juice come out. Cotton can also be placed in the ear.

Lemon Juice Treatment

Squeeze lemon juice into your ear if you are experiencing bad infections or ear pain, keep the juice in there for a few seconds then drain out. I would usually place a cotton ball or a towel over my ear as it gets quite sticky. Lemon helps in changing the pH level in the ear. The bacteria are basic so if you add lemon with a low pH as it's acidic, the pH level gets neutralized in the ear so the bacteria can't live there.

Onion Treatment

Grate some onion then warm it in a microwave then drop a few to your ear using a dropper. I used this treatment with my kids when they were babies and it immediately worked. They were able to stop crying and went to sleep.

Garlic, Oil and Colloidal Silver Treatment

You can use garlic juice and put a few drops into your infected ear. Remove water that is trapped in your Eustachian tube by using a blow dryer about 12 or 15 inches away from your head. You can put olive oil on a warm spoon then drop 2 to 3 drops of it in each of your ear. Add lobelia extract in the ear, just a few drops, and gently rub it. Then wash your ear with colloidal silver, a natural antibiotic. Warm one teaspoon of mango leaf juice slightly and put drop by drop of it in your infected ear.

Steam Facial Treatment

Hot steam with essential oil is another great home remedy for your infected ear. This involves putting a towel over your head then sit over a container or bowl with the hot and steaming water with oil. There's more than one oil type that you can benefit from such as eucalyptus, peppermint and ginger. This is a steam facial home remedy and it can help in clearing up the congestion as well as the other symptoms that may aggravate the infection in your ear.