Natural Cures Guide

If you’re a swimmer, then you probably know about the type of outer ear infection that involves the ear canal, typically resulting from swimming; hence the common name “swimmers’ ear.” Inner ear inflammation is not nearly as common, but it does happen. It’s caused by viral upper respiratory infections that extend to the inner ear.
If you do get this kind of infection, take all the normal precautions you would for any other viral illness. Be prepared to seek medical attention, because the symptoms of such infections can be dramatic: severe dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes difficulty maintaining a fixed gaze.
Other things that can make adult ears ache are traumatic injuries, foreign bodies lodged in the ear canal, and referred pain from swollen lymph nodes in the neck caused by sore throats.

HERBAL REMEDIES

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, E. purpurea, pallida)

This powerful immune-booster is the one to reach for when fighting an acute infection. Typical dosage: up to nine 300-to 400-milligram capsules per day; or 60 drops of tincture three times per day. Some herbalists recommend taking a dose every hour or two while you have symptoms. Caution: If you’re allergic to other members of the aster family, such as ragweed, you may be allergic to echinacea. Do not use if you have autoimmune disease.

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)

This herb, revered in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is the one to take long-term if you or a child seems to be prone to recurring infections. Typical dosage: Eight or nine 400-to 500-milligram capsules per day; or 15 to 30 drops of tincture twice per day.

Oregon Graperoot (Berberis aquifolium)

Berberine-containing herbs such as Oregon graperoot act as natural antibiotics. Studies show that berberine kills many types of bacteria, you can substitute other berberine-containing herbs such as goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), barberry (Berberis vulgaris), or gold thread (Coptis species). Typical dosage: 1 teaspoon of tincture in water three times per day; or up to six 500- to 600-milligram capsules per day. Caution: Do not use during pregnancy.

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Compounds in this familiar bulb kill many organisms, including bacteria and viruses. Studies show that garlic is active against some of the viruses that cause the colds and flu, which make conditions ripe for ear infections. Typical dosages: one or more fresh cloves per day; or up to three 500- to 600-milligram capsules per day (look for products that deliver a dose of 4,000 to 5,000 micrograms of allicin per day).

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

This pleasant-tasting herb is antiviral, antibacterial, and calming. If an ear infection has you feeling on edge, it may be just what the herbalist ordered. Typical dosage: 3 to 4 cups of tea per day (steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaves in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes); or up to nine 300- to 400-milligrams capsules per day.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Antiviral and anti-inflammatory, licorice may help tame an infection while fighting the viruses that caused it. Typical dosage: up to six 400- to 500-milligram capsules per day; or 20 to 30 drops of tincture up to three times per day. Caution: Do not take licorice for more than six weeks. Do not take it at all if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, disease of the thyroid, kidney, liver, or heart; or if you’re taking diuretics; or if you are pregnant or nursing. If you are taking other corticosteroids, consult your doctor.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Studies have found ginger effective in relieving motion sickness and other causes of nausea. Typical dosage: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of dried powder make into a tea (simmer in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes) or taken in capsules; or 10 to 20 drops of tincture diluted in water three times per day; or up to eight 500-milligram capsules per day. You can also suck on ginger candies (as long as the flavoring comes from real ginger) or crystallized ginger.

A HEALING HELPING OF HEAT

Ear infections can hurt–especially middle and outer ear infections. You can reduce discomfort by applying a hot water bottle or warm washcloth or by putting warm olive oil into th ear canal. You can also try an herbal ear oil. Look for commerical products that contain garlic, mullein, or St.-John’s-wort. Caution: Do not put anything in the ear canal if you have signs of a perforated eardrum (any drainage from the ear), or if you are going to see a doctor soon.

SWIMMER’S EARDROPS

If you have a tendency to get swimmer’s ear of feel the beginnings of an infection, you can make your own antibiotic eardrops or irrigation solution.

1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
One of the following:
2-3 drops grapefruit seed extract
3 drops of garlic tincture
3-5 drops echinacea tincture

Sterilize a 4-once bottle by immersing it in boiling water for 10 minutes. Mix all ingredients in the bottle. Cap tightly; store out of light. To use, put a few drops into the ear with a sterile eyedropper. Allow to run out of the ear.