The most common ear infections in children are middle ear infections. These are usually caused by the transmission of infection from the nose or throat by the Eustachian tube. Because this tube is short and small in babies and young children, it is easily blocked, and so infection does not have far to travel to the middle ear.

Herbalism

• A few drops of tincture of myrrh or golden seal in a light oil, warmed, can be dropped into the ear canal.
• Place a cotton ball with a few drops of warmed garlic oil gently into the ear canal.
• Apply a hot compress to the neck and ears using mullein or St. John’s wort.
• Give chamomile tea to soothe pain and distress.

Homeopathy

• Use Aconite early on, if symptoms set in suddenly.
• Use Belladonna, when the affected ear is red and hot and the child is feverish.
• Use Chamomilla when the child is inconsolable.

Flower essences

• Rescue Remedy or rock rose will ease panic.
• Use olive while recuperating.

Aromatherapy

• Place drops of lavender oil in the ear on a cotton ball, or ease in with a Q-tip.
• Gently massage the neck and head with mullein or lavender oil in a carrier oil.
• Tea tree or lavender oil can be used in a vaporizer.
• A few drops of lavender oil on a cloth by the bed will help your child stay calm.

From the larder

• Mix fresh garlic with honey to fight off infection.
• Get your child to drink honey and lemon, or a little cider vinegar, in warm water to get rid of catarrh.
• Blackcurrant tea helps to boost the immune system.

Self-help

• Bed rest and plenty of fluids are suggested.
• Avoid dairy produce.
• Make sure your child’s diet is rich in foods containing vitamin C and zinc.
• Smoking near your child can exacerbate ear infection.

CAUTION
Untreated ear infection may scar the eardrum and cause permanent hearing damage. Infection may also spread from the ear to other parts of the head, which may be life-threatening.