Nobody wants to wake up at midnight to their child screaming in pain because of an earache/infection! That’s what happened to us a few times this winter and it’s exhausting, but also so sad when you feel helpless. We want to take that pain away as soon as we can! Where do we start? How can we do it safely?
My two oldest kids never had trouble with ear aches, which I am very thankful for. However, my youngest son, Cole has been struggling with his ears off and on for a few months now. I’m going to give you a few tips that I have learned to help with the pain, but as well as help clear up those ear issues without using antibiotics.
First, let me say that if you have used antibiotics or are currently on them, I don’t shame you one bit. I believe that medicine is good and has a place in certain situations. My mom is a Registered Nurse, so I have grown up around hospitals and regular routine doctor visits. I have so much respect for my mom and others who are in the medical field. I also know that many people are on medications, and have done so for years, which have helped them live a somewhat normal life. So don’t throw me under the bus just yet. However, I also believe that most medicines can have a negative affect on our bodies and may not be the best “first choice” when healing the body.
God has created our bodies to do amazing things. While I am not a doctor or really anyone with credentials, I do enjoy learning about our bodies and how to take care of them. I’ve always been fascinated with natural “medicine” and using natural resources to help our bodies fight different ailments.
What Is Wrong With Antibiotics?
Growing up, I had always thought that if you’re sick you go to the doctor. They would give you a prescription and you would get better. However, often times those problems would keep reoccurring or there would be a new issue that required attention. I remember time after time getting earaches and stomach issues that seemed to come out of nowhere. I don’t want to jump to the conclusion that it was all because of antibiotics, because our diets play a crucial role in how we feel and nourish our bodies. It’s something to consider. When I was a younger teen, I was put on an acne medication called doxycycline, which is an antibiotic used to clear up acne. Looking back now, I should have never been put on medication for my juvenile acne which was not bad at all! After being on this medication for well over a year, my acne was pretty much gone! Hooray!!! Or so I thought… For one, my skin changed drastically to where if I would sit in the sun for an extended period of time, I would burn horribly and my skin just crawled in pain. My skin was now super sensitive. But what saddens me the most, was after two years of being off the antibiotics, I started breaking out in “cystic” acne. Which is very painful and it was ALL OVER MY FACE!!! Not even joking! It was so bad, I wouldn’t even leave my dorm room some days because I was so embarrassed! Maybe someday I’ll get brave enough to post a picture on here!
I’ve recently learned that while antibiotics are meant to kill the bad bacteria that is causing the sickness, it also kills the “good” bacteria that our body needs to function properly. Today, our family sees a Homeopath as our primary care doctor. That is just the way we prefer it. She has actually worked in the medical field for years before she started studying homeopathy. I’ve gone to her several times regarding my sons skin issues that had occurred at just 3 months of age. Just out of nowhere, he got a horrible rash on his face and we worked through that for over a year. Cole never had any antibiotics given to him before or after the rash appeared. We came to the conclusion that he had a yeast overgrowth and very possibly has an auto-immune disease.
What I learned through that situation was priceless. My doctor was concerned at first that he was given antibiotics, so she explained to me that what an antibiotic actually does is push that issue or symptom deeper into the body. Antibiotics may clear up the issues that you have been experiencing for a period of time, but months, maybe even years later, you may have that same problem showing up again or it may even create a new problem that now needs to be addressed (i.e. my previous experience as a teen). This can be very detrimental to our health as it can harm the liver and other internal organs.
Why Homeopathy?
You may be asking, “why homeopathy?” Quite honestly, I guess you could say I married into it. And I consider it to be a huge blessing! My mother-in-law used it for her family for years, and when Derek and I got married, he had a little kit from his mom that he used in college. She gave that kit to us to keep and use for ourselves. I had no knowledge of homeopathy before I met Derek, but I was eager to learn.
What really proved to me that homeopathy works, was Derek is extremely allergic to shell fish. In fact, when we were dating, we went to a Hibachi restaurant. Of course, they cook everything on the same grill and his food was contaminated by the shrimp. In the middle of our meal, I see him popping these tiny pellets in his mouth. He was also coughing like there was a tickle in his throat. I asked him if he was okay. He was totally calm and even kept eating his food! He told me what was going on and through the evening he took that remedy and we never had to go to the hospital, which I was so surprised. Since then, he has had to use that same remedy from time to time. But, it works!! And I’ve watched it work for other issues for over 10 years now. So, here are the remedies that I have used for Cole who has had issues with his ears.
“Homeopathy works with us, not on us”
Joette Calabrese HMC, CCH
5 Remedies For Ear Infections I’ve Found To Be Helpful
**All remedies in this post, I am referencing Joette Calabrese where you can find her blog posts about ear infections here.**
I usually start with 1-2 pellets. Can be given every 15 minutes. I also try to wait 15 minutes or so before trying a new remedy.
Chamomilla: This remedy in mainly indicated by mood; extremely irritable. Also, if the pain seems to come on slowly but there is intense pain.
Belladonna: This is a great remedy if there is a high fever, or if the child’s cheeks are flushed. This remedy is also good if the earache came on quickly.
Ferrum Phos: I’ve used this remedy when Belladonna doesn’t seem to fit, or if it’s not working. Symptoms may not be as intense as Belladonna.
Silica: I’ve found this to be helpful when the earache occurs at night. Later stages of a cold with an ear infection is also a good indication for this remedy. There are other indications that Joette lists here. You may want to reference those as well.
Hepar Sulph: I have used this remedy as a natural antibiotic. Especially when an ear infection keeps rearing it’s ugly head. I’ve had great success with this remedy when used in the 200c potency, but if you don’t have it, use what you do have. Joette also writes about Hepar Sulph being a homeopathic antibiotic. You can read her blog about it here.
Where Do I Get These Remedies?
I find most of my remedies on Amazon.com. I have also found them on Vitacost.com but they don’t always have them available. Boironusa.com is also a good resource.
Other Natural Home Remedies For Ear Infections
I have tried several different home remedies to help with the pain that comes with ear infections. Some of them worked great and almost instantly, while others weren’t as effective.
- Hyland’s Earache Drops. I’ve used these different times. The first time I used them on Cole, they seemed to take the pain away so that he could at least sleep through the night. However, when the pain was super intense, these drops didn’t seem to do much good. But, I always like to have them on hand, just in case. These can also be found at Walmart.
- Raw Honey & Flour Paste. My mom would use this on us kids if we had earaches. I remember it working so well that we would fall asleep shortly after she would put this over our ears. Mix about a tablespoon of flour and equal part honey (or until its a thick consistency) and spread on a guaze pad. This isn’t ideal, but tape the guaze pad over the ear and leave overnight. This acts as a poultice and should draw out the infection.
- Salt Sock. When I used this salt sock. It also seemed to soothe the pain and Cole was able to fall asleep all night. However, I have only used this one time, so I’m not sure how effective it was. First, you take an old sock (preferably a white cotton) and fill it with Pink Salt. Warm it in the microwave for about 15 seconds or until it’s comfortably warm. Place on the affected ear and repeat as needed.
- Garlic Oil. Garlic has many medicinal properties and can help fight an infection. Simply crush a clove of garlic (or use a garlic press) and add to 2 or 3 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. If you can, allow to infuse for 15-20 minutes before using. Drop a couple of drops of garlic oil into the affected ear.
- Apple Cider Vinegar. This is mainly for an outer ear infection or “swimmers ear.” But, it can help an ear infection caused by bacteria or viruses.
I hope these suggestions help you when you need them! If you are not comfortable with these remedies and seek medical help, that’s fine! Everyone has to do what is best for them and their family. And of course, if there is a serious infection that needs to be addressed right away, don’t hesitate to call your doctor. This is just me, sharing what I’ve learned and hoping that you find it helpful.
With Love,
This Farmhouse Wife