Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies for ear infections had been around for centuries.  The ancient people had long discovered the beneficial and curative effects of different plants around them.  Nowadays, more and more people are using as an alternative to mainstream medicine.

Our Ears

The human ear is composed of the inner ear, middle ear and the outer ear.  Bacterial and microbial infections may attack any of these parts with sometimes varying symptoms.  Ear infections are more prevalent among young children, age 0-5 years, primarily because of the physiological structure of their younger organs.  The Eustachian tube, a canal inside the ear responsible for equalizing air pressure built up between the middle ear and the back of their throat, is initially horizontal in position, as against the more vertical position of their mature counterparts.

The horizontal position plus milk feeding and other exposure to dairy products are responsible for the accumulation of fluid inside their ears, making it a good breeding ground for bacteria.  Once infected, sharp pains are felt because of pressure build up inside.  Normally, this is followed by fever, cold and other upper respiratory infections.  A runny nose, coughing and other symptoms of cold usually follow soon.

Ear Infection

Basically, there are two major kinds of ear infections, namely:  otitis media and otitis externa.  The former refers to the infection of the middle ear, which is the one commonly found among babies and small children.  It is usually accompanied by pain and itchy sensation in the infected portions of the organ, fever, reduced hearing sensitivity.

In some cases, kids who suffer from otitis media suffer from dizziness, discharge of smelly fluid and vomiting.  The infection of the outer ear is called otitis externa, more commonly found among swimmers and other people frequently exposed to water and moist conditions.  It displays similar symptoms as with otitis media, except the fluid discharge, among others.  Luckily, ear infections were proven not to be contagious!

Powerful Herbs For Ear Infections

There are various helpful home-based herbal remedies for ear infection, usually using herbal extracts that had been around us for centuries.  The following are the most popular cures:

Echinacea

A plant native to North America, used for centuries by various Indian tribes and early settlers for curing ear infections.  Its main substances are derivatives of caffeic acid and polyacetylenes that has anti-viral properties.  They also boost the immune system, eventually leading to the production of various anti-bodies to fight off the infection.

Warning:  Studies have shown that allergy may be acquired by people who have a history of such allergy to ragweeds or any plant belonging to the sunflower family.

Garlic Oil

Sometimes called a wonder herb, the ancient Greeks and Spartans were known to chew raw garlic, even when going to war, to combat a wide selection of illnesses acquired during their expeditions.  Nowadays, garlic is very popular in reducing the bad cholesterol that lead to deadly heart attacks and strokes.

Garlic is rich in compounds that display anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.  When crushed or chopped, it releases allicin that is shown by various studies to be more powerful than penicillin and tetracycline.  Other compounds are also known to prevent growth of tumor cells.

Goldenseal

Contains a substance called berberine that aids in warding off infections caused by certain types of bacteria, fungi and yeasts.

Mullein Oil

A plant extract that helps relieve lining inflammation of the ear canal.  It basically reduces the tingling and sharp pain due to the build up of pressure caused by the infection.  It is normally warmed first and soaked in cotton before being inserted inside the infection portions of the ear.

Olive Oil

This oil contains oleuropein, a compound that actively fights off infections.

Data show that 80% of children worldwide, aged 1-5 years, suffer from ear infection.  The abundance of herbs shown to be highly effective cures for the malady will prevent costly visits to the physicians. Why not try the above herbal remedies for ear infections today?

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