How to naturally soothe an ear ache

Sometimes I forget that my family is a bit weird and goes against the grain a bit.

You know you’ve crossed over to crunchy status when you hear your kids say things like:

“Mommy, I’m not feeling so well.  I think I need some cod liver oil.”

From the two year old:

“Mommy, coco-o.”  Translation:  Mommy, I want coconut oil on my bottom.

(He asks for it if he has a slight rash or redness.)

“Juuuuuuuuice!”

as they get excited when Daddy breaks out the juicer.

and my favorite which I heard last night…

“Mommy, my ear hurts.  Can you make some of your special oil?”

Ahhh yes, I understand if you are new to natural remedies this may seem totally bizarre.  “Special oil” for earaches?  Usually if a kid has an ear ache, you go to through the standard process of giving him tylenol to relieve the pain until you can get to the doctor.  The pediatrician will most likely then put the kid on antibiotics.
I haven’t given my kids any kind of pain reliever or fever reducer in years, although I would in serious situations.  Fevers are the body’s natural response to fight against illness, and a good indication that the immune system is working.  This is a great article from Wellness Mama with citations on fevers.

 

I also try to avoid antibiotics at all costs.  I realize sometimes they are necessary, but if we can use another natural method that doesn’t interfere with my kids’ gut flora, we try that first.  By using this method, we have been blessed to have only had one round of antibiotics in this house in five years.

So to soothe earaches in our house, we use our “special” garlic oil.

Why garlic oil?

Garlic is naturally anti-bacerial and anti-viral.  It is powerful natural medicine and one that I have successfully used on my daughter three times.  It is also effective for treating colds.

DO NOT USE if there is any fluid coming out the the ear or if you suspect rupture of the eardrum.

It is best to get the ear checked out by a medical professional to diagnose and make sure nothing extremely serious is going on.

 

How to make garlic oil

2 T. olive oil or virgin coconut oil

1-2 cloves of crushed or minced garlic

Warm the oil with the garlic in a small saucepan over low heat.  Stir and let warm for about 3-5 minutes until garlic is fragrant and oil is warm.  Remove from heat and let steep for 20-30 minutes.  Using a fine mesh strainer, STRAIN the garlic out of the oil.  You should be left with warm garlic infused oil.

At this point make sure the garlic oil is slightly warm but not hot.  It should be about room temperature and soothing.

Place 2-3 drops in the affected ear and let it sit for several minutes.

Then turn ear over and catch excess oil in a rag.

Repeat 2-3 times a day.

IF PAIN PERSISTS OR DOES NOT RESPOND within a day or two, see a medical professional, as there is probably more serious complications in the ear that need medical treatment.

I have also had success with mullein oil for ear problems like pain and clearing ear wax.

So that’s, that.  Today I have a little girl that says her ear feels much better and is free from pain.  Of course I will keep and eye on it to make sure no problems arise, but I feel pretty comfortable that she will be a-ok.

 

2017-01-04T21:29:08+00:00

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