Earthley Wellness

If you have ever seen the sad and in pain look of your little one with an earache or had to deal with that constant pain and pressure yourself, then you know ear woes are not for the faint-hearted!

Most ear issues start in the space behind the eardrum called the middle ear. They are more likely to occur after a cold or other upper respiratory infection has been present for a few days. They are most common in children younger than age 7.

Some symptoms include:

Ear pain, especially when lying down
Ear infection
Tugging or pulling at an ear
Trouble sleeping
Crying more than usual
Fussiness
Trouble hearing or responding to sounds
Loss of balance
Fever of 100 F (38 C) or higher
Drainage of fluid from the ear
Headache
Loss of appetite

Natural Remedies

Supporting your body through aches and other ear issues can be done at home in many cases.

You may have heard about the power of mullein when it comes to ear woes. Did you know that mullein has astringent properties? An astringent is when a substance or an herb can cause the contraction or shrinkage of tissues and dry secretions. Astringent herbs are typically used internally to reduce mucus and discharge as well as unwanted bacteria from skin wounds. This makes mullein an excellent choice.

One study found that mullein ear drops were as effective as an anesthetic for middle ear infections (1). Add in the benefits of garlic, and you’ve got yourself a great natural remedy.

DIY: Mullein-Garlic Ear Drops

Ingredients:

1 crushed garlic clove or chopped dehydrated garlic
3-4 mullein flowers or leaves (crumbled)
1/3 cup olive oil

Directions:

Step 1: Add one crushed garlic clove and 3 – 4 mullein flowers or leaves, crumbled gently, to 1/3 cup oil.

Step 2: Warm the oil on the stove, on low heat, for twenty minutes.

Step 3: After infusing, strain the oil with cheesecloth to prevent any small hairs or pieces of garlic from getting through. You want the oil to be completely clear (no ‘stuff’ inside your ears!). After straining, it is ready to use!

Step 4: Store in a dark glass bottle and keep in a dark, dry place. It is good for 3 months.

Usage:

Drop 2 – 3 drops in the ear, massaging behind the ear and laying on the side. Repeat on the other side.
Use drops 2 – 4x per day as needed.
Can be taken daily during times that more support may be helpful.
Do not use drops in your ear when there is a rupture in your ear drum or ear drainage as that may be a sign of a ruptured ear drum. You can rub on the outside around your ear for some benefit yet -- just not inside the ear.