Earache
The middle ear – a small space between the outer and the inner ear – contains three delicate bones (hammer, anvil, and stirrup) that are important in hearing. Air pressure is kept constant by the eustachian , or auditory tube, which leads into the middle ear from the back of the nasal cavity. When bacteria or a virus invade the middle ear, inflammation and a build-up of fluid result. Middle ear infections are very common, especially among young children.
Never ignore an earache. Permanent damage can result if an infection is not cleared up.
An earache is an ache or pain in the middle or inner ear. Infection is a prime cause of earache; the most common cause of ear pain is a middle ear infection. Infections sometimes spread to the inner ear, causing abscesses, meningitis or mastoiditis (an infection of a nearby bone just behind the ear). Mild symptoms often signal a blocked eustachian tube. Sharp pains in the ear, a feeling of fullness and noises upon swallowing are symptoms of a cold or changes in air pressure. Recurring ear infections, especially in children, are linked to a poor immune system and weakened resistance due to poor nutrition or allergies to certain foods.
Essential Oils
Essential Oils:
For children 12 months to 12 years:
1 drop of tea tree oil added to 1 tsp of warmed, not hot olive oil. Using a dropper, squeeze a few drops into each ear and plug with a cotton ball. Repeat as necessary.
Self Help
Self Help:
- Keep ears covered in winter and winds
- Try a salt sock: Heat a cup of salt in a frying pan until warm. Pour the salt into a clean dry sock and knot the end. Hold the sock against the painful ear.
Use glycerine. Take a cotton swab and hold one end under warm running water. Dip the wet swab into the glycerine. Swirl the swab at the opening of the ear to allow the liquid to drip in. Wait thirty minutes and then take clean, dry cotton swabs and remove ear wax. Repeat this procedure two or three times a day.
Herbs
Herbs:
- Take Echinacea and goldenseal formulas to clear infection and reduce mucous discharge. Take 10 drops (3 drops for infants) of tincture in liquid every two hours during the acute stage of infection.
- Horsetail or alfalfa tea flushes waste out through the kidneys.
- Steam inhalations of chamomile, elderflowers and lemon balm help relieve the pain and promote healing.
Gemstone
Gemstones for Healing:
Slowly move a quartz point in clockwise circles around the affected ear
Reflexology
Reflexology areas to emphasize:
- Head – location of the ears
- Eye / ear reflexes – primary site of pain
- Inner ear – to promote balance
- Neck / throat – to relieve tension
- Adrenal glands – if there is inflammation involved
- Kidneys – the Chinese believe there is a direct relationship between the ear and kidney
Symptoms
Symptoms:
- Acute, stabbing pain in the ear
- Some bleeding or discharge of pus from the ear. These symptoms are most likely to occur if the ear-drum ruptures to relieve pressure from the fluid.
- Fever, especially when a person (child) also has a cold
- Nausea and vomiting, especially in a young baby
