EARACHES

Children are more prone to earaches and ear infections than adults, partly, due to their ear passages being smaller and the position of the eustachian tube still positioned horizontally, preventing the ear fluid to drain.  A small amount of fluid/mucus in the ear passage of an adult would not normally be a problem but with a child it can cause severe ear pain.

The eustachian tube, a tube between the ear and the throat allows for pressure on both sides of the eardrum to equalized and to allow drainage of fluid from the inner ear.  Remember that "pop" in your ear as you traveled to higher altitudes?  That was the air traveling down the tube to make the pressure equal on both sides of the eardrum.  As the tube becomes inflamed and swollen, the pressure is unable to balance and the fluid is unable to drain, therefore increasing the pain.  

As the expression goes, "There is more than one way to skin a cat", so it is with dealing with earaches/infections without using antibiotics.  Listed below is a variety of favorites amongst herbalists.  Try them and determine which fit your needs as far a ease, convenience, and speed.

First and foremost, eliminate dairy from the child's diet as this will reduce mucus production and drinking plenty of water will help to thin the mucus.

Lobelia Essence combined with Caspicum Extract can help relax spasms, reduces pain and inflammation, and increase blood flow into the ear.  Apply this combination by rubbing it around the outside of the ear (in front of and behind) and following the jaw line.   Lobelia Essence can also be placed in the ear.  Follow this with CC-A with Yerba Santa 2 capsules every hour or liquid form, 1/4-1/2 tsp with water every hour.

Another good ear drop combination may help fight infection, as it contains various ingredients that are antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial, is Silver Sheild 40 drops to 1 drop of each of the following essential oils:  Lavender Oil, Tea Tree Oil, and Thyme Oil.  Adding 5 drops of Lobelia Essence will help to relax the tube.  Apply 3-5 drops three times daily, using Lobelia Essence in the ear as needed for pain.

Although the following remedies can be inconvenient and "stinky" they are effective:

Garlic oil mixed with some Mullein, St. John's Wort, and Goldenseal, warmed to body temperature and placed in the ear 3 times daily or as needed for pain.

Another home remedy is to take an onion, bake it until soft then squeeze some juice out and place a few drops into the ear. (Make sure the juice has cooled down before placing it into the ear.)  Placing the cooked onion over the ear while still warm  (be careful the onion isn't too hot) also has its benefits as the sulfur from the onion helps to fight infection.

For children with frequent ear infections, eliminate any possible yeast infection and food allergies.

PREVENTION OF EARACHES!!!!

Eyebright is extremely effective at preventing earaches as it prevents the eustachian tube from swelling and will open the tubes up if they have already become swollen.  One could say that it is the herbal equivalent to tubes in the ear.  Suggested dosage would be 4 capsules every 2 hours or a glycerine tincture can be made and taken internally, 20 drops every 2 hours taken at the first sign of a cold.

Euphrasia Officianalis 6c is the homeopathic remedy of Eyebright.  2-3 pellets placed under the tongue, repeating every 15 minutes if there is pain otherwise every 2 hours.  Avoid food and drink for 15 minutes before and after taking the remedy.

Another important tip:  Because colds frequently lead to earaches, using a general activator to encourage the sinuses to run, cleans out the irritant thus expediting the cold and hopefully  preventing the first start of an earache.  CC-A with Yerba Santa is and excellent choice using 2 capsules every  hour with a large glass of water or in liquid form  1/4-1/2 tsp. every hour with water.  A cold can be knocked out quickly using this combination.