At the time of writing this article its October 30th and we are well into fall. Yummy cider, pumpkins, and beautiful leaves are abundant...and so are ear infections. 😐
Ear infections are one of the most common ailments in childhood, often leading to sleepless nights, missed school days, and anxious parents seeking relief for their little ones. While conventional treatments like antibiotics are commonly prescribed, there is growing interest in natural, integrative approaches that support the body’s healing while potentially reducing the need for antibiotics and their associated side effects. Here, we’ll explore natural treatment for ear infections including garlic oil for ear infections and more!
Understanding Ear Infections in Kids
Middle ear infections, or otitis media, which is what most people are thinking of when they think of an ear infection, often occur when fluid becomes trapped behind the eardrum, typically following a cold or respiratory infection. This creates an ideal environment for bacterial or viral infections to flourish. Young children are particularly susceptible due to their smaller and more horizontal Eustachian tubes, which makes is hard for fluid to drain out.
Symptoms of an ear infection may include:
Ear pain or tugging
Trouble sleeping
Fever
Fluid drainage
Hearing difficulties
While some ear infections resolve on their own, certain natural treatments for ear infections can support the body's innate ability to heal and help with symptom relief, often allowing parents to delay or avoid antibiotics.
1. Warm Compresses for Natural Treatment of Ear Infections.
One of the easiest things to do to help kids with the pain of an ear infection is to apply a warm compress. Examples of this natural treatment for an ear infection are a warmed up rice pack, a warm rubber water bottle covered in a blanket or water bottle cover or a heating pad that's not too hot.
Applying a warm compress to the affected ear can help alleviate pain and encourage circulation to the area, which may help clear fluid. This is an excellent first-line home remedy and can be repeated throughout the day to provide comfort.
2. Garlic Oil for Ear Infections
Garlic has natural antimicrobial properties and is known to be effective against both bacterial and viral pathogens. Garlic oil ear drops, which can be bought at health food stores or made at home, may help alleviate ear pain and reduce infection. Be sure to warm the oil to body temperature, test it on the wrist, and avoid use if there is any suspicion of a ruptured eardrum. Never heat the oil in the microwave or a pan! This will make it too hot and can cause burns! Instead, roll the bottle you are using to store the oil between your palms or heat it in your pocket to warm to body temperature.
Some brands of garlic oil that I like are:
You can also make a homemade garlic oil as well. Here's the recipe:
Mince a few cloves of organic garlic
Add the garlic to a dropper size bottle to fill it about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way full
Wait 2-3 hours to let the garlic infuse into the oil
Warm oil bottle in the palms of your hand or in your pocket prior to use
This is a great natural treatment for ear infections!
Never use any drops garlic or otherwise in the ear if you suspect a burst or ruptured ear drum. Signs of a burst eardrum are:
a ringing or buzzing sound in your ear (tinnitus)
earache or ear pain.
itching in your ear.
clear fluid, blood or pus leaking from your ear.
feeling dizzy.
a high temperature.
hearing loss
3. Prevent Ear Infections Xylitol
Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from plants that has shown promise in reducing the occurrence of ear infections and is a great way to prevent ear infections, particularly in children prone to recurrent infections.
Xylitol, often used as a sugar substitute in gum or lozenges (for ages 6 years and up), may help prevent bacteria from adhering to the tissues in the ear and nose. For younger children try a toothpaste that contains xylitol instead of what they are currently using. Another way to administer xylitol would be a nasal spray.
Studies suggest that chewing xylitol gum, or using xylitol nasal sprays may reduce the frequency of infections. Just make sure your child old enough to safely chew gum (at least 5 years old and understand the concept of chewing without swallowing).
Some Xylitol containing products to naturally treat ear infections include:
4. Herbal Ear Drops
Other ear drops containing a blend of herbs like mullein, calendula, and St. John’s Wort can be a soothing and effective remedy for mild ear infections. Mullein is traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties, calendula for its antibacterial effects, and St. John’s Wort for pain relief. Similar to garlic oil, herbal ear drops should be avoided if a ruptured eardrum is suspected.
5. Boosting the Immune System with Diet and Supplements
Supporting the body’s natural defenses is key to preventing ear infections from developing in the first place. A nutrient-dense diet rich in vitamins A, C, D, and zinc can boost immunity. Vitamin D in particular has been shown to play a significant role in reducing the frequency and severity of infections.
Probiotics, particularly those containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, may also help promote a healthy immune system and maintain a balanced microbiome, which is essential for reducing ear infections. I love Klaire's Ther-biotic Children Chewable and Baby Formulas.
For more ways to boost your kid's health with diet and supplements check out these other post's from Dr. Ellie's corner:
6. Osteopathic Care, Chiropractic Care and Craniosacral Therapy
Osteopathic treatments, Chiropractic adjustments and craniosacral therapy are great complementary approaches for managing ear infections in children and preventing constant ear infections.
Some parents find that gentle adjustments or craniosacral techniques help improve The focus here is to realign the cervical spine and occiput (back bottom of the head) which helps with eustachian tube function and drainage, reducing the buildup of fluid in the middle ear. While research is still emerging in this area, these therapies are generally safe when provided by a qualified practitioner and may support a child’s recovery.
7. Hydration and Steam Inhalation
Staying hydrated is essential for thinning mucus secretions, which can help drain the Eustachian tubes. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water, and consider using a humidifier in their room to maintain moist air. Steam inhalation or warm baths can also help ease congestion, relieving pressure on the ears. Adding 1-2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to the bathwater or humidifier can help open up the airways as well.
When to Seek Medical Help
While many ear infections resolve on their own, some cases require medical intervention. If your child is experiencing severe pain, high fever, drainage from the ear, or symptoms that last longer than a few days without improvement, consult your healthcare provider. Go to the emergency room if your child is so lethargic that they cannot wake up to eat, play or interact with you, they are getting dehydrated, not drinking, not urinating or look very sick to you.
Integrative approaches can work in tandem with conventional treatments, and in some cases, antibiotics may be necessary to fully resolve the infection and prevent complications.
Final Thoughts
My goal as an integrative pediatrician is to combine all effective approaches to healing into a cohesive approach that best supports children's health, never excluding anything that has evidence to help.
Natural treatments for ear infections offer gentle, effective ways to support healing and prevent infections from reoccurring. From nutritional changes, to immune support to herbal and homeopathic remedies, these natural treatments for ear infections can provide relief for families dealing with ear infections.
Always consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new treatments, especially with young children, to ensure the safety and appropriateness of each approach. With integrative care, many children can experience fewer ear infections and enjoy healthier, happier days ahead with less ear infections this fall and winter.
Dr. Ellie MacGregor is a holistic integrative and functional medicine pediatrician who specializes in keeping your kids healthy and the treatment of common childhood illness, cold, ear infections, celiac disease, food allergies, ADHD, anxiety, depression, gut issues, eczema, and other recurring symptoms using a blend the best of conventional and alternative therapies to prioritize your child's health. She also works to optimize your kid's and family's health through the use of functional medicine. She is the owner of Middle Path Integrative Pediatrics with over 17 years of experience. Dr. Ellie MacGregor helps readers separate fact from spin to make informed decisions about their health and the health of their children.
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