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Ear Infections - Remedy Options
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Although homeopathic substances listed in this article are generally not known to cause serious side effects, their effectiveness has not been demonstrated by scientific research. Consumers should check labels carefully, since a homeopathic product that is not diluted, or not diluted enough, may contain ingredients that cause allergic reactions, side effects, or interactions. It is always advisable to discuss any new treatment program with your healthcare practitioner.
For more information, see Homeopathy FAQs, "What Is Homeopathy?," and “Using Homeopathy with Professional Guidance” in Homeopathic Medicine.
Earaches can have several origins: allergies, infections, foreign bodies, earwax blockage, or swimmer's ear. Children often have earaches during colds. Homeopathic medicines can be taken at the onset of earaches to decrease congestion and pain. If fever increases or if symptoms last more than three days, see a doctor.
Also indexed as:
- homeopathic medicine,
- homeopathics,
- homeopathy,
- middle ear infection,
- middle ear infections,
- otitis media
About this treatment
Primary Remedies
Belladonna
Intense bouts of earache that come and go very suddenly, with heat and inflammation, suggest a need for this remedy. Pain can be pounding or throbbing, and may be worse from jarring. The person usually has a fever, a flushed red face, eyes that are sensitive to light, and skin that is hot to touch. The right ear is most often affected. A child needing Belladonna may feel drowsy with the fever, or be restless and have nightmares.
Chamomilla
This remedy relieves pain and earaches associated with teething, with irritability and hypersensitivity to pain.
Hepar sulphuris calcareum
This remedy is indicated when an earache is very painful or infection is advanced (with a bulging eardrum or pus formation). Stabbing, sticking pains “like a splinter being driven in” are a likely indication. The person is very sensitive to everything, especially cold and drafts, and may feel extremely vulnerable and touchy.
Mercurius solubilis
This remedy may be helpful if an ear infection is advanced, with pus formation, shooting pains, and roaring in the ear. A person who needs this remedy is often very sensitive to temperatures (both hot and cold), has swollen lymph nodes, offensive breath, a puffy tongue, and sweat and drooling during sleeping.
Pulsatilla
This remedy is often indicated for ear infections that follow or accompany a cold. (Cold symptoms include a stuffy nose, especially indoors, and large amounts of yellow or greenish mucus.) The ear may be hot and swollen, with a feeling that something is pressing out. Pain can be worse in the evening and at night, as well as worse from heat, with a pulsing sensation. Deep itching may be felt inside, especially if ear infections are chronic. A child needing Pulsatilla usually is sad and tearful, wanting to be held and comforted.
Other Remedies
Aconitum napellus
This remedy relieves earaches occurring after exposure to very cold weather.
Ferrum phosphoricum
This relieves low-grade fever with weakness and tendency to nosebleeds and earaches.
Kali muriaticum
This relieves ear congestion with cracking sounds in the ear, worsened by the change in pressure.
Magnesia phosphorica
An earache that feels much better when warmth and pressure are applied suggests a need for this remedy. The pain may be mostly neuralgic, with little evidence of fluid or infection.
Last Review: 05-11-2011
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The information presented here is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of US–registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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