Ear infections can often be treated with natural remedies, thus avoiding the need for certain medications and antibiotics.  In addition to acupuncture and chiropractic treatments, certain homeopathic remedies have been commonly used to treat ear infections – from day one to more advanced stages.  

Homeopathy is a 200-year-old system of medicine common in Europe and most of the world.  This approach to health care uses natural remedies.  For ear infections, a child with a pattern of ear infections is examined not just for the symptoms but as a whole person to stop the pattern.  A child who has ear infections also likely has other physical problems and possibly some emotional issues. Each child is unique with his or her own personality and certain likes and dislikes. All of this information is considered to help a homeopathic doctor choose the right remedy that matches the whole pattern of symptoms.

Homeopathic Remedies:

Several homeopathic remedies are available for treating ear infections.  Many homeopathic physicians suggest taking one dose and waiting for a response. If you see improvement, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If improvement slows or stops completely, you can take another dose.  The required frequency of dosage varies based on the condition and the individual. A dose may be required several times an hour, several times per day, or once per day or less.  If you do not see any response within a reasonable amount of time, you should select a different remedy.  Keep in mind that the information provided is for educational purposes and cannot substitute the care of a trained healthcare provider.

• Belladonna – this remedy is used when an earache involves intense pain, bright red outer ear, high fever, or pain extending down the neck.
  
  
• Chamomilla – used when pain appears intolerable; symptoms indicating the use of this remedy include extremely irritability, severe ear pain, worsened symptoms when bending over, clear nasal discharge, and the child calms down when carried.
  
  
• Ferrum phosphoricum – used when symptoms first appear to soothe the ache and inflammation of an ear infection. A person will typically look pink and flushed with the outer ear also being warm and pink and may have a fever and a feeling of weariness.
  
  
• Hepar sulphuris calcareum – used when there is sharp and severe pain, think or colored discharge from the nose and ears, irritability and desire for warmth; symptoms are usually worse in cold and at night.
  
  
• Mercurius solubilis – used with advanced ear infections with pus formation in the middle ear, shooting pains and roaring in the ear, pain worsening at night and in warmth, sweating and drooling while sleeping, bad breath, and puffiness of the tongue.
  
  
• Pulsatilla – used with ear infections that follow a cold.  The ear may be hot and swollen with a yellow-to-green thick discharge from the nose and ears; pain is often worse at night and when exposed to warmth. Children needing this remedy are often tearful and crave affection.
  
  
• Silica – use in later stages of an earache characterized by physical weakness, chills, mild and whimpering disposition, pain behind the ear, and sweating from head, hands or feet.

The key to effective homeopathic treatment is to select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms.  Instructions for dosage are usually indicated on the label or will be given by your healthcare provider.  If self-treatment is appropriate, unless directed otherwise by your healthcare provider, lower dosages can be used (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C).

Sources:  Homeopathy Cures; Homepathic Educational Services