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Essential Oils and Earaches

Essential Oils and Earaches



My daughter woke with an earache yesterday morning so I thought it was a good idea to write a post about what essential oils can be used for earaches. I already wrote a post on how to treat earaches naturally so hop over and check it out to learn other ways to treat an earache. 

 I personally find it easier to use essential oils, but there are times when I'm out of a certain oil and need to use home remedies and herbs instead. There are many ways to treat health conditions and as I see it, it comes down to individual preferences. I like the essential oils the best because they are very potent, take up less space, and they last a very long time since their potency last longer than herbs.



An earache is caused by an infection or inflammation in the ear. The infection can be located behind the ear drum, in the middle ear, or in the outer ear canal. An infection that takes place in the inner ear is called otitis interna, and it causes sudden onset of vertigo, loss of balance, and vomiting.

A children's ear passages are small, so fluid/mucus that normally wouldn't cause any problem in an adult, can cause problems in a child. This is one reason that a child is more prone to earaches than adults.

According to the The online Version of the Essential Oils Desk Reference, the following oils have traditionally been used:
  • Lavender
  • Tea tree
  • Helichrysum
  • Roman Chamomile
  • Peppermint
  • Eucalyptus (E.radiata)
Remember to use good judgement and don't hesitate to seek medical help when you think it is needed. This information is not meant to prescribe or diagnose, it is only for information and education purposes only.

Before you leave:


I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.


Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.




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How To Deal With Earaches Naturally

How To Deal With Earaches Naturally


I still remember the endless hours of carrying around a crying baby with earaches.  My oldest son was born with a weaker immune system than his sister and brother, and I didn't know much about health back then. I didn't realize that all the trips to the doctor, who prescribed more antibiotics each time we came,  were weakening his immune system even further.

Earaches

An earache is caused by an infection or inflammation in the ear. The infection can be located behind the ear drum, in the middle ear, or in the outer ear canal. An infection that takes place in the inner ear is called otitis interna, and it causes sudden onset of vertigo, loss of balance, and vomiting.

A children's ear passages are small, so fluid/mucus that normally wouldn't cause any problem in an adult, can cause problems in a child. This is one reason that a child is more prone to earaches than adults.

Why do some children get so many earaches?

Some children seem to have earaches after earaches, and it seems like it never ends. There is some evidence that ear infections often are allergy induced. Cow's milk and/or formula seem to be the most common but it is important to consider wheat, which is another common allergen.

What happens is that the allergy causes irritation to the mucus membranes, and this leads to swelling. This further leads to constriction of the eustachian tube that is located between the middle ear and the throat. The eustachian tube equalizes the pressure on both sides of the ear drum and allows for drainage of fluid from the inner ear. The pain in the ear is caused by the built-up of pressure when this tube is swollen.

Why antibiotics are not always the best answer

Antibiotics are used to treat ear infections. However, the over-use of antibiotics has caused a resistance to antibiotics. It is so bad in some areas that they had to burn down complete hospitals in order to control the resistant bugs.

Almost half of the immune cells are located in the intestines where they fight invading microorganisms. Antibiotics and immune cells are fighting each other in the intestines, and many immune cells die off or are damaged as the result from the fight. This makes the body weak and it also makes it easier for other diseases to take hold of the body. The damaged immune cells have changed shape and functions, and they don’t recognize the normal cells anymore. They start attacking the healthy tissues which can lead to inflammation and nerve damages.

Antibiotics can create an autoimmune attack on the body’s own immune system which can lead to food allergies, asthma, muscle soreness and stomach disorders, and more ear infections. The flora needs to be brought back into balance or otherwise Candida may grow.

So, what can be done?

Start with building the immune system:
  • Eat wholesome natural/organic foods
  • Avoid toxic chemicals and use natural products
  • Increase the amount of fresh foods
  • Avoid refined products
  • Add supplements like a multivitamins, omega-3, Probiotics, and immune boosters. You have to take your child's age into consideration before you supplement.
There are many natural remedies that historically have been used for ear aches and infections. Historically, home remedies like garlic soaked in olive oil and baked onion have successfully been used by many. According to Steven Horne, an oil of mullein, garlic and St.John's Wort can be made and used as ear drops. He also says colloidal silver can be used, and that echinacea can be taken internally to fight infection and reduce inflammation.

It is wise to check for food allergies and yeast infections if your child has frequent ear infections. Make sure you give your child sufficient amount of Probiotics after eating antibiotics. According to Dr. Pedersen, Probiotics should be taken twice daily for two months after the use of antibiotics. Yogurt itself doesn't contain sufficient amount of Probiotics to counteract the damage caused by the antibiotics.

What has worked for you when your child has been sick?
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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 


Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

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