Symptoms. Effusion of fluid into the middle ear with increasing deafness, discharge, tinnitus. Infant shakes head. Perforation in chronic cases. Inspection with the aid of an auriscope reveals bulging of the ear-drum. Feverishness.
Treatment. Antibiotics (herbal or others) do not remove pain therefore a relaxing nervine should be included in a prescription – German Chamomile, Vervain, etc.
Before the doctor comes. Any of the following teas: Boneset, Feverfew, Holy Thistle, Thyme. One heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes; one cup thrice daily.
Formula. Practitioner. Echinacea 2; Thyme 1; Hops half; Liquorice quarter. Dose – Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid Extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 1-2 teaspoons. Acute: every 2 hours. Chronic: thrice daily.
Topical. Dry-mop purulent discharge before applying external agents. Inject warm 2-3 drops any one oil: Mullein, St John’s Wort, Garlic, Lavender or Evening Primrose.
Once every 8-10 days syringe with equal parts warm water and Cider Vinegar. Repeat cycle until condition is relieved.
Diet. Salt-free. Low-starch. Milk-free. Abundance of fruits and raw green salad vegetables. Freshly squeezed fruit juices. Bottled water. No caffeine drinks: coffee, tea or cola.
Supplements. Vitamins A, B-complex, B2, B12, C, E, K, Iron, Zinc. Evening Primrose capsules.
Notes. Where pressure builds up against the drum, incision by a general medical practitioner may be necessary to facilitate discharge of pus. Grossly enlarged tonsils and adenoids may have to be surgically removed in chronic cases where treatment over a reasonable period proves ineffective. A bathing cap is sometimes more acceptable than earplugs.
Breast-feeding. Significantly protects babies from episodes of otitis media. Commenting on a study published in the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Survey, Dr Mark Reynolds, author of a breast-feeding policy by the Mid-Kent Care Trust said: “Breast milk is known to reduce respiratory infection – a precursor of otitis media.”
Hopi ear candles.