Earache.

Date: Wed, 15 May 1996 10:21:41 -0600
Sender: HERB.TREARNPC.EGE.EDU.TR
From: Satin <satin.TOPAZ.USAFA.AF.MIL>
Subject: Re: ear ache/ infection

> A friend of mine was recently diagnosed with an ear infection of sorts, he just came from scuba diving in Florida.....And he has been prescribed Amoxicillin and ear drops that consist of two antibiotics (neomycin and polymycin?) and cortisone. Do you know of anything that will help relieve the pain? He has been on the meds for two days and it doesn't seem to be helping

I know it sounds stupid and it is NOT a cure, but putting a blow dryer on low and aiming the warm air into the ear will make it stop hurting instantly. Hold it at least a foot away from the ear and only do this until the pain stops (usually 1-2 seconds) then stop. Weird, huh? It works!

You need to take care of the underlying cause of the problem, of course, but the blow dryer remedy can make it feel better while you heal the root of the infection.

From: Mary Ann Gareis <mgareis.WARRIOR.MGC.PEACHNET.EDU>

> I know it sounds stupid and it is NOT a cure, but putting a blow dryer on low and aiming the warm air into the
I can second this advice. It will give some relief. If you donh't have a blowdryer or using one in this way is inconvenient, try laying the relevant ear on a hot water bottle or heating pad. I've been told that warmed olive oil in which garlic cloves have been steeped is good therapy for an ear infection. I haven't tried it myself, but my neighbor swears by it.

From: natalie pastor <npastor.MAIL.SDSU.EDU>

the garlic oil works great, make sure it is not hot and also place a warm heating pad on the kidney area, on opposite side from the aching ear.

From: Melissa Weaver <Lalalawyr.AOL.COM>

>A friend of mine was recently diagnosed with an ear infection of sorts,

I'm not a medical practitioner, but I've treated my daughter's ear infections pretty successfully with echinacea tincture orally and garlic/mullein oil in her ear.

It helps to catch the infection very early, though, when you use an herbal approach. Even our very wholistic pediatrician gives an antibiotic prescription on a "just in case" basis when he sees ear infections.

From: John Pinna <jpinna.LI.NET>

My middle son Mikey went through a two year period of frequent earaches. The most effective treatment evolved into using essential oils of lavender and roman chamomile (1-2 drops of each) mixed ito a few drops of mullein flower oil as a carrier, twisting the cotton off the end of a Q-tip, soaking the mixture into it and putting it into the ear. The nice thing about using the cotton off the Q-tip is it is just the right size and shape.

Invariably he'd start complaining at bedtime or would wake up during the night, generally by morning he was free of pain.