Last week we were at the doctor to confirm that Erika (my 19 1/2 month old daughter) had her first ear infection. We have been going through so much lately that it wasn't surprising for her to get sick. I've been totally off my game and so we haven been off the healthy eating train which of course leaves you open for infection.
Immediately the doctors response was that she should be put on an antibiotic treatment of penicillin. Knowing how I feel about medication, the doctor respectively told me that the new recommendation is to wait up to 48 hours before medicating as the body can often fight these infections on their own.
Well of course they can, if we are healthy and strong. When our children get sick we really want to do everything in our power to make them better. I don't know a parent out there who wouldn't agree with that. Well, I firmly believe that giving them medication is not necessarily the answer. The problem is that our society has put so much faith into our medical system that we have forgotten about the natural ways we can help ourselves. Now, don't get me wrong. I am not saying that we should not medicate our children or ourselves at all. I am just saying that we should try some alternative ie natural remedies and methods prior to going to a chemically made substance. Let's try trusting nature for a change. Think back to your grandparents and great grandparents; isn't that what they would do?
We left the doctor and I went home to get started. We used a combination of St. Francis Ear Oil (warm the jar in a mug of water prior to putting the oil in your ear), vitamin C, warming socks, garlic and a herbal tincture called Immune Boost which I dearly love. Within a day or 2 Erika was feeling much better. Her fever had broken and she was back playing and enjoying life. She was still not eating well, but that is a sign of the body fighting infection so don't worry too much if they aren't eating.
Natural Remedies for Earache/Ear Infection
Vitamin C - 250mg to 500mg 4X daily (food sources include: greens, berries, broccoli, peppers, rosehips, cherries, alfalfa sprouts)
Ear Massage - From back of ear rub downwards towards back of neck. In front of ear rub forward towards cheek bone. This is a great way to help drain the ear.
Place warm cloth on ear for 5-10 minutes 1-2X daily
Ear Oil (St.Francis) - Place 5 drops in ear 2-3X daily (It's best before napping/sleeping and if you can stay on your side for 5 minutes after the oil is placed in the ear)
Warming Socks - warm your feet and then quickly place a pair of cold, damp cotton socks on your feet. Immediately place a pair of wool socks over the cotton socks. Cover your feet with a blanket to stay warm. I prefer to lie down and rest for an hour or two, or do this just before going to bed at night. Your body will send blood back and forth from your head to feet flushing your system. It's a great way to help beat an infection.
Garlic - shop 1 garlic clove and add it to 1 tsp of honey every 4 hours. Honey is an antimicrobial and bacteria hate garlic. Great to boost your system, if you like garlic.
Garlic Tea - I am a tea fanatic, as is my daughter. To make the tea add 4 cloves of garlic to 1 quart of boiling water. Boil for 30 minutes. Drink 1/2 to 1 cup about 6 times daily. You can add honey and lemon to your personal taste.
Avoid: Dairy as it increases inflammation and mucus build up. Replace with nuts, seeds, beans, greens, tofu, molasses
If you are fighting a fever, consider these additional remedies:
Herbal Bath - Add 4-5 drops of lavender essential oil and some Epsom salts to warm bath water
Avoid Cold foods, it is preferable to eat soup and steamed vegetables
Belladonna 30X - as directed on label
Not sure of the best Roout?
If you are unsure of a remedy for you or your child, I would be glad to help. I can do a phone/Skype consult with you regardless of where you live in the world.
All the best in Health,
Deanne
Immediately the doctors response was that she should be put on an antibiotic treatment of penicillin. Knowing how I feel about medication, the doctor respectively told me that the new recommendation is to wait up to 48 hours before medicating as the body can often fight these infections on their own.
Well of course they can, if we are healthy and strong. When our children get sick we really want to do everything in our power to make them better. I don't know a parent out there who wouldn't agree with that. Well, I firmly believe that giving them medication is not necessarily the answer. The problem is that our society has put so much faith into our medical system that we have forgotten about the natural ways we can help ourselves. Now, don't get me wrong. I am not saying that we should not medicate our children or ourselves at all. I am just saying that we should try some alternative ie natural remedies and methods prior to going to a chemically made substance. Let's try trusting nature for a change. Think back to your grandparents and great grandparents; isn't that what they would do?
We left the doctor and I went home to get started. We used a combination of St. Francis Ear Oil (warm the jar in a mug of water prior to putting the oil in your ear), vitamin C, warming socks, garlic and a herbal tincture called Immune Boost which I dearly love. Within a day or 2 Erika was feeling much better. Her fever had broken and she was back playing and enjoying life. She was still not eating well, but that is a sign of the body fighting infection so don't worry too much if they aren't eating.
Natural Remedies for Earache/Ear Infection
Vitamin C - 250mg to 500mg 4X daily (food sources include: greens, berries, broccoli, peppers, rosehips, cherries, alfalfa sprouts)
Ear Massage - From back of ear rub downwards towards back of neck. In front of ear rub forward towards cheek bone. This is a great way to help drain the ear.
Place warm cloth on ear for 5-10 minutes 1-2X daily
Ear Oil (St.Francis) - Place 5 drops in ear 2-3X daily (It's best before napping/sleeping and if you can stay on your side for 5 minutes after the oil is placed in the ear)
Warming Socks - warm your feet and then quickly place a pair of cold, damp cotton socks on your feet. Immediately place a pair of wool socks over the cotton socks. Cover your feet with a blanket to stay warm. I prefer to lie down and rest for an hour or two, or do this just before going to bed at night. Your body will send blood back and forth from your head to feet flushing your system. It's a great way to help beat an infection.
Garlic - shop 1 garlic clove and add it to 1 tsp of honey every 4 hours. Honey is an antimicrobial and bacteria hate garlic. Great to boost your system, if you like garlic.
Garlic Tea - I am a tea fanatic, as is my daughter. To make the tea add 4 cloves of garlic to 1 quart of boiling water. Boil for 30 minutes. Drink 1/2 to 1 cup about 6 times daily. You can add honey and lemon to your personal taste.
Avoid: Dairy as it increases inflammation and mucus build up. Replace with nuts, seeds, beans, greens, tofu, molasses
If you are fighting a fever, consider these additional remedies:
Herbal Bath - Add 4-5 drops of lavender essential oil and some Epsom salts to warm bath water
Avoid Cold foods, it is preferable to eat soup and steamed vegetables
Belladonna 30X - as directed on label
Not sure of the best Roout?
If you are unsure of a remedy for you or your child, I would be glad to help. I can do a phone/Skype consult with you regardless of where you live in the world.
All the best in Health,
Deanne
