Middle ear infection otitis media

Condition:

Definition:

Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear that causes inflammation (redness and swelling) and a build-up of fluid behind the eardrum.

Anyone can develop a middle ear infection but infants between six and 15 months old are most commonly affected.

It’s estimated that around one in every four children experience at least one middle ear infection by the time they’re 10 years old.

Symptom:

In most cases, the symptoms of a middle ear infection (otitis media) develop quickly and resolve in a few days. This is known as acute otitis media. The main symptoms include:

earache
a high temperature (fever)
being sick
a lack of energy
slight hearing loss – if the middle ear becomes filled with fluid

In some cases, a hole may develop in the eardrum (perforated eardrum) and pus may run out of the ear. The earache, which is caused by the build-up of fluid stretching the eardrum, then resolves.

Signs in young children

As babies are unable to communicate the source of their discomfort, it can be difficult to tell what’s wrong with them.

Signs that a young child might have an ear infection include:

raised temperature
pulling, tugging or rubbing their ear
irritability, poor feeding or restlessness at night
coughing or a runny nose
unresponsiveness to quiet sounds or other signs of difficulty hearing, such -as inattentiveness
loss of balance

Description:

Protocol:

Middle ear infection otitis media

For children, aged 1-7 years, use the Ear Infection Kids Roll-on and apply it behind the ear and neck areas.

For older children and adults, refer to the Ear Infection Adult 10ml Roll-on.

While essential oils can help treat ear infections, you should never drip pure essential oils into your ears! These oils can burn or desensitize the sensitive mucous membranes found within the ear if they are used undiluted.

Drink 1 capsule, Natural Antibiotic Blend, once a day.

Below are further different options depending on what you have available in the house, or what is most suitable/comfortable to follow.

Follow either the steaming or cotton ball application explained below:

STEAMING

What you need:

A pot of water (about 3 cups)
3 drops Tea Tree 5ml 10ml
3 drops Frankincense 5ml 10ml
A towel

Method: Place the water in a saucepan or pot on the stove and let it boil until it becomes steamy. Turn off the heat and carefully place the pot on a table with a heat-resistant placemat. Sit down next to the pot and add the essential oils. Create a tent with the towel by placing it over your head and the pot to trap the steam. Position your affected ear in a way that the essential oil-infused steam enters. Allow steam for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the water is cold. Do up to 4 steaming sessions per day for acute pain and congestion.

COTTON BALL APPLICATION

What you need:

1 drop Tea Tree 5ml 10ml
1 drop Roman Chamomile 5ml 10ml
½ tsp olive oil
Cotton balls

Method: Heat the olive oil until it’s just warm enough to the touch. Dip the cotton ball in the warm olive oil. Add the drop of chamomile and tea tree oils to the cotton ball. Do not plug or force the cotton ball inside the ear to avoid the oil from seeping into the ear canal. Place the cotton ball very lightly in the ear. Carrier oils are vegetable oils full of fatty acids that help disperse the tiny molecules of essential oils. You can also apply this blend behind the ear and neck.

The Frankincense/Myrrh Blend 30ml may also be used instead of the above oils, by soaking the cotton ball in a few drops of this blend.

The following pure oils, in particular, are known to alleviate ear pain; in a diluted form, applied topically, never inside the eardrum; Basil 5ml 10ml, Garlic 5ml 10ml, Helichrysum 5ml 10ml, Oregano 5ml 10ml, Tea Tree 5ml 10ml.

Ear ease – rub 1 drop each Frankincense 5ml 10ml and Basil 5ml 10ml behind your ears and on the soles of your feet, to speed up the recovery time from ear infections, while also reducing pain and swelling. For children, dilute the oils with a carrier oil.

Condition: