« My mother used garlic oil in my ears for ear infections, and my
grandfather
used to blow cigar smoke in my ears for the same reason. I use garlic oil
and ear candles for my kids' ear infections. Used to use breastmilk for
ear/sinus infections (before the well dried up). But to many people, this is
an odd and somewhat dangerous idea! My former doc encouraged the garlic oil,
and when he retired and I brought my daughter in with an ear infection (that
had been holistically treated but was not responding) last week, I was
chastized for doing what I always did (with my former doc's blessing) by his
replacement! Many of us are threatened with child protective services if we
don't follow through with medical treatments, rather than holistic
therapies. (especially when we live in rural areas...)»

I absolutely *try* to use garlic oil or breastmilk in my kids' ears when
they get sore but it never seems to work well.  The ONLY thing that really
works well that is "more natural" in my opinion (ie not antibiotics) and
which works *every single time*, is chiropractic adjustments.  My older
daughter has had a total of 2 ear infections in her life.  My younger one
gets them with every single cold she gets, invariably.  She also gets a cold
every time she has a bad fall (as do I) and when her spine is well adjusted,
the cold goes away, as does the ear trouble.  Historically, if I take her in
to be adjusted once every 2-3 weeks she does not get colds unless she has a
fall and I *don't* take her in within the following few days.  Also,
historically, if she complains of ear pain and I call and get her an
appointment for care the same day, it goes away and we don't hear anything
more about it.  But if she starts complaining of ear pain at night on a
saturday night after the chiro is closed, and he is also closed all day
sunday AND monday (at least the 2 we've seen her with in the past), and it
has to "brew" in her until tuesday morning, it typically takes 3
adjustments, 3 days in a row, and a lot more pain, and fever in between
(usually necessitating advil in the meantime).  Like I say, I generally
apply garlic oil or EBM (if I am lactating!) when I hear of ear pain
complaints on a saturday or sunday or something in the hopes it will *help*
but anecdotally, nothing seems to like the chiropractic adjustmnet.
Fio

Fio and Sam,
I used garlic once for an ear infection--not the oil--a whole clove--it worked fabulously--my son was 4 1/2. 
My youngest has had two ear infections after flying--when he was about 2. I used onion juice and it was 
one of the most remarkable results I have ever seen. The pain stopped instantly. On one occasion, his 
ear drum ruptured afterwards and drained and I was lucky enough that there was a PT in our group who 
did CST. She worked on him and he was fine within 24 hours. I use onion juice anytime there is pain in 
the ear. But, I also see a chiropractor or CST afterwards.  Just a couple of weeks ago my daughter (15yro)
could not hear from one ear--after 2 adjustments, she was fine. 

From Linda Hill:



"I will definitely look up Edgar Cayce's paper on all the uses of castor
oil, thanx for that lead.  I have a question for you on the packs.  I like 
the idea of a washcloth in a ziplock baggie.  Seems much more user friendly 
and portable than the saran wrap and heating pad.  I know that years ago, 
I made heating pads when traveling with a wet washcloth and ziplock and placed
on dash of car to get it hot while in car.  (good ol' Texas heat!)  My 
questions to you are:  how long in microwave?  (1 or 2 minutes?)  Sealed or 
unsealed while heating? And then you also mentioned the homeopathic herbs as 
well, are you talking about phytolacca decandra?  Thanks!"

Linda,
It is not that I like using a microwave oven--actually it is in my bathroom, b/c its only purpose in our home
is to heat castor oil packs--never, eve food! But, it is quick and most parents find it easy to do. I do 1 minute, 
but it depends on your oven.  Sealed or unsealed?? I do not use a baggie--just place the cloth in the oven. 
I just place it on the body and cover with a dry towel. 

I primarily use phytolacca, but sometimes belladonna and occasionally hepar sulph. Just to clarify, though, 
homeopathic remedies are not herbs in any way. They can be made of plants, animals, minerals. gasses 
or anything else, such as dust. mold. bacteria, etc. 


Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA
Intuitive Parenting Network LLC

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