Because of widespread resistance to antibiotics, many major medical organizations are now urging restraint when it comes to the use of antibiotics.

The next time you take your child to the doctor with an earache, don’t be surprised if the antibiotics are not dispensed as easily as before. New studies indicate that antibiotics are not as effective as they once were thought to be for treating otitis media; pain and inflammation of the middle ear. Increased use of antibiotics also has led to the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria. So what can parents do for their children suffering from ear pain?
Several herbal remedies can be used as eardrops to relieve the pain. Eardrops can be purchased at a health food store, or if you want, you can make your own. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), a common wild plant in the Colorado foothills, has long been used to relieve congestion and inflammation. Mullein also has antibacterial, antiseptic, and pain-relieving properties. A few drops of oil infused with mullein flowers can provide great relief for a child feeling the pain of ear inflammation. Garlic (Allium sativum) has both antibacterial and antiviral properties and is often used in combination with mullein in oil to treat ear infections.
Essential oil of lavender (Lavandula officinalis) has antiseptic and soothing qualities that will help a child with otitis media. Dilute lavender oil in an equal amount of vegetable oil, such as almond oil, and add a few drops of this warmed oil in the ear canal. Lavender oil, either in the ear or rubbed behind the ear, can also soothe the nerves and help an anxious toddler get to sleep. You can also apply a few drops of essential oil directly to the pillow case to encourage sleep.
Warnings: If it appears that the child’s eardrum has burst, you should not use eardrops. When an eardrum ruptures you may see blood or mucus present on the ear or pillow. If you decide not to use antibiotics, keep a close watch on your child. Rarely, otitis media can become more severe and the infection can spread. If symptoms do not improve, or if there is pain behind the ear in the bone see your doctor again.
References
R. A. Damoiseaux et al., "Primary Care Based Randomised, Double Blind Trial of Amoxicillin Versus Placebo for Acute Otitis Media in Children Aged under 2 Years," British Medical Journal 320 (February 5, 2000): 350-354.
M. R. Jacobs, "Antibiotic-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae in Acute Otitis Media: Overview and Update," Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal 17 (1998): 947-952.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, www.aap.org
M. Uhari et al., "Xylitol Chewing Gum in Prevention of Acute Otitis Media: Double Blind Randomised Trial," British Medical Journal 313 (1996): 1180-1184.
Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases, www.ars-grin.gov/duke/plants.html
C. A. Newall, L. A. Anderson, and J. D. Phillipson, Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals (London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996), 129-133.
J. Valnet, The Practice of Aromatherapy (Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1990), 144-148.
Cindy Jones holds a doctorate in biochemistry and is a writer and educator. She is the author of “The Antibiotic Alternative: the Natural Guide to Fighting Infection and Maintaining a Healthy Immune System” which you can learn more about at http://antibioticalt.tripod.com. She is also the mother of two boys ages 11 and 6.