The ear is a very sensitive organ; it is the home of one of the most important senses of the human body – the auditory sense. Due to its delicate nature, there are several problems that can occur with the human ear. One of the most common problems occurs when the ear becomes infected. In severe cases, the formation of pus may occur. Such ear inflammations commonly occur in children.
All infections and earaches are collectively known as Putikarna in Ayurveda. They are generally caused by the vice of kapha dosha, which is the element of the body that coordinates the earth and water elements of the body. Therefore, a person with hearing problems must be careful not to further aggravate the kapha dosha.
The cold season is generally associated with ear problems. In some people, earache infections are associated with common colds that occur at the beginning of the winter months. This is most commonly seen in children. But in children, common colds need to be treated early, or the inflammation could cause permanent damage to hearing.
The formation of pus is mainly associated with children. This is a serious case of ear infection that needs to be treated promptly. When there is an infection of pus, there will be a cough and the child will most likely also have a fever. This is due to the vice of the kapha dosha.
Useful Herbs for Treating Ear Infections and Earaches
– Bael (Aegle marmelos) The root of the bael tree is uniquely used to treat ear problems. A stiff root of the tree is dipped in neem oil and ignited. The oil that drips from this root is dropped into the ear. This produces tremendous relief from earaches and infections.
– Bishop’s wort (Trachyspermum ammi) Bishop’s wort is very effective in treating ear congestion. Approximately one teaspoon is heated in 30 milliliters of milk. The juice of the herb is allowed to soak into the milk. This is then used as ear drops.
– Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) Holy basil, or tulsi as it is called in Hindi, is beneficial for ear problems. The juice extracted from its leaves should be used as ear drops. It has added benefits in children suffering from ear problems.
– Neem (Azadirachta indica) Neem has antiseptic properties so it can kill the organisms that cause ear infections. It is effective by itself. To enhance its effects, it can be taken with bael root as mentioned above.
Dietary Treatments for Ear Infections and Earaches
The diet taken by a patient with ear problems should be such that it does not affect the kapha dosha, which is responsible for them. The following dietary guidelines should be followed:-
– Acidic foods should be avoided as they vitiate the kapha. These include curd and bitter-tasting fruits.
– Bananas, watermelons, oranges, papayas and cucumbers should be avoided. These foods can increase the chances of getting a common cold. This would aggravate the ear problem. For the same reason, all refrigerated foods should also be avoided.
– Valuable foods during ear problems are onion, ginger and garlic. Turmeric is also very good and should be used to flavor foods.
Ayurvedic Treatments for Ear Infections and Earaches
Most of the ear problems are treated with Lakshmi Vilas rasa. This is prescribed for both adults and children. In adults, the dose is one tablet three times a day. It is a bitter drink, so to reduce its bitterness it is taken with honey. In children, the dose is reduced.
For external use, Nirgundi is prescribed. The nirgundi oil extract is boiled with mustard oil. The solution is used as external ear drops. The drops are usually prescribed to be used twice a day.
Home remedies for infections and earaches
– Make a fine mixture of turmeric and burnt alum (alum that has been left to swell). Introduce this mixture slowly into the ear.
– Mixing Indian barberry and honey in breast milk and putting it in infected ears provides benefits.
– Put some fenugreek in cow’s milk. This can be used to put drops in the infected ears.
– The bilwa root paste is boiled with mustard oil. After filtering, this oil is used as ear drops.
– A single piece of clove is sautéed in sesame oil. Three to four drops of this are put in the ear. This method gives immense relief in ear problems.
– A simple remedy is to use ginger extract as ear drops. The juice from the onion can also be used in a similar way, but it must be heated.
Ear infections can be itchy or painful. Therefore, there is a tendency for the child to scratch his ear or stick his fingers into the Eustachian tube. This should be strictly avoided as dirt on the fingers will further aggravate the infection. Also, by doing so, the person increases the chances of infecting others.
People with hearing problems should take care to stay as far away from the cold as possible. They should avoid bathing until ear problems are treated. They should wear warm clothes and avoid eating cold food.