Onion Poultice for Earaches!

This weekend my 4 year old got his first earache. He was complaining of the pain, and it was coming at intense intervals every few minutes. I didn't have my otoscope at home but assumed it was an ear infection. I started to give him a botanical tincture that I keep at home, but I also wanted to get at the pain quickly. An onion poultice is something I commonly recommend, but had never had to use on my own kids! I was amazed at the results. After one treatment, the pain in his left ear never returned. Later that evening the right ear started to hurt. My son was in tears. I did the poultice over that ear right before bed, and again, it never returned and he slept through the night. I was reminded about the healing power of nature. Normally, antibiotics would have been advised, and anytime you can avoid them, it's best to do so!

This is a simple traditional remedy for earaches due to inner ear infections or even swimmer’s ear. The onion can help kill the infection while the heat is soothing an provides instant relief for children complaining of an earache.

Instructions:

Cut an onion in half. Heat a little olive oil in a pan and place the onion (cut side down) on the olive oil. Cover with a lid. Heat over medium heat for a few minutes until the onion is heated through and becomes softer. Place the onion in a clean dishcloth, and cool for just a minute so that it will not burn the skin. Have your child lay down and place the onion over their ear firmly for 10 minutes. Some of the oil will seep through. The oil is healing. The onion fumes will enter the ear and soothe the ear drum.


Dr. Anna Falkowski, HBSc, ND

Naturopathic Doctor & Clinic Director

Vitality for Life Health Center
www.vitalityforlife.ca

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Twitter: @NaturoDoctor
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