Swimmers ear is also known as otitis externa. This is an inflammation of the outer ear canal. It is most frequently found in young adults and children although it can affect anyone.
Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain or itchiness and a sensation of heat. You may notice a foul-smelling discharge that is either watery or yellowish. The skin inside the ear can swell so large that it is difficult to see the eardrum. Other symptoms may include sensitivity to movement, decreased hearing, feeling stuffy, hearing buzzing or humming, and earwax that appears soft and white.
Almost every case of swimmers ear involves a recent exposure to water and a mild injury to the skin of the inner ear. This can be caused by itching or injury while cleaning the ear. Once an injury has occurred, an infection like Pseudomonas or Aspergillus can take hold. If you or your child get swimmer's ear, stay out of the water for a few days. If the ear does get wet, dry it with a soft towel or use a hair dryer positioned a foot or so away from the ear to dry out any moisture that may be left in the ear canal.
If left untreated, swimmers ear can spread to the bones in the ear canal and spread to the base of the skull, causing a very serious condition. If there is any possibility that the eardrum has been perforated, do not put any drops in the ear.
- Echinacea take this herb to boost the immune system and help fight infection. This herb is available as tincture, capsules and tea.
- Goldenseal this is another herb that helps the immune system. Take as capsules or tincture. Alternatively, goldenseal can be applied externally by adding 10 ml of tincture to 100 ml of water. Use this solution as ear drops.
- Mullein - take this herb to fight infection and reduce inflammation. Can be taken as a infusion up to 3 times a day - infuse 2 grams dried herb in 1 cup boiling water, steep for 10 minutes, strain and drink.
- Mullein this herb is a good choice for minor inflammations. Place 1 to 3 drops of mullein oil in the ear every three hours. To make mullein oil, fill a small jar with mullein flowers and cover it with olive oil or sweet almond oil. Let it stand in the sun for a week, shaking the mixture every day. Strain out the herbs and place the oil in a sterile jar. To combine this oil with garlic, add several sliced or crushed garlic cloves to the oil before allowing it to steep.
- Garlic this herb is a natural antibiotic and is very helpful for inflammations of the outer ear. Garlic oil can be combined with mullein for a dual attack on the infection.
- Lavender rub the essential oil once diluted in carrier oil outside the ear and down the jawline to help facilitate drainage of the ear. Do not put essential oils inside the ear.
- Ear drop Blend add 3 drops of Roman chamomile, 1 drop of lavender and 1 drop of tea tree oil in a tablespoon of sweet almond oil. Put several drops on a cotton ball and wipe the outer ear and the outer canal with this blend. Repeat a couple times per day.
Swimmers Ear Herbal Remedies Top