This morning Julia awoke complaining that her ear hurt. She's had a cold, so I immediately figured an ear infection might be developing (seems to be fairly normal--with my kids, anyway). I quickly headed to the kitchen to make some garlic oil. This is my favorite natural remedy for earaches and ear infections, which I learned about on WellTellMe. I like to avoid antibiotics whenever possible, and this treatment works like a charm most of the time! Garlic is one of those amazing foods that has wonderful healing properties. It is a natural antibiotic, and I love being able to use what I have on hand to treat an ear problem rather than having to make a trip to the doctor. (Although I do still recommend going to the dr. for a persistent earache or infection! :))
Here is how I make it:
Warm 2-3 T. of olive oil. Mince or press a clove of garlic into the oil and let stand for 5-10 minutes. Strain out the garlic. Use a medicine dropper to put a few drops into the affected ear. (Have the child tip their head for a little bit so the oil doesn't run back out.) I also find it helpful to have a tissue handy to soak up any oil that does escape. :)
I hope this remedy might be helpful for some of you, too! Do you have a favorite natural remedy (for anything) you'd like to share?
Photo credit: sxc.hu
4 comments:
I'm glad you posted this! My kids don't get earaches often but it's always good to have a homemade solution handy! :-)
Do they smell like an Italian restaurant?? :-)
Jenny, YES they do!! :) For a little while, anyway!
Also, I keep forgetting to post on your blog and say congrats on your pregnancy!! I'm so excited for you. :) Hope all is going well and that you're feeling better these days.
Garlic is a favorite in our house! We usually plant an entire bed of it here and still it seems to run out before winter is over.
I have been reading about using local raw honey for allergies. I hope to learn more about the benefits of honey when I have the time. I've been speaking to my husband about the possibility of joining the Patuckaway Beekeepers Association and raising my own bees. He doesn't seem thrilled with the idea. :)
Tiffany, I've never tried growing garlic . . . I will have to plant some this year and see how it does! We haven't had much luck with a garden up to this point, but hopefully this year will be better. :)
I have heard good stuff about local honey for allergies and colds. It would be cool if you started raising bees! We have talked about doing that, but never studied up on it--yet. :)
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