Ear Infections

Why it works: Pain relief comparable to anesthetic ear drops (short-term): Two randomized, double-blind trials of an olive-oil-based herbal drop (Otikon; Allium sativum [garlic], Verbascum thaps...

Instructions: Check safety first. • Do not use if there is ear discharge, a known or suspected perforated eardrum, or grommets/PE tubes—see a clinician instead. Instacart. • Infants and very you...

Warnings: Do not use with:. • Perforated eardrum, ear tubes, or active ear discharge—risk of middle-ear exposu...

Studies: Randomized, double-blind trial (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, 20...

Why it works: Topical, multi-mechanism action. The Otikon formulation contains herbal extracts (garlic Allium sativum, mullein Verbascum thapsus, calendula Calendula officinalis, St John’s wort...

Instructions: Use exactly what’s on the product’s current label; below is patient leaflet guidance from the manufacturer (spray presentation).. • Age: Suitable for children ≥5 years; use under a...

Warnings: Follow the official leaflet and common pediatric ENT precautions:. • Do NOT use if your child is all...

Studies: 1) Randomized, double-blind trial vs. anesthetic ear drops (...

Why it works: It interferes with the bugs that trigger most acute ear infections (AOM). In vitro and clinical reviews report that xylitol reduces growth of Streptococcus pneumoniae and inhibits...

Instructions: Forms used: chewing gum, lozenges, or syrup. Gum/lozenges suit older kids; syrup was used for younger children who can’t safely chew. Pediatrics. Dose used in effective studies: to...

Warnings: Not a treatment for active AOM. Use standard care (pain control; clinician-guided watchful waiting o...

Studies: Uhari et al., Pediatrics 1998 (Finland, daycare children): 8...

Why it works: Microbiome “interference” in the nose/throat (nasopharynx): Some commensal strains (e.g., Streptococcus salivarius 24SMB/K12) can compete with common AOM pathogens (S. pneumoniae,...

Instructions: Important context: Major paediatric guidelines for AOM (AAP, NICE) do not recommend probiotics as treatment for an active ear infection. Standard care remains pain control, watchfu...

Warnings: Not a substitute for medical assessment/antibiotics when indicated. AOM can occasionally lead to com...

Studies: Cochrane systematic review (2019, 17 RCTs, n=3,488): Probiot...

Why it works: TCM rationale & indications. Authoritative TCM formularies list ear symptoms (ear swelling/pain, tinnitus, even “acute otitis media”) under Long Dan Xie Gan Tang’s indications beca...

Instructions: Form & tailoring. In practice, clinicians use either a decoction (boiled tea) prepared from the raw herbs or a standardized granule/pill version. Crucially, TCM use is pattern-base...

Warnings: Aristolochic acid contamination (critical).. Historically, some “Long Dan Xie Gan Wan” products were...

Studies: Systematic reviews:A review of herbal medicines for acute ot...

Why it works: What the formula is for in TCM: SLBZS is a classic “Spleen-Qi–tonifying” formula recorded in the Song dynasty. It’s traditionally used for chronic digestive complaints (poor appeti...

Instructions: Classical composition & form: A 10-herb powder with principals such as Ren Shen (ginseng), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala), Fu Ling (Poria), Gan Cao (licorice), often with Shan...

Warnings: Risk of delaying appropriate care: Using an unproven remedy in place of guideline-based care can del...

Studies: AOM (acute ear infection):A systematic review of herbal medi...

Why it works: Relieves pain and muscle spasm: Gentle heat relaxes the tiny muscles around the ear/Eustachian tube and can make pain feel less intense. Cleveland Clinic specifically recommends wa...

Instructions: Make it warm, not hot. Soak a clean washcloth in warm water, wring it out well. (You can also use a low-setting heating pad wrapped in a towel.) Test on your inner wrist first. Cle...

Warnings: Heat safety:. • Keep the compress warm, not hot; always wrap heating pads; don’t let a child sleep o...

Studies: Direct trials on warm compresses for AOM pain are lacking. W...

Why it works: Proposed mechanisms (for colds/flu, not ear infections): Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) contains flavonoids that show antiviral activity in vitro and may have anti-inflammatory effect...

Instructions: There are no evidence-based dosing or use instructions for elderberry syrup to treat AOM in children, because it hasn’t been shown to treat AOM. Standard care focuses on pain contr...

Warnings: Raw/uncooked elder parts can be toxic. Unripe berries, leaves, stems contain cyanogenic compounds →...

Studies: Influenza/cold trials (not ear infections):Randomized, place...