Ayurvedic Treatment for Ear infection

EAR INFECTION Ayurvedic Treatment

• The physician will use an instrument called otoscope to examine the ear drum to check for any signs for infection. A Pneumatic otoscope is used to check for blockage or filling of the middle ear.
• Tympanometry is another test which uses sound and air pressure to check for fluid in the middle ear. An audiologist will perform a hearing test to check whether there is hearing loss if needed.⁴

Diet Recommendations (Aahar)

• Since ear problems are associated with an imbalance in the kapha dosha, a diet that does not vitiate the kapha dosha, should be followed. The following dietary guidelines must be followed: -
  • Sour foods must be avoided as it impairs the kapha dosha. These include sour fruits and curds.
  • Fruits like bananas, watermelons, oranges, papayas and cucumbers must be avoided since the increase the risk common cold. This would aggravate the ear problem. All refrigerated foods must also be avoided for the same reason.
  • Onion, ginger and garlic should be preferred during ear problems.
  • Turmeric is also very good remedy for infections, and must be used for spicing the meals.
  • Follow a kapha soothing diet.
• Stress on breastfeeding for infants
• Avoid processed and oily food

Lifestyle changes (Vihar)

• Keep the ears warm
• Massage around ear. Place hands on your cheeks and massage this area while opening and closing mouth.
• Increase the intake of Vitamin C and zinc. Vitamin C helps in combating infection by boosting the immunity. Zinc it reduces ear infection
• Avoid smoking as well as exposure to second hand smoke, since smoke can block Eustachian tubes.
• Maintain a good hygiene, avoid colds. Wash your hands regularly. Avoid touching eyes and nose.
• Useful Herbs for the Treatment of Ear Infections and Aches include Bael, holy basil, neem. The preparations of these herbs can be used to combat ear infections.
• The procedure of neti, i.e., rinsing of the nasal passages with a mild, salt water solution, which effectively removes accumulated kapha or phlegm can also help relieve ear infection.