Healthy Habits: Ear Troubles

Here are a few natural remedies for ear troubles.

Fluid in the ear - heat a cup of rock salt in the microwave for two minutes. Put it into a sock and tie shut. Make sure it's not too hot, then have your child put the sore ear on the sock (sore ear down). The hot salt helps speed circulation which will draw fluid away from the middle ear.

Ear infection - try warm garlic oil. Dr. Sears actually uses this on a regular basis for his patients. A drop (for babies) or two (for toddlers) in the ears, left in for a minute, can act as a natural antibiotic.

Swimmer's ear - mix a teaspoon of vinegar with 1/3 cup of water. Two drops will help kill bacteria. Make sure to dry ears after a swim with a towel (not with a cotton swab).