Glue Ear

Glue ear is a type of ear infection that results in patients having a discharge of thick and yellow mucus from the ear, this discharge may cause great discomfort by “gluing” up the ears-hence the name “glue ear”. The condition can come around in an individual as due to persistent ear infections, because of colds, or due to chest complaints. The middle ear is glued up by the mucus and hearing is restricted as a direct result. The condition as such is also possibly triggered after a session of swimming and or it can arise because of complications due to exposure to cold weather. Breast fed children are at a lesser risk of developing this condition, so suggest research conducted on the possible connections between ear infections in children and breast feeding.

Supplements and herbs

Excessive discharge of mucus can be effectively halted through the use of herbal supplement made from the golden seal herb. This herbal remedy can be taken at dosages of a quarter to one and a half teaspoon of golden seal tincture in water thrice every day. Results from this long-term dosage regimen can be expected 3 to 4 months from initiation of treatment.
The painful sensations in the ear can cause great psychological trauma to children, use the herbal extracts of the passion flower and Rescue Remedy to help a frightened child. Dosage of these herbal supplements can be two drops of each herbal extract placed under the tongue to achieve immediate relief as and when necessary.

What else you can do

Unknown food allergies could be the cause behind the discharge of mucus from the ears in some instances. It is known that the consumption of certain type of food can affect mucus production and even stimulate it. Dairy products that use cow's milk products must be replaced by those that use goat's milk or you can avoid this by using soy milk, in addition avoid roasted peanuts and foods that contain excessive sugar. Foods such as the garlic, the onions, the watercress and the parsley, along with the celery reduce mucus production and must be consumed as a part of the diet. Diets must be based on a broad and nutritious regimen including many whole-foods-which means there must be plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and some lean meat or preferably fish. For topical relief from the symptoms and the pain, use a warm hot water bottle and wrap it in a kitchen towel-press this against the painful ear to soothe the discomfort and pain.

More useful herbs

• Ground Ivy
• Plantain