When Antibiotics Don't Work
Ear infections are one of the most challenging events in a child's life. I've tried all of the options the doctors offer. You can wait it out, see if the baby improves on their own. You can put the baby on a 10 day round of antibiotics. When that doesn't work, the doctor may suggest a second round. And finally, if it's really bad, he/she may tell you about the possible need for putting tubes in the baby's ears. I needed to find a more gentle way of healing.
Baby Ashoka 2007
Trying My Options.
The "wait and see" approach wasn't really an option for me. Baby was miserable, high fever, and I worried about the ear drums bursting. I went with antibiotics. Sometimes it worked. But sometimes, they didn't work at all. When the second round of antibiotics didn't do anything, I started looking for another option. Here's the thing, if the infection is caused by a bacterial infection, the antibiotics usually work. When I followed antibiotic therapy with probiotics immediately afterwards (yogurt, or acidophilus), this really helped to prevent a reoccurring infection. However, if the ear infection was viral, or my baby was misdiagnosed, they didn't work. What to do?
I've Found The Answer.
Now I'm not a doctor, and if you have a baby who is fussy with a fever and congestion, please please take them to your family doctor.But if you have tried everything else, and are having no luck, these drops are a really good thing to try before you go down the path that leads to tubes in the ears. Gaia's Children Ear Drops offered at Whole Foods are great for relieving chronic bacterial or viral ear infections.
Here's what's In The Drops.
These Drops were formulated with Dr. Mary Bove, ND They contain: Garlic oil, Extra Virgin Olive oil, Mullen Flower oil, St. Johns Wort oil, Lobelia herb and seed extract, and Goldenseal Root extract. It's this blend of herbal oils that comfort and heal the ears.
How to Use the Drops.
I recommend using them sparingly, following the directions which say: Warm the drops by setting the bottle in a cup of warm water, (not hot) 1-2 drops in each ear 3 times daily. I used them for two days, if there was no change, and baby was still feverish, I was right back in the doctors office.
Preventative Use.
You can also give baby 2 drops of the Gaia ear drops occasionally before bath time, to protect their ears from the water and shampoo exposure. I've used them on my kids, as young as 6 months old. I found them to be safe and effective. I've tried them myself, and they worked great for soothing my swimmers ear.
Turn Your Heat Down!
A side note I'd like to add: Try turning down the heat in your house during the cold months. Setting it at 69F during the day, and 64F during the night. Forced air systems dry out your upper respiratory tract, removing the moisture need for your immune system to fight off illnesses. This will help you and your children foster a healthier first defense against ear infections in the winter and spring.
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