It has been 9+ years since my eldest’s prefered mode of transportation was my hip. I haven’t dealt with the thought of an ear infection since… Well, I don’t remember when. It was, however, long before I was aware of the importance of debate on natural vs man made medicine. So when my daughter started to fuss early this week I prayed it was the new teeth she had peaking through her gums. If not… I was armed with a brand new arsenal of ways to naturally kick some germ butt.
A Few Things I’ve Learned Along The Way:
- First, let me just say… apple cider vinegar. I remember, as a child, my mother laying ACV soaked rags over my chest in lieu of a on-coming cold. At the time I thought it was gross. Just another form of torture inflicted upon me to keep everyone far away from me and my cooties. Turns out my mom knew what she was doing. ACV is a great detoxifier, it alkalizes your body and reduces inflammation. As I mentioned, you can soak a rag in ACV and lay it either on the head or over the chest. Some remedies even recommend wrapping the feet as to draw the fever out. An ACV bath, which is what I gave Bailey this time, is also an alternative. 1 cup of ACV in a warm bath is the typical suggestion.
- DO NOT PUT YOUR CHILD IN A COLD BATH. Though this seems like a logical method to lower their temperature, it is far too aggressive to be beneficial. You do want to lower your child’s temperature, you do not want to lower it so quickly that it may be harmful. You can send them into shock or induce a febrile seizure like I spoke of earlier. Warm baths are always best.
- Garlic. Garlic. Garlic. This super food has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times, throughout many cultures. Garlic is readily available and an extremely inexpensive way to treat your child’s cold, fever or congestion. There are a few ways different applications when trying to use garlic in place of over the counter medicine. You can make garlic paste [blend fresh garlic cloves with a bit of olive or coconut oil] and apply it to the bottom of your child’s feet in efforts to get rid of fever. Either wrap the foot loosely in gauze or just put socks over the applied feet. You can also put fresh garlic cloves in a small container of olive oil and use it as drops for an ear infection. I was told by a family friend that they have put the garlic clove directly in the ear (not inside, on the surface) of their children, same as you would put a cotton ball into the ear.
- To cool your child down during a fever it is best do so from the inside out. You can do this with an assortment of cold treats or drinks. There is a great recipe for herbal smoothie freezer pops at www.mommypotamus.com
Reality: kids get sick. Messy and not the least bit conscious of the germs that are ever-present in their lives. This is the way it should be. Kids should be kids. We as parents just have to be prepared for when the germs attack. Antibiotics shouldn’t always be our first line of defense. Sometimes all it takes is a little of what you already have in your kitchen. So keep calm and keep it natural.
Below is the link to an awesome article on reasons to treat your children’s ear infections naturally. Did you know dropping breast milk in the ear can help cure ear infections?!
Honey & the B 