Homeopathic medicine, treatment and remedies for Ear pain

The following are some of the homeopathic medicines which are used for the treatment of ear pain:

• Pulsatilla Pratensis
  Common Name: Wind flower
  Symptoms: Common symptoms that can be treated with this remedy are:

  • Redness and swelling of the external ear
  • A feeling as if something is being pushed out of ears
  • Inflammation and infection in the ear
  • Ear pain that worsens at night
  • Difficulty in hearing
  • Thick discharge form the ear which has an offensive odour
  • Feeling of stuffiness in ears

The condition worsens in the evening, after meals, especially after eating fatty foods, and in a warm room. The symptoms get better on consuming cold foods and drinks, on spending time in the open air and by increasing body movements.

• Belladonna
  Common Name: Deadly nightshade
  Symptoms: Deadly nightshade is best suited to individuals experiencing redness, burning and throbbing sensations. Some other symptoms that can be effectively managed by this remedy are:

  • Ear pain that causes delirium
  • Tearing pain in the ear, especially the external and middle ear
  • Sensitivity to loud noise
  • Inflammatory conditions of middle ear
  • Excruciating pain deep in the ear
  • Humming noises in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Swelling of the parotid glands, the largest salivary glands present in front of the ears on either side of the mouth
  • Symptoms associated with the eustachian tube, which is the canal connecting the ear to the nasopharynx (the back of the nasal cavity and the upper throat)
  • Haematoma auris, which is the accumulation of a solid clot in the external region of the ear between the cartilage of the ear and the skin

The symptoms worsen in the afternoon, with touch, noise, and lying down. The patient feels better when they are made to sit in a semi-erect position.

• Mercurius Solubilis
  Common Name: Quicksilver
  Symptoms: Quicksilver is an important therapy in the treatment of discharge of pus and inflammation. Some other symptoms that can be managed using this remedy are:

  • Thick and yellow discharge from ears; the discharge may also contain blood
  • Boils in the external canal of the ear
  • Tearing pain in the head

The symptoms worsen in wet and damp climatic conditions, on lying on the right side, and at night. Sweating in a warm room or a warm bed also worsens the symptoms.

• Hepar Sulphur
  Common Name: Hahnemann's calcium sulphide
  Symptoms: Hepar sulphur is useful in treating swellings in glands with a tendency of pus formation. Some other symptoms associated with ear pain are:

  • Scaling of the skin on the ears and behind it
  • Exudation of pus from the ears
  • Throbbing in ears
  • Difficulty hearing
  • Inflammation of the mastoid bone, which is located behind the ear
  • Blisters in the external ear
  • Deafness that occurs after scarlet fever (a type of fever caused due to a bacterial infection)

The symptoms worsen on lying on the painful side, in cool cool air and dry winds. The symptoms get better after eating, on wrapping one's head, and in damp weather.

• Plantago Major
  Common Name: Plantain
  Symptoms: Plantain is primarily used for treating ear pain and inflammation in the middle ear. Following are some other symptoms that can be managed using this remedy:

  • Increased sharpness of hearing, experiencing pain with noise
  • Sharp and sudden pain in the ear
  • Earache associated with toothache
  • Ear pain that radiates from one ear to another
• Aconitum Napellus
  Common Name: Monkshood
  Symptoms: Aconitum napellus is a useful remedy for restlessness, burning sensations in the internal parts, numbness, coldness, and tingling along with the following symptoms that accompany ear pain:
  • Extreme sensitivity to noise
  • A feeling as if there is a drop of water in the ear
  • Redness and swelling of the external ear
  • A sensation of heaviness in the head along with headache

Symptoms worsen in the evening and night, in a warm room, lying on the painful side, and tobacco smoke while they get better in open air.

• Chamomilla
  Common Name: German chamomile
  Symptoms: German chamomile is mainly used to treat excruciating pain, numbness and night sweats. Few other symptoms that can be treated using chamomilla are:

  • A feeling as one's ears are not able to perform their functions
  • Tinnitus
  • Swollen parotid gland
  • Stitching-like pain and soreness in ears
  • Swelling in the ear

Symptoms worsen at night and when the individual is exposed to open air, wind or heat. Emotions like anger also worsen the condition. The symptoms improve in warm and wet weather.

• Capsicum Annuum
  Common Name: Cayenne pepper
  Symptoms: This remedy is primarily used for the management of inflammation of the petrous bone, a part of the bone located at the side of the skull. It is also effective in treating chilliness and burning sensations in the body. Some of the other symptoms managed by this medicine are:

  • Inflammation of the mastoid bone
  • Stinging and burning in ears
  • Tenderness over the petrous bone (a part of the base of the skull)
  • Pain and swelling in the area behind the ears
  • Discharge from the ears

The symptoms worsen in the open air and when the ears are kept uncovered. The symptoms get better from heat and while eating. 

• Verbascum Thapsus
  Common Name: Mullein
  Symptoms: This medicine has pronounced effects on several parts of the body including the ear and is a useful remedy for inflammation and cold. It is also useful in a few other symptoms like:

  • Hearing loss
  • Earache with a sensation as if something is  stuck in the ear
  • Dryness and scales in the ear canal

The symptoms get aggravated between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m, on sneezing, talking and with change in temperature.

• Ferrum Phosphoricum
  Common Name: Phosphate of iron
  Symptoms: Ferrum phosphoricum is one of the most suitable therapies for all the disturbances and inflammation in the first stage when there is no exudation of pus. It is recommended for the management of the following symptoms: 

  • Ear infection
  • Inflammation in the ear
  • Throbbing sensations in the ear
  • Pus formation
  • Reddening and bulging of the eardrum

The symptoms worsen at night, with touch, and between 4 to 6 p.m. The patient feels better with cold applications.

Homeopathic medicines are highly diluted and potentiated natural substances. Hence their action easily gets affected with some foods and lifestyle habits. Therefore, to experience complete relief in the symptoms, strict control on diet and lifestyle is needed. Here are some do's and don'ts that your doctor may suggest you along with homeopathic remedies:

Do’s:

• Stay in hygienic and clean conditions.
• Eat nutritious and healthy food suitable for your health.
• Live an active life and expose yourself to fresh and open air.

Don’ts:

• Do not drink beverages containing caffeine and beverages with a strong odour.
• Do not eat spicy foods and foods possessing medicinal properties.
• Avoid all excesses in food including salt and sugar.
• Avoid emotions like anger and grief that may lead to overexertion of the mind and body.

Homeopathic doctors prescribe several medicines for the treatment of ear pain that have been evaluated clinically and found to be safe in the treatment of the condition. 

The British Homeopathic Association suggests that belladonna, hepar sulphur and pulsatilla pratensis can be used in the management of ear infections. It also suggests the use of ferrum phosphoricum as a quick pain-relieving agent for earache, especially when the individual does not have a fever. Aconite is useful in treating individuals with a sudden onset of earache with associated fever and restlessness.

A comparative clinical study involving both adults and children with chief complaints of ear pain, runny nose, sore throat, sinus pain or cough indicated the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies. The participants were divided into different groups based on the mode of treatment applied. About 62 homeopathic remedies were prescribed on an individual basis and 190 conventional medicines were used in the group treated for evaluation of conventional drugs. Some of the top 10 homeopathic medicines used in this study included belladonna, pulsatilla pratensis, hepar sulphur and mercurius solubilis. These homeopathic remedies were found to relieve the symptoms as effectively as conventional medicines. The study concluded that  homeopathic remedies are equally effective in treating ear pain when compared to modern medicines. Also, homeopathy is safe in children.

Homeopathic medicines are made by extensively diluting the natural ingredients. The dilution makes the medicine totally free of any adverse effects but they retain their therapeutic properties. Therefore, these medicines can be used in treating several diseases without the risk of side effects. Homeopathic remedies are also safe to use in children, pregnant women and the elderly. Always consult a homeopathic physician before initiating any therapy with homeopathic remedies.

Ear pain is a commonly experienced symptom that needs to be examined to diagnose the underlying cause. Conventionally the condition is treated with medicines such as painkillers and antibiotics.

Homeopathic remedies have proven to be effective in the management of ear pain and various associated symptoms with no side effects. However, you should always consult a doctor before taking any homeopathic medicines as the homeopathic doctor will prescribe you the most suitable therapy based on your clinical condition and your build-up.