Category Archives: Poultices

Believe it or not, ear infections are RARELY due to infection, which is why antibiotics do nothing for them. So, what then is the issue? For kids typically under eight years of age, the Eustachian tubes that connect the ear with the throat lay more horizontal than vertical in nature. As a result, fluid that needs to drain through the tube becomes backed up causing serious #$%*!!! ear pain. For adults, ear infections are usually the result of having a cold or allergy that congests the tube causing the fore mentioned profanity. So, what to do?

1. Grab a medium to large sized onion.
2. Cut in half (don’t worry about peeling).
3. Steam for 5-10 min (or microwave for 50 sec). It should be firm (not fully cooked), but soft to touch.
4. Wrap in clean tea towel so that only 1 towel layer covers sliced area.
5. Cup ear with onion and hold until pain subsides. Careful, it’s hot!

Ok, so what’s the magic? The moist heat from the onion draws fluid from the ear, and warms up the mucus (onion sulfur compounds may help break up the mucus), therefore making the Eustachian tube easier to drain. Viola!

Secondary Option:I had chronic ear aches as a child, and would be taken to hospital. The MDs would pour cod liver oil in my ear followed by a cotton ball, and prescribe an over-the-counter pain killer. Seemed to help.