As a mother of a 2 year old, I am intimately familiar with the desire to keep my kid away from unnecessary medications, be it over-the-counter or pharmaceutical. As a naturopathic physician, I also realize that there is a time and a place depending on the individual where pharmaceutical is appropriate and unavoidable. Luckily for pesky ear infections, the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics discourages use of antibiotics for initial diagnosis for children over 2yo and recommends delaying antibiotic therapy and focusing on pain management for 2-3 days first.
This is a situation where naturopathic medicine shines. My goal as practitioner is to empower patients and parents to utilize natural remedies easily accessed at home to support the body’s natural process of healing. With ear infections, the priority is to manage pain, support the immune system, and encourage a thinning of mucus for drainage through the eustacian tube. Onion poultices are an awesome treatment for all of these goals.
Onion vapor helps dilate the eustacian tubes and has antimicrobial properties for combatting infection. The heat has a soothing effect for pain relief as well. I typically utilize a few more home treatments for further immune support.
Please consult with your physician for an exam and assessment to ensure that your child does not have any other complications. This information is intended to be shared as an adjunct treatment and not to replace medical care!
Indications:
Ear infections, chest cold, and flu.
Materials needed:
- One small yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon of ground corn meal
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Cheese cloth or an old tee shirt
- Grater or knife and cutting board
- Flannel cloth or wool scarf
- Small amount of vegetable oil (Safflower, Olive)
Instructions:
To make onion ear muffs, cut a yellow onion in half, scoop out all but a few outer rings and bake at 300’ for 15 minutes or microwave a few minutes until softened. Remove and let cool so it is safe to touch. Wrap in cloth and hold over ears for 3-5 minutes 3 times per day (if your child will let you…make a game of it or just snuggle with them in your lap as you hold the onion halves to their ears).
Another preparation for an onion poultice is to peel the onion and cut into small pieces. Place the onion in a skillet with oil and sauté until the onions are clear, but not until wilted. Sprinkle 1 TBSP of cornmeal and 1 TBSP of vinegar. Stir well until it forms a thick mass. The idea is to make a poultice that holds together well and won’t fall apart once placed on body. Take the pan off the heat. Cut a piece of cheesecloth/old t-shirt and drop the onion poultice onto the cloth and fold into a neat package. Make sure the poultice is at least ½ inch thick. Place poultice over the ears once safe to touch then cover with flannel or wool and hold for 15 minutes or until poultice is cool.
Dr. Alicia McCubbins is a naturopathic physician located in Port Townsend, practicing at Prosper Natural Health. She has extensive experience in individualized nutritional therapies with an undergraduate degree in dietetics. Her medical degree was completed at the National University of Natural Medicine with Honors in Research. Dr. McCubbins specialties include wildcrafting natural medicines, immune and autoimmune conditions, digestive health, hormone balancing, fertility, and pediatrics.
