Young children may find it difficult to say that they are in pain or inform you where the pain is located but as parents, you need to be able to detect this information by looking for the tell-tale symptoms which may depict an ear infection or any other condition.

For ear infections, confirm whether your child...

• Pull at their ear frequently or hold it?
• Find it difficult to sleep?
• Seems irritable and listless?
• Have a fever?
• Cry increasingly?
• Have noticeable fluid from the ears?
• Pain in either ear?
• Headaches?

Because the tubes from the middle ear to the nose are smaller in a child than those of an adult, they can become easily blocked by the fluid in the ear and some children are more susceptible to ear infections possibly through their immune system not being developed fully. The adenoids can also swell and become infected which in turn blocks the tubes of the middle ear and spreads the infection.

There are many reasons why children can have an increased risk of ear infections such as:

• Cooler air (autumn and winter)
• Food allergies
• Those exposed to pollutants including cigarette smoke

Although there is a definite place for medication to help the child recover quickly, there are also some self-help natural techniques which may be beneficial and these are:

Tea Tree Oil

This wonderful natural antiseptic should be kept in every natural first aid kit in the home. Simply add 5-10 drops to slightly warmed tea tree oil to a tablespoon of olive oil and once mixed, add a few drops of the mixture to the ear morning and evening.

Echinacea

Echinacea is good for helping to boost the immune system and helping to ward off any infection.

Vitamin C

Increase intake of this valuable vitamin and your child should soon start to improve.

Astragalus

Astragalus is a well known herbal aid for earache and for those who endure repetitive ear infections.

Meditation

Teaching your child some simple and basic meditation techniques from an early age will help them to stay calm and be able to promote natural healing by using a healing meditation. By learning whilst young, they will be able to reap many benefits from this wonderful, natural exercise.