Ear infection, scientifically known as otitis media, can cause many symptoms, including; pain, lack of sleep, rhinitis, elevated body temperature, irritability, loss of balance and hearing impairment. If complicated, it can lead to permanent deafness; furthermore, it may spread to the brain in severe conditions. Mostly, ear infection occurs in infants and toddlers, in fact, it is the most common cause for loss of hearing in young age. Some precautions can be taken to reduce the susceptibility for getting an ear infection, like quitting smoking and avoiding sugars, which may lower the body’s immune system, besides, taking some supplements, such as garlic, can be helpful too.

An odorless substance that has been identified as Alliin is one of the main constituents of garlic. Normally, Alliin is an inactive material, but on chewing or crushing garlic, it is converted into a more active chemical substance known as Allicin. Scientists believe that Allicin is responsible for the aroma and the therapeutic uses of garlic.

Garlic is supplied in many forms; dried, frozen, or oil extracts. Recent studies suggest that ear drops made from the combination of garlic, St. John’s wort and mullein dissolved in in oil base or glycerin can relieve the symptoms, particularly pain, during the episodes of acute ear infection.

Garlic mullein combination possesses an antiviral as well as an antibacterial property, making it the perfect natural antibiotic for treating otitis media or ear infection. A recent clinical study has proved that garlic mullein ear drops are as potent as the prescribed antibiotics in curing otitis media in children.

Usually, parents seeking for a natural treatment for otitis media are trying to avoid their children the heavy side effects of the recurrent use of the prescribed antibiotics.

Nevertheless, it is a mandatory when deciding to pursue an alternative treatment to keep in touch with a physician for watching the symptoms of the disease carefully. An ear infection, which doesn’t respond to the treatment, gives a very indicator for more serious complications.