How I Cleared My 6-Year-Old’s Ear Infection Naturally

My 6-year-old had a lingering cough (soon to be ear infection) for a couple of weeks. With no other symptoms and feeling fine otherwise, he didn’t see the need to take any remedies. When I talk about “medicine,” I’m referring to herbal tinctures, vitamins, minerals, and healing foods—not cough syrup or antibiotics.

However, as the days went by, his cough worsened, and the mucus thickened, eventually getting trapped behind his ear and causing an ear infection. As you can imagine, ear infections hurt. At that point, he was ready to accept some help.

Here’s exactly what I did to clear up his ear infection and cough. I’m writing this down both for my own reference and to share with others who may find it helpful.

1. Mullein Flower & Garlic Oil for the Ears

• How to Use: Place 1–2 drops in each ear up to 4 times a day.
• Important Note: Do not use drops if the eardrum is ruptured (you’d see drainage or “goop” coming out).
• I inserted a small piece of tissue into his ear after applying the drops to prevent them from draining immediately. I left it in for about 5 minutes.
• You can also use colloidal silver in the ear or over the counter ear drops

2. Essential Oils for Immune Support

• Oregano Essential Oil: Diluted and rolled along his spine and behind his ears twice daily (morning and bedtime).
• Revive Breathe Air Roller: Applied to his chest to help with his cough. If you have a different favorite brand, look for blends designed for immunity or congestion.
• A Word of Caution: Always research the oils you’re using to ensure they are safe for children. Don’t rely solely on company claims or a rep’s advice.

3. Nebulized Iodine Solution

• I used 2 drops of Lugol’s iodine mixed with 9% saline. He nebulized this mixture for 15 minutes, 4 times a day.

4. Cell Salts

I gave him the following cell salts:

• #4 Ferrum Phos: Supports oxygen delivery and helps with minor fevers and colds.
• #6 Kali Phos: A nerve nutrient for stress and headaches.
• #7 Kali Sulph: Helps with mucus.

Dosage: 1 tablet of each, 4 times a day. More information on cell salts here.

5. Vitamin C

• I used whatever I had on hand: sometimes tablets, sometimes gummies, even powdered orange or lemon peel
• Dosage: 2 immune gummies per day (250 mg of vitamin C each).
• Note: Vitamin C can cause loose stools, so if that happens, reduce the dosage.

6. NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)

• How to Use: 1 capsule, 4 times a day.
• I opened the capsules and mixed them into applesauce to make it easier for him to take. NAC helps dry and clear up mucus.

7. Herbal Tinctures

• Echinacea Tincture: 1 dropperful.
• Orange Peel Tincture: 1 dropperful.
• How to Use: Mixed into 2 tablespoons of applesauce, given 4 times a day.
• Other tinctures: Oregano, goldenseal, ginger, mullein, licorice root

8. Homeopathic Medicine

• Pulsatilla: 2 doses, both given right before bedtime.

9. Pain Relief with Poultices

• He found relief from the pain by using a warm onion or garlic poultice placed against his ear. This helped thin the mucus and reduce discomfort. This is how I make my poultices.

10. Keep it up

• Keep using your remedies for at least a week after the ear pain is gone. You don’t want a reinfection.

Final Thoughts

This is what worked for us to clear his ear infection naturally. It’s important to note that this is just one approach, and every child is different. If you’re considering trying natural remedies, always do your research, and consult a healthcare provider when needed. Also, if needed I will give my child a dose of ibuprofen if they need a break from the pain and need some sleep, but it is not first go-to!

I hope this helps another parent looking for gentle, effective ways to support their child’s healing! 💛