Swimmers Ear

Last Summer, my son got swimmers ear. I would like to prevent that this year. Is there an essential oil that will help?
Joanne, IL.



Swimmers Ear; Essential Oils


What is Swimmers Ear?
Swimmers ear (or Otits Externia) is like an ear infection, but the infection and inflammation is affecting the ear canal. It occurs when the protective film, that covers the ear canal (lipid layer), is removed. The ear canal becomes inflamed and narrower than normal. This can happen if water remains trapped in the ear canal, the lipid layer will get soggy. Then the bacteria and fungi grow, flourish and infect the ear.

If you had swimmers ear in the past, you are most likely to get it again. It is also more likely if you have a very narrow or hairy ear canal, live in a very humid climate, have impacted earwax, or have had a head injury that also injured your ear.


How can you prevent Swimmers Ear?

-Keep ear canal clean of water, sand, dirt, and debris.
-It often occurs when excess water enters the ear canal, hence the name “swimmers ear”.
-Keeping the ear canal dry is very important.
-After swimming or bathing, tilt head to one side and “knock” the water out. Do the same to other ear.
-If water is still in the ear, rubbing alcohol can help dry it out:

• Put your head over with that ear up, pull the ear upwards and backwards and install a dropperful of alcohol into it. Wiggle your ear to get the alcohol to go all the way in, then turn your head and let it drain out. The alcohol absorbs the water, helps dry out the ear, and may even kill bacteria and fungi.
• If the alcohol feels too harsh to your ear, mix it half and half with white vinegar. (Vinegar contains acetic acid, which kills the bacteria and fungus.)
• Caution: If you already have an ear infection, or if you have a perforated, ruptured, or punctured eardrum, or if you have had ear surgery, you should consult a doctor before going swimming and before you use these alcohol or vinegar type ear drops.
• Avoid swimming/submersion for 5-7 days, after treatment of swimmers ear, to allow ear to completely dry out and heal.

-Avoid submerging your ear in a bubble bathe or a bathe with soaps and shampoos. Use a cup, with clean water, to rinse hair or head.
-Do not “scratch” ear canal with cotton swab, bobby pin, finger nail, or other sharp object.
-Avoid using earphones that need to be inserted in the ear.
-After excessive sweating, wash head / ear area with clean water.

What are the Symptoms?

• Moderate to severe pain when ear is touched. The pain worsens when you chew, wiggle your earlobe, or press on the “tag” in front of the ear.
• Itching or feeling of fullness within the ear.
• Ear looks red and swollen, and drainage may be present from ear.
• Possible low grade fever is present.

Essential Oils that help Ear Infections.
The same oils are used for swimmers ears, as they are for middle ear infections.

• Apply 2-3 drops Eucalyptus from behind the ear, down the throat area, and on the chest. >>SEE IMAGE>> *Eucalyptus will 'open' the Eustachian tube, and 'prepare' the ear.
• Wait one minute, then follow with 2-3 drops Rosemary oil, the same as suggested above.
  *Rosemary will fight the bacterial/viral infection.
• Be sure to treat both ears. Even if only one ear is infected. This will allow balance to the body, and prevent the other ear from becoming infected, also.
• Apply 2 drops Lavender oil, the same as suggested above, to help with pain. Can also rub 1-2 drops on the feet to help calm a child.
• Apply warm compress, to help drive oils into the body, if desired.
• Can also use 1-2 drops per la Immunity Blend, diluted with carrier oil, on the bottom of feet to help fight infection. Use also internally, Dip a toothpick in Spice Traders, then poke toothpick into an apple wedges or stir a drop into applesauce.
• Can also use Oregano oil to fight infection and for pain. Mix 1 drop Oregano to 2 tablespoons Carrier oil. Apply a drop of the mixture onto a cotton ball, then place the cotton ball at the entrance of the ear canal. Keep it there, as long as possible. Do not drop into ear.
• For acute situations, adults take 2 drops Oregano in a capsule, filled with carrier oil, internally twice a day, while treating the ear externally.
• Can also take Immunity blend, internally. Mix 4-5 drops in a capsule, filled with carrier oil. Take 3 capsules with each meal for the first day. Then take 1 capsule at every meal the second day, and so on, until infection clears up.

Important Note: For Infants, Dilute any essential oil 50% with carrier oil (olive oil, grapeseed oil, etc.)

Ear Infections & Essential Oils

 

Ear Infections and Essential Oils

What is an Ear Infection?

The common Ear Infection happens in the middle of the ear. (It is called Acute Otitis Media) The middle ear is the small part of the ear, just inside the eardrum. It can get infected when bacteria from the nose and throat get trapped there.

A small tube connects your ear to your throat. A cold can cause this tube to swell. When the tube swells enough to become blocked, it can trap fluid inside your ear. This makes it a perfect place for bacteria to grow and cause an infection.

Ear infections happen mostly to young children because their tubes are smaller and get blocked more easily. It also happens as a secondary infection to colds or flu.

Adult ear infections are caused by infection from fluid build up in the Eustachian tube. The Eustachian tube connects the inner ear to the nasal passages in order to drain fluid from the ears and equalize pressure between outside and inside of the body, but when fluid or mucous builds up in the Eustachian tube, it is an easy target for infection.

A cold can cause fluid build up and infection in the Eustachian tube. Post nasal drip may also contribute. An adult does not necessarily need to be sick to get adult ear infection. Often, the infection is caused by mucous being blown into the Eustachian tubes by blowing the nose or failing to clean the liquid out of the ear with a cotton swab after showering.

In one of every four cases in children, ear infection is not caused by a bacterial infection but by a viral infection. Viruses often cause adult ear infection as well.

What are the symptoms?

• The most common is, mild to severe, pain in the ear. This can cause trouble sleeping.
• Pulling or tugging at the ear, especially in infant.
• A mild fever is produced by the body, to help fight the infection. (Sometimes the fever causes the infected ear to turn red.)
• Pressure from swelling build up, due to fluid behind ear drum
• Sometimes, thick and yellow fluid drains from the ear.
• This happens from the eardrum has burst and the fluid behind it is able to escape. This is not serious, and usually makes the pain go away. The eardrum will heal itself over time.
• When fluid build up, but there is no pain, that is a sign that the middle ear has not been infected yet. You may have trouble hearing, and children often say their ear just feels plugged up.

You can help prevent ear infections in your child.

• Do not smoke. Ear infections happen more often to children who are around cigarette smoke. Even fumes from tobacco smoke on your hair and clothes can affect your child.
• Make sure your child does not go to sleep while sucking on a bottle.
• Begin taking Immunity essential oil blend, at first sign of cold/flu, to avoid a secondary infection like an ear infection. 

Essential Oils that help Ear Infections. 

• Apply 1-2 drops Eucalyptus radiata from behind the ear, down the throat area, and on the chest.>>SEE IMAGE>>
• Eucalyptus will 'open' the Eustachian tube, and 'prepare' the ear.

• Wait one minute, then follow with 1-2 drops Rosemaryoil, the same as suggested above.
• Rosemary will fight the bacterial/viral infection.

• Mix essential oils with carrier oil for children and sensitive skin.

• Do this morning and night for the first 3 days and then once at night until ear infection is cleared up. 

• If ear infection is still present after 7 days, reevaluate the essential oil dilution and consult a healthcare physician.

• Treat both ears, even if only one ear is infected. This will keep the body in balance, and keep the other ear from getting infected.

DO NOT AT ANYTIME DROP OILS INSIDE THE EAR CANAL!

• Apply 2 drops Lavender oil, the same as suggested above, to help with pain. Can also rub 1-2 drops on the feet to help calm a child.

• Apply warm compress, to help drive oils into the body, if desired.Can also use 1-2 drops (Heat can cause sensitivity, so dilute oils with carrier oil before doing this)

To help fight viral/bacterial infection and prevent further secondary infections:

• Immunity Blend, diluted with carrier oil, on the bottom of feet to help fight infection. Use also internally, 
• For children: Dip a toothpick in Immunity blend, then poke toothpick into an apple wedges or stir a drop into applesauce. 
• Can also mix 1 drop Immunity blend with 6 drops Pink Grapefruit oil to help "sweeten" the Immunity blend and take some "heat" away. Then take 1 drop of the "sweetened mixture. Be aware that by "diluting" the Immunity, you may need to take it more often. 

• Can also use Oregano oil to fight infection and for pain. Mix 1 drop Oregano to 1oz. Carrier oil. Apply a drop of the mixture onto a cotton ball, then place the cotton ball at the Entrance of the ear canal, where the outer ear cradles. Keep it there, as long as possible. Do not drop into ear.

• For acute situations, adults take 2 drops Oregano in a capsule, filled with carrier oil, internally twice a day, while treating the ear externally.

• Can also take Immunity blend, internally. Mix 4-5 drops in a capsule, filled with carrier oil. Take 3 capsules with each meal for the first day. Then take 1 capsule at every meal the second day, and so on, until infection clears up.

• Important Note: For Infants, Dilute any essential oil 50% with carrier oil (olive oil, grapeseed oil, etc.)

Insect Bites/Stings

During the summer, the insects and mosquitoes are the worst. Do you have an essential oil recipe to keep them away?
Karen, AZ

Insect Bites & Stings
Most Insects, including Ants, Wasps, Bees, Mosquitoes, when they bite/sting, inject a Protein or Formic acid into your skin. The proteins/acid evoke an immune response from your body. The area swells, and then you begin to itch. Eventually, the swelling goes away, but the itch remains until your immune cells break down the proteins/acid.


Avoid getting bites/stings all together:
For Ants:

• Keep an eye out for anthills and consider wearing closed-toe shoes and socks, if you think you might be getting down and dirty in red ant territory.
• Covering your skin by wearing long pants, long sleeved shirts, and gloves could provide some extra protection.
• Be sure that any Drink/Food source is not left outside or where ants will track it down.
  

For Bees/Wasps:

• Avoid attracting the bees and wasps, and if they just can't resist you, do not aggravate them by swatting, running, and/or screaming. They'll probably leave you alone.
• Avoid brightly colored or patterned clothing when in an area where you expect there to be bees and wasps.
• Avoid using perfume or cologne in said areas.
• Don't walk barefoot across plants, especially clover and blooming ground clover (a favorite of bees).
• If a bee or wasp does land on you, it's probably just interested in a smell or wants a little sip of water (your sweat), so don't swat at it. Stand still and it should fly away on its own accord. If you cannot wait for the bee or wasp to leave on its own, then gently brush it away with a piece of paper — swatting will antagonize the insect and you might end up with a sting.
• Before jumping into the pool, check to make sure there aren't any bees or wasps trapped on the water (they make for particularly unhappy and easily antagonized stingers).
  

For Mosquitoes:

• Often the best "repellent" is a fan or gentle breeze as mosquitoes do not like moving air.
• Increase your intake of vitamin B-1 (thiamine) and garlic. Both of these items make you 'stink' to a mosquito.
• Put some water in a white dinner plate and add a couple drops of Lemon Fresh Joy dish detergent. Set the dish on your porch, patio, or other outdoor area. Not sure what attracts them, the lemon smell, the white plate color, or what, but mosquitoes flock to it, and drop dead shortly after drinking the Lemon Fresh Joy/water mixture, and usually within about 10 feet of the plate.
• Remove standing water sources
• Put some rosemary plants or sage plants on hot coals.
• Plant marigolds - their scent repels flying insects and other bugs.

Essential oils can help neutralize bites/stings:

• Put 1-2 drops Lavender or Tea Tree oil on mosquito or any type of bug bites to help neutralize the bite.
• Can also put a trace of Peppermint oil on minor insect bites or stings.
• For Bee stings, apply 1-2 drops Helichrysum oil on location.
  

Create an Insect repellant, using Essential oils:

• Peppermint is a safe insect repellant. Create a spray using 4-5 drops Peppermint, shaken into ½ cup water. Spray on skin and clothing. (Be careful around eyes)

• Insect Repellant:
  10 drops Lavender
  10 drops Geranium
  10 drops Eucalyptus
  10 drops Citronella 8-10 oz water, mix in Spay bottle. Shake and spray on body/clothes as needed.
• Mosquito Repellant:
  4 drops peppermint 3 drops Eucalyptus
  4 oz. water, spray on clothing and skin.
• Eucalyptus oil (at 30 percent concentration) helped prevent mosquitoes from biting for two hours, according to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine

Can also create a safe bug barrier around your home:

• Fill a spray bottle with 10 drops Peppermint, 5 drops Basil and the rest with water. Spray under you eaves, around your windows, and doors and along baseboards.

Asthma & Essential Oils

My son has Asthma, are there oils that will help his breathing and asthma attacks?
Brandi, PA.

Asthma Help, using Essential oils.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic disease involving the respiratory system in which the airways constrict, become inflamed, and are lined with excessive amounts of mucus. When the airways react, the muscles around them tighten. This causes the airways to narrow, and less air flows to your lungs. The swelling also can worsen, making the airways even narrower. Cells in the airways may make more mucus than normal. Mucus is a sticky, thick liquid that can further narrow your airways.

Symptoms of Asthma:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Dyspnea or shortness of Breath
• Tightness of Lungs
• Rapid heart rate
• Itchiness of chest with tightness
• Stridor or high pitch noise from breathing

Causes of Asthma attack:

• Upper respiratory infection
• Stress
• Airborne allergens
• Air pollutants (Smoke, traffic fumes, etc.)
• Exercise

Essential Oil help for Asthma:

• Asthma can be an indication of Liver toxicity. Do a Liver Cleanse, daily. http://theresanoilforthat.blogspot.com/search/label/Liver%20Cleanse
• Eucalyptus can stop an attack. Put a few drops on the chest, back of neck, and nostrils.
• 2-3 drops Marjoram on chest, followed by 2-3 drops Cypress, will stop the lungs from spasm-ing.
• Frankincense may avert an asthma attack, if you feel it coming on. Inhale and rub 2-3 drops on upper chest.
• To help relax and calm before an onset of an attack, apply 1-2 drops of Lavender on pulse points and under nose. Can also place Lemon on toes and balls of feet, the upper back, the nape of neck, and upper chest.
• 1 drop of Rosemary can help, and be placed directly on the tongue.
• per la Respiratory, is a special oil blend formulated specifically for lung challenges. Apply on the chest, throat, and back.
• 
  Asthma Remedy Tea:
  1 drop Peppermint oil
  1 drop Lemon oil
  1 drop Eucalyptus oil
  1 tsp. Honey
  Add warm water, stir and sip.

Important note: Never diffuse essential oils during an asthma attack. Lungs need to be left alone. Only put the oils on the chest and throat area, as well as the back (across, where the lungs are)

Spider Bites & Essential oils

My son got bit by a spider, is there an essential oil that will help for future bites?

Amber, MA.

About the Spider and its bite:

Spider bites are characterized as either attacking or defensive, depending on whether the spider is attempting to subdue prey, or to repel a perceived threat. Spiders can control how much venom is released. A bite in which little or no venom is injected is frequently referred to as a dry bite. As spiders do not prey on humans (or other large mammals), spiders do not "attack" people. Almost all bites that humans receive are defensive bites, and frequently the spider drives the human off just by the mechanical pain of its bite, thus it is not unusual for humans to receive dry bites or partial envenomations.



Spider venoms work on one of two fundamental principles; they are either neurotoxic (attacking the nervous system), or necrotic (attacking tissues surrounding the bite.) When using essential oils, Helichrysum is used for nerve and neuralogical conditions, (helping the neurotoxic principle), and Cypress is used for circulation (helping the necrotic principle.)



Some spider bites do leave a large enough wound that infection may be a concern, and some spider species are known to consume prey which is already dead, which also may pose a risk for transmission of infectious bacteria from a bite. So, essential oils with anti-bacterial properties is a must to prevent infection and scarring.

Essential oils that help with Spiders bites:

• 1 drop of Helichrysum and Cypress on location will help clear out the venom of bites.


• Lavender will help heal the bite and prevent scarring.


• Apply Tea tree after "sting" is gone to prevent infection.


• Take 3 drops Oregano oil in a capsule, filled with Carrier oil, immediately, if you suspect being bitten by a brown recluse or black widow. Seek medical attention. Continue Oregano capsules 2x a day until bite heals, or at least 10 days.

How to Prevent Future Spider Bites:

• Keep away from areas where black widow or brown recluse spiders area known to concentrate. The widow often makes tangled webs around outbuildings, storage units, old tree trunks or cabins not in regular use.


• Keep cellars, rooms, closets as clean and clutter-free as possible. Spiders usually will not remain in a constantly disturbed area. This rule can provide a powerful incentive for children to clean their rooms.


• Shake clothing, blankets, towels, and such if they have remained in an area where spiders may be found.


• Take care to look before placing your hands in a lumber pile, window-well, under rocks or in little-used cabinets or drawers.


• Professional pest-control agents and sprays can be used, but these are often expensive and generally unsuccessful. The spiders are tenacious and not highly susceptible to insecticides.


• Do seek medical attention if you suspect that you have been bitten by either a brown recluse or black widow. Although, start Helichrysum/Cypress right away. However, with most spider bites, victims do not even know they have been bitten. If they do notice, they often attribute the spot to a scratch or splinter.