Earache

As mentioned in the section on accidents, ears must be treated with great respect, gentleness and caution. Earache is usually due to inflammation behind the ear drum, often conveyed from the


throat along the Eustachian tube. Medical advice and aid should be sought as it might be advisable to incise a bulging ear drum to externalise the infection and prevent inward spread with mastoid involvement. As an immediate measure to counteract the pain in the ear one of the following remedies can be given (a few doses of 30 or 6):
ACONITUM acute onset, violent pain, some relief from local heat.
BELLADONNA digging, throbbing pain, often on right side; face red and hot. The pain is aggravated by the least jar. Heat gives relief. Thirst is not marked.
CHAMOMILLA pain made WORSE by local heat; child very cross and fretful, but may be BETTER if carried; pains very severe extorting cries.
HEPAR SULPHURIS stitching pains, sore throat, desire to be warmly wrapped up, tenderness over mastoid process; peevish, nothing
pleases. The condition is made WORSE by the least draught It
may start in the left ear and spread to the right.
PULSATILLA brought on by chilling when hot or after getting wet; may accompany an infectious fever; pain is WORSE from heat; child is weepy and wants attention and company.
A few drops of PLANTAGO mother tincture may be instilled into the painful ear.