Another cure suggested bathing the ears with a decoction of chamomile. Yet another, supposedly a very quick cure, involved the boiling of an onion until it was soft. The soft onion pulp was then rubbed on the inside of the ear.
Earache is a common and painful disease, and so it is no wonder that there were several folk cures. A mixture of green elder and leek juice was used in another cure. A branch of green elder was placed over a low fire. An egg-cup of sap was collected from the elders as it exuded from the wood and this was added to an egg-cup of leek juice. This was thoroughly mixed and applied to the affected ear three times a day.
In other folk cure, a mustard leaf was put just behind the ear, and in another baked apple was applied to the ear. Warmed honey or almond oil could be dripped into the ear to bring relief. Garlic oil or lavender oil in warmed olive oil was also used in this way, as was peppermint oil.
An infusion of plantain taken internally was thought to be curative in cases of earache.
Heat treatment was generally recommended. Originally, hot cloths were placed on the side of the head with the affected ear. Lather hot-water bottles were used.
Sponsored Links: