Using urine for ear infections? Simple saline or garlic oil would be better.

In a discussion about using garlic oil for ear aches and infections, one friend mentioned hearing about using urine in a similar fashion. Out of curiosity, I decided to look up the actual composition of human urine. I knew that it is basically a sterile saline solution, but considering that urine is the end product of the body's internal filtering process, I knew there had to be more than that. I mean, urine tests are used all the time to test for hormone imbalances, and kidney stones are crystallized excess minerals. A little searching confirmed that while urine is 90%-95% water, The rest is not just sodium chloride (salt) but other trace minerals and impurities.

Mostly I imagine the benefit comes from the salt. Salt is naturally antibacterial, and also would help dry up excess fluid. If the ear ache is potentially caused by "swimmers ear," a sterile saline solution would probably be better.

The garlic oil is better for ear pain caused by infection or damage to the inner ear or ear canal. Garlic is antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. Olive oil is moisturizing and helps skin heal. The combination of the two helps distribute the garlic juice throughout the ear canal and inner ear, and act as a kind of liquid band aid. (see below for Garlic Oil Remedy for Ear Infections.)

The thing is, an ear infection isn't always a bacterial infection. It could also be viral or fungal. Of course, doctors don't usually test to see what kind of infection it is. So an antibiotic isn't always the best option. In fact, if it isn't bacterial, an antibiotic is just going to wipe out the body's good bacteria, making it harder for the immune system to focus on the real problem. Or worse, opening the possibility of adding a bacterial infection on top of the original infection.

I won't say that modern medicine and prescription antibiotics are always bad. Getting a doctor's opinion is always good when you don't know what's wrong. If the condition is chronic, there could be something else causing it. It's also a good idea to get a doctor's opinion when it comes to children, since they might not be able to give a good explanation of what is wrong. A true Naturopath or Holistic doctor isn't often practical, since most insurance plans don't cover them, but if you search around you might find a Primary Care doc who is open to the idea of natural/home-remedies.

If you do end up using an antibiotic, it's a good idea to take an immune boosting supplement at the same time, and after your done taking the antibiotic, take a probiotic for at least as long as you were on the antibiotic.

Garlic Oil Remedy for Ear Infections

One clove of FRESH garlic (not garlic powder, diced minced garlic, or minced garlic from a jar!)
One teaspoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Crush the clove of garlic in the oil. Strain the oil to remove the solid garlic bits. Put 2-3 drops in the affected ear, and lay on your side so the oil drains down into the ear canal. It's best to warm the oil to body temperature. Cold oil can aggravate the ear pain.

I've found that one to two treatments takes care of things. If it doesn't, definitely go see a doctor.

And thus concludes another long-ass post. Hope my ramblings are more helpful than annoying :P