homeopathic remedies for a ruptured eardrum
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A ruptured eardrum is a tear in the tissue that separates the ear canal from the middle ear. Doctors carefully monitor ruptured eardrums because the rupture may cause the middle ear to become vulnerable to infection. Doctors generally prefer to let the tissue from a rupture heal itself, however, if the eardrum has not healed after several weeks, surgical repair may be required. Many people prefer to seek out homeopathic remedies instead.

Looking at Symptoms

A homeopath will examine the various symptoms of the presenting condition together with a patient's emotional issues and general physical shape when deciding on the proper treatment. When treating a ruptured eardrum, the homeopath will likely look at the symptoms (possible hearing loss, ringing, hearing distortion) and treat them since homeopathy believes that treating those symptoms will allow the eardrum to heal.

Possible Homeopathic Treatments

Homeopaths also use different remedies for different types of ruptured eardrums. Each case is evaluated individually according to the cause of the rupture, its presenting symptoms and other issues involved. A homeopath will first want to know what the circumstances were that caused the eardrum to rupture. If the ear was injured, a homeopath might suggest an "injury remedy" such as arnica. Hypericum and calendula could be prescribed for pain and healing. Pulsatilla has also been shown to be helpful for homeopathic treatments when the ruptured eardrum is accompanied by a discharge from the ear. Silaca is often used when the discharge is accompanied by itching or when the drainage is persistent, perhaps from a rupture which has taken a long time to heal.

Faith in Homeopathic Remedies

A ruptured eardrum can be painful and, if not treated, can lead to serious infections or worse. A homeopath cannot promise that homeopathic treatments will ensure that antibiotic or surgical intervention won't be necessary in the end. Many people who have used homeopathic treatments to treat ruptured eardrums, however, do believe that homeopathic intervention can be instrumental in treating the problem and preventing further complications. Most homeopaths favor working in conjunction with allopaths (conventional physicians), and the homeopathic literature dealing with ruptured eardrums stresses the necessity to consult with an allopath in certain instances.

Finding a Qualified Homeopathic Practitioner

Once a patient has decided to seek homeopathic treatment, it is important to identify a qualified homeopath. The National Center of Homeopathy maintains a database of homeopaths. Patients considering homeopathic treatment for a ruptured eardrum should investigate each homeopath to discern his or her credentials and background. References and word-of-mouth are also helpful in finding a good homeopath.