Q: My three-year-old daughter suffers with terrible earache. Are there any natural alternatives that can ease this problem?

A: Ear infections are very common in children, affecting 20 to 40 per cent of children under six years of age.

Earache occurs when bacteria (or viruses) enter from the nose or throat and ascend the Eustachian tube to reach the middle ear.

If the Eustachian tube becomes blocked by inflammation or an allergy attack, it leads first to the build up of fluid and then, if bacteria start to grow, bacterial infection. This can be very painful.

In young children, the Eustachian tube is oriented more horizontally than vertically, making drainage more difficult.

I recommend using the herbal tincture of Plantago, which is locally soothing and helps to clear congestion in the ear, sinus, nose and throat area.

It can also be combined with Echinacea, which has been shown to support the immune system.

Adults should take 15 drops in a little water two to three times a day, and children (aged two to 12 years) one drop per year of age, also in a little water two to three times daily.

Although ear infections can be worrying for parents and distressing for children, the news is encouraging.

Most children stop having multiple ear infections by the time they reach school age, as the structure of the inner ear changes.

Helen Spath is a partner in Tullivers Health Store, in Colliergate, York. Each week, she will bring you advice on how to stay healthy with herbal and homeopathic remedies or food supplements.

Updated: 10:55 Friday, December 09, 2005