Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Recurrent Ear Infections
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Xylitol | 8.4 grams daily divided into several doses of chewing gum |  [3 stars] Xylitol, a natural sugar found in fruit, helps control mouth bacteria that cause ear infections. |
Echinacea | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] Children with recurrent ear infections may benefit from taking echinacea, as it has been reported to support healthy immune function. |
Garlic | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Ear drops with mullein, St. John’s wort, and garlic in an oil or glycerin base are traditional remedies used to alleviate symptoms, particularly pain, during acute ear infections. |
Linden | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] An unpublished clinical trial found that linden tea was effective at speeding recovery and reducing complications such as ear infection in children with colds. |
Mullein | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Ear drops with mullein, St. John’s wort, and garlic in an oil or glycerin base are traditional remedies used to alleviate symptoms, particularly pain, during acute ear infections. |
St. John’s Wort | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Ear drops with mullein, St. John’s wort, and garlic in an oil or glycerin base are traditional remedies used to alleviate symptoms, particularly pain, during acute ear infections. |
Vitamin C | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Supplementing with vitamin C stimulates the immune system and may help prevent ear infections. |
Zinc | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Zinc stimulates immune function, so some doctors recommend zinc supplements for people with recurrent ear infections. |
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.