Tincture of calendula is an antiphlogistic, antispasmodic, wound healing and decongestant drug. The pronounced therapeutic properties of the solution are due to the high content of organic acids, saponins, flavonoids and vitamins in the plant flowers. With the development of ear diseases, calendula tincture is dripped into the ear to suppress the activity of the pathogenic flora and relieve symptoms.
The active components of the drug are active against nonspecific pathogens such as staphylococci and streptococci. In 70% of cases, they are the provocateurs of inflammation in the mucous membranes of the ear. Due to its bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect, an alcohol solution is often used as an external agent to eliminate local manifestations of otitis media.
Chemical composition
Calendula is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Astrov family. It contains at least 20 useful substances with pronounced medicinal properties. Preparations based on calendula flowers are widely used as part of local therapy. They suppress the reproductive function of pathogenic bacteria, due to which the concentration of pathogens in the foci of inflammation decreases.
The alcohol tincture contains such useful substances as:
- lycopene;
- tocopherol;
- retinol;
- flavonoids;
- carotenoids;
- rubixanthin;
- flavochrome;
- flavoxanthin;
- sterols;
- triterpenoids;
- coumarins;
- essential oils;
- minerals.
Important! You can not instill pure alcohol solutions in the ears with myringitis (inflammation of the ear membrane).
Many of the above substances have antiphlogistic, analgesic and wound healing effects. For this reason, herbal decoctions, tinctures and ointments are used in traditional and alternative medicine as local analgesics with decongestant and anti-inflammatory effects. When instilling calendula tincture into the ears, a regression of inflammatory processes is observed. The components of the drug accelerate tissue regeneration, thereby increasing local immunity and accelerating the healing process.
Pharmacological properties
According to medical research, the alcohol solution inhibits the synthesis of cellular structures of aerobic bacteria and the main mediators of inflammation (serotonin, histamine). The drug is low-toxic, therefore it can be used as an external anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of otitis media in children aged 3-4 years. The therapeutic properties of the solution are due to the presence of the following substances in its composition:
- vitamin A - promotes the elimination of free radicals from the body, accelerates tissue regeneration;
- vitamin E - normalizes metabolic processes in cells, which helps to restore their keratolytic properties;
- B vitamins - take part in most biochemical processes responsible for tissue epithelization;
- flavonoids - organic substances that interfere with the synthesis of inflammatory mediators;
- saponins - accelerate the absorption of active drug components;
- tannins - promote the elimination of metabolites of pathogens from the body.
Can calendula tincture be used to treat the ear? Otolaryngologists advise using the drug as an external agent for the symptomatic treatment of otitis externa and otitis media. Alcohol tincture has a vaso-strengthening, warming, analgesic and immunomodulatory effect.
The antiphlogistic properties of the drug are manifested in the therapy of inflammations of aseptic and septic origin. Therefore, it can be used to treat ears with barotrauma and the development of infections. The active components of the agent activate the growth of granulations and normalize the functioning of local defense mechanisms, which leads to an increase in the reactivity of the body.
Otitis externa therapy
Otitis externa is characterized by inflammation in the auricle, ear canal, and eardrum. Pathological changes in the tissues lead to swelling and pain on palpation of the auricle. To eliminate local manifestations of the disease, phytotherapists advise using calendula-based preparations. Can calendula tincture drip into the ear?
It should be noted right away that alcoholic solutions are irritating. Liquid on an inflamed ear membrane can lead to perforations in it, which is fraught with the penetration of pathogens into the ear. To prevent complications, the drug should be used as follows:
- in equal proportions, mix 10% tincture with boiled water;
- heat the liquid to 36-37 degrees;
- using a pipette, drop 2-3 drops of the solution into each ear;
- cover the ear canal with a cotton swab.
The procedure must be performed at least three times a day for a week. Thanks to the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, pain will disappear in just a couple of days of using the medicine.
Important! Even weakly concentrated alcohol solutions cannot be instilled into the ears of children under 3 years old.
Otitis media therapy
With the development of otitis media, the mucous membrane of the hearing organ is affected, which is separated from the external auditory canal by the ear membrane. That is why the instillation of drugs into the ear will not lead to the elimination of catarrhal processes in the affected tissues. To eliminate local manifestations of the disease, doctors recommend using alcohol compresses.
Heat therapy helps to increase blood circulation, as a result of which the nutrition of the affected tissues improves. With a regular procedure, the foci of inflammation are absorbed, and the tissues are restored. How is calendula tincture used?
Instructions:
- fold the cotton fabric in 3-4 layers;
- make a hole in the napkin for the auricle;
- moisten a cloth in calendula tincture;
- lubricate the skin behind the ear with petroleum jelly;
- attach a damp cloth;
- insulate the compress with cellophane and cotton wool;
- after 3 hours, remove the compress and wipe the skin dry.
The positive effect of the physiotherapy procedure is observed almost immediately. By warming up the tissues, smooth muscles are relaxed, which helps to eliminate spasms. Due to the expansion of the blood capillaries, the blood supply to the tissues improves, which speeds up the process of their recovery.
Important! Thermal therapy should not be used if there is cholesteatoma in the ear canal. Heating the tissues will only contribute to the growth of tumor-like neoplasms.
Possible consequences
The harm of an alcohol solution in 90% of cases is associated with improper use of the drug, overdose and ignoring obvious contraindications. Experts categorically do not recommend resorting to the use of tinctures when:
- the presence of mechanical damage;
- perforation of the ear membrane;
- acute inflammation of the mucous membranes of the ear;
- the development of fungal flora in the auditory canal;
- hemorrhagic eruptions in the outer ear.
Do not leave alcohol compresses overnight, as this can cause tissue burns. If more intense ear warming is required, it is advisable to put parchment paper on the area behind the ear before applying an alcohol-based bandage.
Hypersensitivity of the skin is a direct contraindication to the use of alcohol solutions.Skin contact with the active ingredients of the product can lead to flushing, urticaria and watery blisters. To make sure there is no allergic reaction, apply a small amount of the tincture to your wrist. If there is no redness or erythematous spots on the skin within an hour, use the medicine as directed.
