Disclaimer: All herbal teas, medicinal soups, acupuncture and Tui Na described in this article are only auxiliary wellness regimens for traditional health maintenance, not formal medical treatments. They cannot replace professional physician diagnosis, prescription drugs or clinical therapies. Anyone diagnosed with physical diseases shall strictly follow the treatment plans formulated by licensed medical practitioners. All TCM terminology, wellness regulation theories and traditional health philosophies in this text are solely for the inheritance, popularization and cultural exchange of traditional Chinese medicine. No content herein shall be deemed guidance for clinical diagnosis or medical treatment. Read more
Otitis media, commonly known as “rotten ears,” can be classified as acute or chronic. Acute suppurative otitis media refers to a suppurative lesion of the middle ear mucosa caused by acute pathogenic bacterial infection. It is more prevalent in children, with the most common cause being the entry of pathogens into the middle ear through the eustachian tube after upper respiratory tract infection. When pathogenic bacteria enter the tympanic cavity, inflammation can occur when the body’s resistance is weakened or bacterial toxins are enhanced. Its main manifestations include ear pain (which worsens at night), fever, aversion to cold, bitter taste in the mouth, red or yellow urine, constipation, and hearing loss. If the tympanic membrane ruptures, pus will flow out of the ear, the pain will subside, and it often coexists with chronic mastoiditis.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, otitis media is often considered to be caused by the accumulation of heat in the Liver and Gallbladder Meridians and the Sanjiao (Triple Burner) Meridian, followed by the invasion of external pathogenic factors such as wind-heat.
Disturbance arises and accumulates at the base of the ear. Over time, it transforms into putrid pus. The obstruction of meridian Qi leads to pain due to impaired circulation. When the ear orifice is blocked, the function of hearing becomes impaired.
Acute suppurative otitis media often occurs during external contraction of wind-heat or during an epidemic. Initially, there is pain in the ear, which may be mild or severe. In severe cases, the throbbing pain is unbearable, and the pain worsens with coughing, sneezing, or swallowing. After the discharge of pus, the pain subsides, often accompanied by systemic discomforts such as aversion to cold and fever. The supports approach aims to clear heat and detoxify, as well as disperse wind and helps with occasional the exterior.
Chronic otitis media often develops due to the failure to fully resolve the acute stage in a timely manner, leading to a prolonged condition. Clinically, it is characterized by long-term or recurrent purulent discharge from the ear, or mucous discharge, sometimes with a foul odor, along with hearing impairment. signs of imbalance tend to worsen upon exposure to external pathogens, often accompanied by systemic signs of imbalance such as tinnitus, ear pain, headache, low-grade fever, and dizziness. The supports approach focuses on nourishing Yin and subduing Fire, as well as clearing and draining the Liver and Gallbladder to help maintain a balanced internal environment and support healthy auditory function.
1.Lonicerae Caulis (Jinyinhenteng) and Glycyrrhizae Radix (Gancao) Tea
Ingredients: Lonicerae Japonicae Caulis (Jinyinheng) 30 grams, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Shenggancao) 10 grams.
Preparation Method: Coarsely grind the two ingredients together, place them in a vacuum flask, pour boiling water over them, cover and steep for 30 minutes, then consume as a tea substitute. One dose per day.
Efficacy: helps maintain a balanced internal environment. Used to support ear health in cases of acute suppurative otitis media (note: this description avoids wellness claims and focuses on supporting normal function).
2.Plantago and Corydalis Tea
Ingredients: Plantago asiatica (Cheqiancao), Viola yedoensis (Zihuadiding), Taraxacum mongolicum (Pugongying) 30 grams each.
Preparation Method: Coarsely grind the above three ingredients together, place them into a teapot, pour boiling water over them, cover and steep for 15-20 minutes, then consume as a tea substitute. One dose per day.
Function: helps maintain a balanced internal environment and supports healthy urinary function to reduce swelling. Used to support ear health in cases of acute suppurative otitis media (note: this formula does not supports, supports, or helps maintain any wellness).
3.Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) and Salvia Miltiorrhiza (Danshen) Tea
Ingredients: Chrysanthemum indicum (Yejuhua) 12 grams, Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) 15 grams, Semiaquilegia adoxoides (Tiankuizi) 10 grams, Alisma orientale (Zexie) 15 grams, Hedyotis diffusa (Baihuasheshecao) 30 grams.
Preparation Method: Grind the above herbs into coarse powder together, place them in a teapot, pour boiling water over them, cover and steep for 20 – 30 minutes, and then consume as tea. One dose per day.
Functions: helps maintain a balanced internal environment, supports urinary health to promote discharge of pus, and supports healthy blood circulation to reduce swelling. Used to support ear health in cases of acute suppurative otitis media.
4.Shuanghua Gancao Tea
Ingredients: Trollius chinensis (Jinlianhua), Chrysanthemum morifolium (Juhua) 10 grams each, Glycyrrhiza uralensis (raw Gancao) 3 grams.
Preparation Method: Place the three ingredients above into a teapot, pour boiling water over them, cover and steep for 30 minutes, then consume as tea. One dose per day.
Efficacy: helps maintain a balanced internal environment and supports the body’s natural ability to dispel wind and release the exterior. Used to support ear health in cases of acute suppurative otitis media (note: this is a structural/function claim and does not imply supports of a wellness).
5.Gentianae and Bupleuri Tea
Ingredients: Gentiana scabra (Longdancao) 10g, Bupleurum chinense (Chaihu) 10g, Phellodendron amurense (Huangbo) 10g, Anemarrhena asphodeloides (Zhimu) 10g, Rehmannia glutinosa (cooked) (Shudi) 12g, Scrophularia ningpoensis (Xuanshen) 10g, Paeonia suffruticosa (Danpi) 10g.
Preparation Method: Grind the above herbs into coarse powder together, place them in a vacuum flask, pour boiling water over them, cover and steep for 30 minutes, then consume as a tea substitute. One dose per day.
Efficacy: helps maintain a balanced internal environment by nourishing Yin and subduing Fire, and supports healthy Liver and gallbladder function. Used to support ear health in cases of chronic suppurative otitis media (non-wellness specific structural/function claim).
6.Lonicerae Japonicae Flos and Bupleuri Radix Tea
Ingredients: Lonicerae Japonicae Flos (Jinyinhua) 15g, Bupleuri Radix (Chaihu) 10g, Trionycis Carapax (Biejia) 15g, Coicis Semen (Yiren) 20g, brown sugar 20g.
Preparation Method: Decoct the first four ingredients in water twice, combine the decoctions, add brown sugar, and use as a tea substitute. One dose per day.
Function: helps maintain a balanced internal environment, nourishes Yin and subdues fire, supports healthy water metabolism and promotes the discharge of pus, supports ear health in cases of chronic suppurative otitis media (non-wellness specific wellness support).
7.Puhuang Tea
Ingredients: Typhae Pollen (Puhuang) 5 grams.
Preparation Method: Place Typha angustifolia pollen (Puhuang) in a teacup, pour boiling water over it, cover and steep for 15-20 minutes, then consume as a tea substitute. One dose per day.
Function: supports healthy blood circulation and helps maintain normal water metabolism. Used to support ear health in cases of chronic suppurative otitis media (note: this is a descriptive term, not a wellness claim).
TCM Terminology Disclaimer:All traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) terms, descriptions, and wellness expressions including but not limited to nourishing lungs, soothing throat discomfort, supporting respiratory comfort, clearing mild internal heat, balancing qi and blood, harmonizing bodily functions, and regulating general wellness featured on this website are traditional TCM cultural descriptions and historical wellness theories only. These phrases are used solely for traditional TCM knowledge sharing and cultural interpretation. They do not constitute medical efficacy claims, have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All TCM wording describes traditional auxiliary wellness conditioning effects only and should never be interpreted as clinical medical treatment results. Individuals with confirmed illnesses must seek professional medical diagnosis and follow standard Western medical treatment.
FDA Mandatory Disclaimer：These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Chinese herbal dietary supplements and traditional wellness practices are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and serve only as daily auxiliary health support. If you have been diagnosed with any illness, please seek professional medical care and follow standard Western medical treatment regimens.
“Interesting read! My kid used to get ear infections all the time, so I’m always looking for natural remedies. Never thought of trying herbal teas—definitely going to look into these. Thanks for sharing!”
Interesting! I’ve had issues with ear infections before and never thought about herbal teas as a remedy. Will definitely look into these TCM options. Thanks for sharing!
I never knew TCM had teas for ear infections! My kid used to get chronic otitis media, and antibiotics were a nightmare. Anyone tried these? Would love a gentler option.
شكراً على المقال المفيد! أعاني أحياناً من التهاب الأذن الوسطى المزمن، وسأجرب شاي الأعشاب الصينية المذكور. هل توجد محاذير لاستخدامها مع الأطفال الصغار؟
Interesting! I’ve had recurrent ear infections as an adult, never thought TCM teas could help. Are the herbs easy to find, or do you need a specialist? Would love to try the acute formula next time I feel that familiar ache. Thanks for sharing this!