Ear discharge (Otorrhea)

Sticky, smelly, or watery fluid from the ear signals karṇa śrāva, ear discharge in Ayurveda. It results from pitta and kapha imbalance in the ear’s channels (karṇamārga). Infection, injury, or chronic inflammation causes the tissues to weaken, letting impurities and toxins (doṣa and ama) leak out as discharge.

Common Causes of Ear discharge (Otorrhea)

Unhealed ear infections or ruptured eardrum
Exposure to cold wind or water in the ears
Poking ears with objects causing internal injury
Suppressed coughs or colds increasing kapha
Low agni leading to ama and tissue weakness

Symptoms of Ear discharge (Otorrhea)

Thick, sticky, or foul-smelling fluid from the ear
Mild to sharp ear pain or fullness
Reduced hearing or ringing in the ear
Itching or irritation deep inside the ear canal
Fever or dizziness in severe cases

Ayurveda’s Approach to Healing Ear discharge (Otorrhea)

Cleaning the ear gently with karṇa pūraṇa (medicated oil filling)
Reducing infection with herbs like nimbā and haridrā
Balancing kapha-pitta through light, dry, warm diet
Boosting agni and immunity with trikaṭu and guduchi
Using detox therapies like mild purgation (virecana) if needed