The most serious of ear ailments is, of course, a discharge from the ear which may arise in the external ear.

Causes and Symptoms: A discharge from the ear may be a result of eczema, boils, or irritation caused by a plug of wax or foreign body. But in most of the cases it can be seen that that it is a result of a chronic suppuration in the middle ear through a perforation of the drum. The suppuration may begin with an acute inflammation of the middle ear arising in the course of a `cold in the head` or may result from scarlet fever or measles. It can also occur due to disease of the bone in or around the ear or may simply have a slow onset, without any apparent cause in weak persons, especially in children. The discharge may be thick and yellowish in cases which are fairly acute, or thin and watery in cases which are improving. If the suppuration continues without proper treatment for any length of time, it may result in deafness. If deafness begins as a concomitant of suppuration, it might be due to an abscess in the region of the ear, or even in the skull.

According to Ayurveda, vitiation of kapha is the cause of suppuration of the ear or putikarna.

Medicines & Prescriptions: Sarivadi Vati is a cardinal remedy for the condition of the above-described disease. The adult dose is one pill given thrice a day with honey. The preparation for external application is Nirgundi or Viteh negundi. The juice of the plant is boiled with mustard oil and the medicated oil is used as ear drops. Another medicine for external application is Bilva or Aegle marmelos, the paste of the root of the plant is boiled with mustard oil.

Diet and Other Regimen: Foods which tend to vitiate or aggravate kapha like curds, bananas, guavas, and sour fruits should be avoided. Garlic, ginger, and onions should be taken in adequate quantities. Exposure to cold and wind is to be seriously avoided.