To manage chronic otitis media with effusion and adenoid hyperthrophy within the P.E.A.N.U.T method we use foot baths as external warmth interventions.
Systemic interventions include warm (ca. 40-45°C) foot baths with 1-1.5% NaCl and dried ginger powder
Preparation of the ginger foot bath
For the ginger foot bath, the child should place their feet — preferably up to the knees — into a bucket or plastic container filled with comfortably warm water. Meanwhile, place 200–300 ml of water into a small saucepan (15–20 cm in diameter) and bring it to a boil. While the water is heating, gradually stir in the ginger powder (3–4 tablespoons) until smooth and lump-free. Once the water begins to boil, the mixture thickens into a paste. Remove it from the heat and stir it into the foot bath water.
After a few minutes, the child will begin to warm up. When the ginger starts causing a tingling or slightly stinging sensation on the feet, the treatment can be finished. Rinse the ginger off with warm water, apply a small amount of olive oil to the skin, and put the child to bed.
Saltwater foot bath
The saltwater foot bath is prepared with gradually increasing temperature and should be performed in the evening before bedtime.
The child should be warmly dressed, with only the trouser legs rolled up. The container should be large enough for both feet to rest comfortably on the bottom and high enough to reach almost to the knees.
Start with enough water to reach approximately halfway up the calves. The solution should be a 2% salt solution (for example, dissolve 200 g of regular table salt in 10 liters of water). A small amount of lavender may be added to enhance the calming effect of the foot bath. Start at 35°C (measured with a thermometer, not estimated), and slowly increase the temperature to 39–40°C over 10 minutes by gradually adding hot water. Then wait another 5 minutes. After drying the feet and putting on wool socks, the child should go straight to bed.
