If you are looking for home remedies for an ear infection, then you have come to the right place. No one can deny the fact that ear infection is so much painful, and you can’t even sleep at night. An ear infection is more common in children, and it is sometimes called Acute Otitis Media. The infection is caused by the accumulation of bacteria, which further swells the tube. This swelling causes pain, especially in children, because they have a narrow Eustachian tube.
Home remedies for ear infections are very popular these days, and you can easily get rid of this situation with the help of grandma’s proven home remedies. Using antibiotics is not a wise option because it has several side effects, such as vomiting and allergic reactions.
Home Remedies for Ear Infection
Nature has added unique ingredients and compounds in different herbs, shrubs, and food items. Researchers, especially old physicians and biologists, discovered some of the most amazing herbs to treat various health conditions. So, I am going to share some of those remedies so that you could heal your ear without going to a doctor.
1. Garlic
Garlic is one of the top and most recommended remedies in the world. It offers a 100% cure for various health conditions. Garlic is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. That is why garlic can remove such organisms from the body because it contains allicin that fights bacteria and eases the pain. You can use it with olive oil or the mullein. Mix olive and garlic in the same proportion and place 2-3 drops four times a day.
It contains antioxidant properties so, and it can help relieve the pain because garlic doesn’t let anything damage the body. Additionally, it also imparts a next level of immunity so that a body could resist the microbial attack.
2. Blow Warm Air
Blowing the warm air is one of the best practices to get rid of ear infections. For this purpose, you can use a hairdryer. Set this device to a low temperature and hold it at a distance. It will simply remove the toxins and stubborn material from the hair. The debris melts, and it quickly flows away whenever you blow warm air in the ear. This technique prevents swelling and releases pressure as well. Do this for 5 minutes, and you will see astonishing results in no time.
3. Ginger Juice
Nature has blessed ginger with unique properties to deal with an ear infection as it is caused by bacteria and viruses. A 2017 study showed that it possessed anti-inflammatory properties. This is the reason that when you apply it to the affected area (around the outer canal of the ear), and you will receive freedom from any type of pain. Researchers don’t recommend directly putting a ginger juice in-ear.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an effective home remedy for earache. Hydrogen peroxide has antiseptics and antioxidant properties. Wax is accumulated in-ears with the passage of time, and you can simply remove it by using this compound. Make sure you cover your shoulder with a towel to prevent your clothes from being dirty. Now, by using a dropper, drop a few drops of 3% of this compound in the ear canal. It is safe to use; however, if you are allergic, you should avoid it. Let it be there for 10 minutes, and it will remove the ear wax.
5. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a common house item that can help you get rid of earache. Take a small amount of baking soda and mix it with water. Now put into your ear with the help of a dropper. This is an effective home remedy to flush stubborn wax in your ear.
6. Essential Oils
The use of essential oil can make you feel relaxed from pain. For this purpose, you have to apply essential oil at the back of your ear. DON’T PUT IT DIRECTLY INT YOUR EAR. You can receive soothing and pleasant effects if you use it on your neck and ear. This essential oil stop the growth of viruses and doesn’t let them multiply.
You have many options when it comes to using essential oil; you can pick lavender, rosemary, and tea tree. According to the Journal of Clinical Microbiology Reviews, a tea tree contains terpinen-4-ol that imparts its unique quality to kill off all bacteria. Don’t use essential oil if it causes irritation to the skin.
7. Cold or Warm Press
It is another excellent option that works well for ear infection. All you have to do is to buy or make a heating pad at home and wrap it around your neck. This method of getting rid of ear infection is equally suitable for all. In winter, you have to make it warm first so that it could normalize your skin and blood could easily flow through it. Mayo Clinic Experts also recommend using a warm water bottle held over the infected ear.
8. Onion
Just like garlic, onions also possess anti-bacterial properties to kill all types of germs in the body. Thousands of years ago, people used this food item to treat infection and wounds. Take an onion and chop it off and place it in an oven. Now, take the onion out and wrap in a cloth. Apply this hot onion paste on-ear for 15 minutes. You can squeeze it and put a few drops in your ear. This will reduce inflammation and promote circulation.
9. Olive Oil
There are many claims about the use of olive oil for ears, but there is no scientific evidence at all. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using olive oil for the bad ear. According to AAP, olive oil could effectively reduce the level of pain. It is easy to apply it; you need to warm it and make it according to the body temperature. When it is lukewarm, put 3-5 drops and apply a piece of cotton to prevent leaking it from the ear.
10. Change in Sleeping Position
An ear infection is hard to bear, and you cannot sleep; it’s even harder for the babies to sleep. However, minor adjustments in sleeping positions can be very fruitful. Use an extra pillow for kids of age one or older while the adults should sleep on the uninfected ear.
11. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is another amazing home remedy for earache. It is cheap and readily available whenever you have an ear infection. For the maximum benefits, you can use coconut oil with garlic. Use this home remedy twice a day for a week. It will bring about measurable results in no time. There are many brands of coconut oil. Therefore, you need to double-check whether it is 100% virgin oil. It is colorless and has a strong smell.
12. Mustard Oil
One of the best home remedies for an ear infection is the use of mustard oil. It is more common in South East Asia. You can put a few drops of the oil in-ear and let them be there for a few hours. Place a piece of cotton so that it may not be leek from the ear. It will be great if you use lukewarm oil.
13. Basil
If you are looking for the best ingredient to deal with infection and allergies, then basil could be the ultimate option for you. It has served for years in this regard, and it offers guaranteed results when it comes to an ear infection. You can either crush them and apply to the affected area or you can mix them with coconut oil.
14. Neck Exercises
There are many reasons behind earache, and one of the most common reasons is the stretched muscles around your neck that put pressure on-ear. This is how it causes pain in the ear. You can easily get rid of this situation by doing neck exercises. To do so, you have to rotate your neck, head, and lift the shoulders to calm the muscles. Always make these movements slowly and relax in the end.
15. Distraction
If no home remedy works or you have no ingredient near you, then distraction would work to a large extent. There are many options when you want to distract your thinking. You can either watch a movie or start reading your favorite book. All you need to do is to divert your attention from the pain point to somewhere else. This technique is equally suitable for the kids as well.
Final Words
This article describes the top 15 home remedies for ear infection. Instead of going for the expensive and painful treatments, you can easily get rid of earache by following some of the proven home remedies. Home remedies have been working great for thousands of years. Home remedies for ear infection are inexpensive, readily available, and they have no side effects. There is much scientific evidence to support the idea so, follow these home remedies, and you will be happy to see a visible change in no time.
