Ear infections are a frequent complaint for both children and adults, often stemming from bacteria, viruses or fungus entering through a break in the ear canal and becoming trapped there.
Natural remedies for ear infection exist and can provide a relief from its pain and discomfort, offering an alternative solution to over-the-counter medication.
Warm Salt Water
Avoiding germs altogether is the key to avoiding ear infections, so avoiding people who are sick, breastfeeding babies (which gives them antibodies that boost immunity), and getting regular vaccinations are all proven methods to ward off future episodes.
Ear infections are generally easier to treat when detected early. Home remedies and natural treatments can provide temporary relief while speeding recovery time.
Warm salt water solutions can be an effective way of drawing fluid out of your ears and soothing inflammation. Simply combine 1/2 teaspoon of salt with warm water and use a cotton ball to drop drops into each of your ear canals – for optimal results it may also be beneficial to tilt your head sideways as you watch as your ears drain!
Fluid-Drying Eardrops
Ear infections often result in fluid accumulation that blocks your ears, so natural home remedies for an ear infection can help dissolve this buildup and soothe any accompanying discomfort.
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) oil is an anti-inflammatory with powerful pain-relieving capabilities. A tincture made with this plant is available at many health stores as a home remedy for treating ear infections, sinusitis and bronchitis symptoms.
Pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help ease the earache caused by an ear infection, provided you follow dosage instructions. Too much medication could actually exacerbate it further. A hot or cold compress may also provide some relief; many people switch them every 10 minutes for best results.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar’s antimicrobial properties allow it to kill bacteria, fungus, and viruses that cause ear infections as well as reduce accumulations of wax in your ears, according to Healthline. You can use apple cider vinegar either through dropper bottles or using cotton balls dipped into it directly inside your ear canal canal for this natural home remedy.
Basil oil, with its antibacterial properties, makes for an effective at-home ear infection treatment. Simply crush some basil leaves and pour their juice directly into your ear canal. Garlic oil also has antimicrobial qualities which may reduce pain and inflammation associated with an ear infection; try placing either essential oil in your ear canal if permanent eardrum damage exists or an ear tube is in place as these substances should never enter.
Warm Compress
Warmth around the ears can help ease pain and discomfort caused by an ear infection. Warm water-soaked towels or flannel can be placed over the ear canal; for infants and small children, homemade salt sock may also provide comforting relief.
Garlic contains natural anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties. You can use garlic to relieve earache by soaking two cloves of crushed garlic in warm olive or sesame oil for several minutes before straining out the liquid and applying it directly onto your ears.
Rest and water intake can help support the immune system and relieve earache symptoms, but if they continue, seeking medical advice from a trained professional is your best solution to determine what’s happening.
Sleeping
As soon as a child develops an ear infection, sleep can often become increasingly difficult for them. Earache and fever may keep them up at night while noise coming from their infected ear may further disrupt them.
Elevating an ear may help alleviate pain by allowing fluids to drain off more freely. Sleep with one or more pillows supporting your affected ear so it stands higher than the rest of the head – this method may prove especially useful for babies and small children.
Congestion and allergy symptoms can impede sleep quality; managing these issues through antihistamines and decongestants should only be given under the advice of your pediatrician, while drinking cold beverages or performing neck exercises may provide additional assistance.