An ear infection occurs when a bacterial or viral infection affects the middle ear — the sections of your ear just behind the eardrum. Ear infections can be painful because of inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear. Ear infections can be chronic or acute. Acute ear infections are painful but short in duration. Chronic ear infections either don’t clear up or recur many times. Chronic ear infections can cause permanent damage to the middle and inner ear. Children are more likely to get ear infections than adults.
Some causes that led to ear infections are food allergies, wax buildup, upper respiratory infections, environmental allergies, nutritional deficiencies, genetics and internal injuries. Some common symptoms of ear infection can include: ear pain, fever, fussiness or irritability, rubbing or tugging at an ear, difficulty sleeping, drainage of fluid from the ear, trouble hearing, headache, loss of appetite, and crying more than usual.
There are some simple natural home remedies that can help to get rid of the pain and other symptoms of an ear infection.
1. Garlic
Garlic has both antibiotic and pain-relieving properties. Allicin, a compound in garlic, is said to be helpful in fighting bacterial infections that may be causing an earache. Eating raw garlic is said to help reduce ear pain. Make garlic oil by cooking 2-3 garlic cloves in 2 tablespoons of sesame oil or mustard oil until it turns brown. Strain the oil and when it is bearably hot, use 2-4 drops of this oil in the affected ear as ear drops.
2. Salt
Salt is probably the most common and readily available home remedy for ear infections. Salt is an effective natural remedy for many common ailments because of its antibacterial and healing properties. Heat one cup of coarse sea salt in a pan over low heat for few minutes. You can also heat it in microwave or in double boiler. Put this warm salt in a clean white sock and tie a knot. When it is bearably hot, lay down and put the sock on affected ear for 5-10 minutes. Repeat this remedy daily as per your requirement. This natural treatment creates a shift in the pressure within the ear, draws fluid out, and eases the pain. You can use rice as an alternative to sea salt in this remedy.
3. Olive Oil
A buildup of wax can sometimes affect your hearing, cause discomfort, or interfere with hearing aid use. It can also trap bacteria, increasing your risk of developing an ear infection. Olive oil is a traditional remedy for removing ear wax and treating ear infections. Slightly warm some olive oil and put few drops of the warm oil into the affected ear by using a dropper. The oil will cause the wax to soften. Then remove the wax with a cotton swab. Be careful not to put the swab too far in the ear or you might damage the eardrum.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar contains acetic acid, which is very effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar with water or alcohol. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and put the cotton ball in the affected ear for 5 minutes. Remove the cotton ball and lay down on your opposite side to drain the liquid from your ear.
5. Onion
Onions contain chemicals, like flavonoid quercetin, that have anti-inflammatory properties which can help with ear swelling. To help heal an earache, place a couple of drops of onion juice in the affected ear or half of an onion on top of the affected ear.
6. Essential Oils
Many essential oils have antibacterial or antiviral properties which help to kill bacteria or prevent viruses from reproducing. Tea tree oil, oregano oil, basil oil, and garlic oil, in particular, are known to alleviate ear pain. Try mixing a couple drops of essential oil with a couple drops of olive oil and placing them directly inside the ear. You can also soak a cotton ball in essential oil and put it on the opening of the ear to let the essential oil seep in.
Try these recipes and let us know if you receive relief or not by visiting our comment section.