Ear infections happen more frequently in children than in grown-ups. Some causes and contributing factors that cause an ear infection are upper-respiratory infections, food allergies, environmental allergies, wax build-up, genes, nutritional inadequacy, and internal issues. A few of the signs that someone is experiencing an infection in their ear are painful sensations in the ear, tugging at the ear, trouble sleeping, headache, inferior reaction to sounds, temperature, fluid draining from the ear, vomit, diarrhea and more.
An ear infection can happen in any one of the ear’s three components (outer, inner, and middle). Inner ear diseases give the most cause for concern. It’s important to take care of any issue with one’s ear to avoid complications, including harming or rupturing the eardrum. An ear infection left untreated may also result in an infection that comes back over and over again, and may even cause hearing loss. It is vital to visit a health care provider, but for prompt relief there are several treatment options you can try at home to help with the pain and additional symptoms.
The Top 10 Natural Remedies for Ear Infections
1) Garlic Oil
As per a study guided by Washington State-University, garlic is 100 times more powerful than two well-known antibiotics at killing bacteria linked to food-borne sickness. Additionally, this study discovered that the use of garlic worked faster than those antibiotics.
So exactly what does this imply for ear infections? What this means is that garlic can likely help to fight off an ear infection that is caused by bacteria, among other things. Garlic also offers antiviral qualities, which some believe makes it a much better option than antibiotics, which simply cover bacterial illnesses.
2) Apple Cider Vinegar
Eardrops created from apple-cider vinegar are ideal for helping with pain in the ear and recovering from an ear infection. Simply put some drops in the ear and use a piece of cotton to cover it. The individual should stay lying with all the problem ear facing upwards to permit the vinegar to fully penetrate. It’s wise to make use of organic apple cider vinegar, accessible from health food shops, which will be free of any pesticides or other additives.
3) Onions
Onions operate as a great herbal treatment to deal with ear diseases. Here’s the way you ought to continue with this one: Chop an onion, microwave it for two or three minutes, and place about 3 drops of the onion’s juice into the contaminated ear. Keep the ear facing up as with any other option you use.
4) Hydrogen Peroxide
Some ear issues are caused by earwax build-up, states the Harvard Medical School Family Wellness Guide. Use hydrogen peroxide to soothe the ear and eliminate the wax. Sometimes, that is the only remedy you’ll need to alleviate an ear infection.
To do so, place 3-4 drops of hydrogen peroxide in the distressed ear. Stay lying with that ear facing up for about 2 minutes, which will permit the fluid to properly penetrate the ear canal. Afterwards turn the head so the infected ear faces down to drain out all the fluid. This approach to wax removal can be replicated as needed.
5) Fermented Cod-Liver Oil
Suitable amounts of Vitamin A have been shown to decrease serious problems in other infectious illnesses like measles. One of fermented cod liver oil’s primary uses as a supplement is for its vitamin A content.
6) Warm Water Bottle
As quickly as you are able to, lace some warmth on the contaminated ear. This may rapidly alleviate at least some of the painful sensation, and may also prevent microorganism infestation. To use this simply press a warm water bottle or heating pad onto the ear.
You can make use of a warm compress if you prefer. For that simply dunk a clean washcloth in lukewarm water, ring out the surplus water then set the washcloth onto the contaminated ear. Begin with five minutes, take off the heat for a time, and repeat the procedure as needed. Don’t leave any heated object on for too long.
7) Basil
Holy basil can also be used by you to take care of many issues with your ear. It may reduce illness and alleviate ear pain. Smash four to five clean holy basil leaves to get the juice from the leaves. Place the juice from the basil on and around the ear, but not inside of it.
8) Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is antimicrobic and works as a fungicide, and has numerous medicinal qualities, the UMMC has stated. The oil is beneficial to be used in earaches for both grownups and kids. Due to its potency, it must be diluted before ingestion or topical use. We suggest diluting eucalyptus oil with pharmaceutical-grade olive oil. When olive oil is combined with eucalyptus oil it supplies a soothing aid for painful sensations.
Put a few drops of diluted eucalyptus oil in the ear and cover the ear using a cotton ball. The individual should lie with the affected ear facing upwards. Eucalyptus oil may create unwanted side effects or hinder other medications, so be sure to consult a medical professional before applying this treatment.
9) Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has astounding antibacterial properties which make it a superb herbal aid for an ear infection. Combine some tea-tree oil with a tablespoon of olive oil and warm it. Then, add a few drops to your ear and lay with the same ear up for 2 minutes. Afterwards, drain the ear by laying with it facing down.
10) Olive Oil
If there is an obstruction or wax build up in the ear, it can be easily cleared by you with the aid of olive oil. Simply place a couple globules of warm oil in the contaminated ear and lay with it facing up as in the previous examples.
Ear Infection Causes
What causes ear infections differ centered on where the illness has happened – illnesses inside the internal ear are more serious and need professional medical attention. Below we have listed some traditional reasons for ear infections:
- Upper respiratory infections
- Fetal alcohol syndrome
- Bacterial Infection
- Nutritional deficiency
- Genetic defects
- Food allergies
- Environmental allergies
- Internal issues
Ear Infection Symptoms
The indications and symptoms related to ear diseases are several and vary from individual to individual. Yet, you will find specific common symptoms and indicators which might point to an ear infection. Some of them are listed below:
- Headache
- Fluid draining from your ear
- High temperature
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sleeping issues
- Lowered sound response
What kind of side effects come from eucalyptus oil
Hi Rhonda,
Great question! Eucalyptus oil is generally considered safe as long as it’s used properly. We never recommend using full strength or undiluted eucalyptus oil on your skin as one of the most common side effects is skin irritation. People who are allergic to eucalyptus should avoid using the essential oil entirely as exposure to the oil can cause an allergic reaction.
Though not recommended in this ear infection remedy article, if ingested, eucalyptus oil carries other side effects that range from minor upset stomach to eucalyptus poisoning (when ingested in large amounts). Because of these risks, it’s always best to do your research and work with a trusted healthcare professional, even when working with natural remedies.
Be Well,
The NatAltRem Team