How to Treat Ear Infections at Home

These types of infections occur due to viruses or bacteria in the middle ear. Ear infections often happen to children than adults. Some causes and contributing factors that lead to ear infections include wax buildup, upper respiratory infections, allergies, genetics, fetal alcohol syndrome, internal injuries and nutritional deficiencies.

Some common signs of an ear infection are pain in the ear, tugging at the ear, sleep issues, headaches, less-responsiveness to sound, elevated fever, fluid draining from the ear, vomiting, diarrhea and some others.

An ear infection can happen any of the three ear parts which are outer, inner or middle. Inner ear infections are the most intense. It is highly crucial to tackle an ear infection to prevent complications, including damaging or rupturing the ear drum.

Such infections, if left untreated can cause chronic recurrence and can even lead to deafness! It is important to consult a doctor, but for instant relief you can always turn to some natural treatments. There are many simple and easy-to-try home remedies that can help you get rid of the pain and other symptoms of an ear infection.

Salt

Salt is without a doubt the most commonly available home remedy.

Method:

1. Heat up a cup of salt over low heat for a few minutes. Use a pan for this purpose. You may also utilize your microwave or double-boiler for this task.
2. Now transfer the heated salt on a cloth and tie the knot on the open end. (Thread or rubber band).
3. When it is comfortably hot, lay back down and put the cloth on the affected ear. Do this for 5-10 minutes.
4. Repeat this remedy daily for the quickest relief.

The heat generated from the sock will help draw out fluid from the ear and relieve swelling and pain.

As an alternative, you can use rice instead of salt. The method will be the exact same as in the case of salt.

Garlic

The antimicrobial and natural pain relieving qualities of Garlic make it highly effective in the treatment of ear infections. There are a few simple ways to use garlic as a home remedy.

Method:

1. To cook garlic oil, fry two garlic cloves in two tablespoons of sesame oil or mustard oil until their color turns black.
2. Strain the solution.
3. When the solution becomes bearably hot, use two to four drops of this oil in the infected ear in the form of ear drops.

Alternative Method:

1. Boil two or three fresh garlic cloves in water for five minutes.
2. Then crush them and mix in some salt.
3. Transfer the mixture in a clean cloth and place it against the affected ear.

Additionally, eating 2-3 cloves of raw garlic daily also helps speed up the healing process.

Basil

Basil works extremely well for mild ear infections. It not only possesses the ability to relieve ear pain but can also reduce infection.

Method:

1. Crush 4-5 fresh basil leaves gently in order to take out the juice.
2. Apply the basil juice on the infected ear. (Do not let the juice enter the ear canal)

Alternative Method:

1. Mix a few drops of holy basil oil with an equal amount of carrier oil such as coconut oil.
2. Dip a cotton ball in the mixture and gently wipe on all three parts of the ear i.e inside, around and behind.
3. Repeat the remedy two times daily.

Apple Cider Vinegar

To wipe off the fungus that may be the culprit behind the ear infection, you may consider apple cider vinegar as a suitable option.

Method:

1. Mix a certain amount of apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of water or alcohol.
2. Dip a long cotton ball in the solution.
3. Put the cotton ball in your ear in such a way so that half its length is inside and half is outside the ear.
4. Leave it on for about five minutes.
5. Remove the cotton ball and lay down on your opposite side to drain the liquid from the ear.
6. Use a hair dryer to dry your ear as much as possible.

Alternative Method:

1. If you dont have apple cider vinegar, make use of white vinegar.
2. In the case of the cause of the ear infection being the Eustachian tubes, try gargling with apple cider vinegar.

Olive Oil

Wax in the ear is one of the most common reasons for ear infections. When wax in the ear catches some fungal or bacterial growth, it leads to blockage in the Eustachian tubes. Olive oil works best for clearing this type of obstruction.

Method:

1. Warm some olive oil slightly.
2. Put a few drops of the warm oil into the infected ear.
3. The oil will cause the wax to soften. Remove the infected wax with cotton-tipped swabs. Be careful not to put the swab too far in the ear or you might damage the eardrum.
4. You can also use mustard oil instead of olive oil.

Warm Water Bottle

The first thing that you should consider doing is applying some heat to the ear infection. This will not only provide some quick relieve pain, but will also prevent micro-organism infestation.

Method:

1. Press a warm water bottle or heating pad against the infected ear. You can also use a warm compress instead of a warm water bottle.
2. Soak a clean washcloth in lukewarm water, squeeze out the excess water and then place the washcloth on the infected ear.
3. Do not apply heat to the ear for long periods of time. Start with five minutes, remove the heat for a while and then repeat the process as needed.