5 Easy Home Remedies For Ear Infections

Ear infections are one of the most common kinds of infections most of the people complain about and this condition is known as otitis media. They usually range from mild to severe infection. Ear infections mostly occur in the middle ear, the location between one’s eardrum and the inner ear.

The common causes for ear infections are due to some kind of bacteria or fungus that grows in that area. An ear infection might even cause congestion, which is often associated with viral respiratory infections, common cold, and allergies. A few home remedies are quite helpful for mild ear infections. These home remedies can help ease the pain and provide some relief as well. However, if the pain is excruciating then you need to see your doctor as early as possible. Using a home remedy could help provide relief until you see your doctor in the morning as you never know the underlying cause behind an ear infection.

Here Are Top 5 Home Remedies For Ear Infection:

1. Onions And Garlic:

Onions and garlic are excellent natural healing agents and can aid in killing the bacteria responsible for the ear infection.[1] Firstly, cook onion and garlic in olive oil over a low heat. When the ingredients are reduced, strain until you have only liquid oil. Store this oil in a clean container. Apply a few drops of this oil into the problem ear. This is considered as one of the easy remedies for an ear infection and works really well.

2. Lemon Juice:

Lemon juice is also effective in killing the bacteria which is responsible for the ear infection. Apply a few drops of undiluted lemon juice into the sore ear.[2] The acidity in the lemon juice neutralizes and kills the bacteria that are responsible for the ear infection.

3. White Vinegar:

White vinegar is also an effective remedy for dealing with an ear infection. For this, you have to combine equal proportions of vinegar and rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) in the ratio 1:1. Lie down to one side and use an eyedropper to pour a few drops of this solution into the problem ear.[3] Put a warm compress over your ear and let the heat help provide relief from pain. Wait for at least 10minutes. Place a cotton ball on the outside of the affected ear. Now, stand up and allow the liquid to drain out of your ear into the cotton ball.

4. Heating Pad:

Providing warmth to the problem ear might even help ease the pain caused due to an ear infection. Hold a heating pad over the problem ear for at least 20minutes. You may use a hot towel instead or a hot water bottle also works.[4] Warm it to a comfortably hot temperature and wrap it in a towel before you apply it. Heat helps in stimulating blood flow and provides relief from the pain. The heat produced by placing the heating pad can help draw out any fluid present in the ear, thus reducing swelling. This therapy even marshals the white blood cells, the body’s infection fighters to the ear area.

5. Basil:

Basil is also considered effective in dealing with ear infections. Try mixing one part of basil oil to one part of coconut oil.[5] Soak this oil mixture with a cotton ball and then gently wipe it exactly inside the problem ear, along with the outer side and even the rear side of the ear. Repeat the same procedure twice every day.