Is it safe to use natural or home remedies for ear infections? Yes, they are safe and effective, and most significantly, they have little or no adverse side effects. So, the next occasion your ear hurts or your child suffers from an earache, and you don’t know what to do, try one of these natural cures to ease the discomfort and cure the infection. Note that we are talking about mild-to-moderate complaints that you can manage at home to avoid things going worse. However, a high fever, visible pain, and sobbing are all warning signals that you should see your doctor. Here is a look at some of the common symptoms that may present themselves during an ear infection. Scroll down!
Signs & Symptoms Of Ear Infection
When suffering from an ear infection, people can experience the following:
Earache Feeling of fullness in the ear Feeling dull and ill Vomiting (rarely) Diarrhea (rarely)
It is obviously easier for adults to express the problem if they have an ear infection. But, when it comes to infants, toddlers, and children, it can be tricky to find out that it is actually an ear infection that is troubling them. Infants usually start acting irritable or keep crying no matter what you do to calm them. They might also find it difficult to fall asleep. This difficulty in sleeping is also seen in toddlers and small children (1). An ear infection can occur in any part of the ear. a) Outer Ear Infection – also called swimmer’s ear or otitis externa, it involves infection in the outer ear and ear canal (2). b) Middle Ear Infection – also called otitis media, the middle part of the ear that is located behind the eardrum is infected. The infection is usually accompanied by swelling and pain (2). c) Inner Ear Infection – the fluid in the ear canal may travel to the inner ear and cause an infection. The symptoms of this are slightly different from the other ear infections as this part of the ear is responsible for maintaining the body’s balance (3). You may experience dizziness, vertigo, difficulty in balance, and problems with vision and hearing with this type of infection (4). The following are natural remedies for ear infections that can help reduce the swelling and pain without having to swallow painkillers. Never pour any liquid into your ear if you suspect a ruptured eardrum. Pouring any oil or liquid will only worsen the condition. An indication of a ruptured eardrum is a cessation of pain after a period of intense pain and liquid seeping from the ear canal.
Home Remedies For Ear Infections
1. Essential Oils For Ear Infection
2-3 drops lavender essential oil 1-2 drops lemon essential oil 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil A small cotton ball
Repeat after a few hours if the ear pain resurfaces. This earache and ear infection remedy can be used for adults and children alike. Lemon oil has analgesic properties and the ability to alleviate pain (5). Lavender oil, on the other hand, possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties. It will cure the ear infection, thus also providing relief from ear pain (6, 7). Massaging the oils behind the ear helps open up the lymphatic system to drain the ear of infection.
2. Sweet Oil For Ears
A few drops of sweet oil A dropper A cotton ball You can use extra virgin olive oil if you do not have sweet oil.
Repeat this after a few hours to cure ear pain. Seeing your child writhing in pain can be heart wrenching. But, do not despair. In most cases, ear infection or earache is a manifestation of the wax in the ears blocking the Eustachian tubes and allowing an infection to take root. This blockage can be easily cleared with sweet oil. The oil will soften the wax or debris hardened in the ear, which can then be cleared by using a sterilized cotton tipped swab or a warm water ear syringe (8). Note: Never insert a cotton swab fully into the ear because you can puncture the eardrum. Only use it to clean the part of the outer ear canal that you can see.
3. Garlic Oil
2-3 drops of garlic oil A dropper
Do this twice a day. Garlic is a powerful antimicrobial agent. It kills bacteria and fungi efficiently and heals the ear infection. The warmth of the oil will melt any wax that might be building up inside the ear (9).
4. Hydrogen Peroxide For Ear Infection
Hydrogen peroxide – 3% Hot water A dropper
Repeat, if required. Hydrogen peroxide has the ability to degrade earwax (10). This helps in relieving earache that is caused due to earwax build-up. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Hence, it is a good ear infection medicine (11 , 12). Note: Hydrogen peroxide can cause a bubbling sound in the ear as carbon dioxide is formed.
5. Tea Tree Oil For Ear Infection
3-4 drops tea tree oil 1/4 cup olive oil A dropper A cotton swab
You can also gently massage this oil mixture behind the ear and leave it on. Repeat this twice a day for a day or two, or until the ear infection is cleared. Tea tree oil is a multifaceted essential oil that exhibits antimicrobial properties against a wide variety of bacteria, fungi, and even viruses (13). Along with the olive oil, it will also soothe any inflammation or irritation that may be present (14).
6. Breast Milk For Ear Infection
Breast milk A dropper
Using the dropper, pour a few drops of breast milk into the infected ear at the entrance of the ear canal. Repeat every few hours to control and completely banish the infection. If you are treating an infant, this is perhaps the best antidote for an ear infection and pain. Breast milk has natural antibodies that help speed up the healing process of any ailment, including ear infection (15). This remedy is great for immediate relief from inflammation and acute ear pain.
7. Coconut Oil For Ear Infection
Coconut oil A dropper A cotton ball
Do this twice a day. The liposomal lauric acids present in coconut oil have antimicrobial properties (16). Coconut oil also possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, making this a complete home remedy to treat ear infection and its related symptoms (17).
8. Apple Cider Vinegar For Ear Infection
1 part apple cider vinegar 1 part water A cotton ball
Gargle with ACV if the ear infection is in the Eustachian tubes, which you will feel when you swallow. Repeat this twice or thrice a day. ACV has anti-infective properties. The topical application of ACV will kill the microbes causing the infection in your ear (18).
9. Rubbing Alcohol For Ear Infection
Rubbing alcohol A cotton ball
Soak the cotton ball in the alcohol and gently drip three to four drops into the ear. Repeat this twice or thrice a day. Alcohol is a disinfectant that kills microbes (19). It also dries up the excess water that may be causing the ear pain. This remedy works best for swimmer’s ear and can be used as a preventive measure. Consult a doctor if you feel a burning sensation after putting in the alcohol.
10. Salt Sock For Ear Infection
1/2 cup sea salt A clean sock
Alternatively, use rice as a warm compress in the same fashion. Remember, rice will take longer to cool, so make sure you check how hot the sock is before you place it on your ear. Use this whenever your ear pains. The heat will gently draw out any moisture, and the salt will absorb it. This will reduce the swelling and the pain (20).
11. Oil Of Oregano For Ear Infection
A few drops of oregano oil Reapply every few hours. Oregano oil reduces the inflammation, swelling, and pain that occurs due to an ear infection (21). It also has antibacterial properties (22). Never put oregano oil into the ear. Also, do not use this remedy if you are currently taking blood-thinning medication.
12. Onion Juice For Ear Infection
A small onion You may also use onion as a warm compress. Bake an onion for a good half an hour and wrap it up in a clean cloth before you place it near the ear. Repeat this every couple of hours till the ear infection is healed and the pain vanishes. Onion is avoided by many for its pungent odor and the fact that it tears up the eyes. However, it has extensive medicinal properties. Warm onion juice can help relieve ear infection and swelling. It will draw the fluid out and heal the infection quicker (23).
13. Garlic And Olive Oil For Ear Infection
2-3 cloves fresh crushed garlic 1/2 cup olive oil
Alternatively, boil three cloves of fresh garlic and wait until they cool down. Then, crush them and add a pinch of salt. Put the mixture onto a clean napkin and place it against the infected ear for quick relief from pain. Do this twice a day. Garlic is known for its antibacterial properties. This is due a compound called allicin that is present in it (9). Olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties and also soothes the skin (14).
14. Mullein Oil For Ear Infections
2-3 drops mullein oil A dropper
How Often You Need To Do This
Repeat this twice a day. Mullein has anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces inflammation by reducing the superoxide radicals that cause it. It is also antibacterial in action (24).
15. Castor Oil For Ear Infection
A few drops of castor oil A cotton plug A cotton ball
A week of this treatment is sure to produce wondrous results. Castor oil has antimicrobial properties. Any harmful bacteria or fungi that may be causing the ear infection will be killed by the daily administration of the oil (25). Castor oil also stimulates lymphatic flow. The warmth of the oil will soothe the skin in the internal ear and also help dissolve the ear wax build-up. This is one of the best ear pain remedies.
16. Herbs For Ear Infection
(a) Holy Basil
A few holy basil leaves Repeat this every few hours. Holy basil or Tulsi, as it is called in India, is said to have medicinal properties and will reduce the ear infection in a few days. It has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity (26). Note: It is not the same as the sweet basil used in cooking.
(b) Echinacea
Echinacea tablets or tincture Water
What You Have To Do Take this two to three times a day for not more than two weeks. Echinacea is known for its ability to enhance the body’s immune response. Daily consumption will help your body fight the ear infection better and quicker (27). It also has potent antiviral and antimicrobial properties that will kill the microbes causing the infection and give relief from the ear infection and earache (28). Never pour any liquid into your ear if you suspect a ruptured eardrum. Pouring any oil or liquid will only worsen the condition. Here are some dietary and lifestyle changes you can follow when you have ear pain: Avoid consuming cold or sour stuff when you are experiencing pain in the ear. Do not consume ice creams, pickles, and sour sauces.
Take a warm water bath. Do not go swimming during this period. Cover your ears or use earplugs to protect them from cold weather. Drink warm water. You can also consume turmeric milk.
An ear infection can leave you frustrated, but with these home remedies that you can begin at the first signs of infection, you can be assured of instant relief. Be sure to follow them diligently for best results. Also, please don’t forget to share your feedback with us in the comments section below. How long does it take for antibiotics to cure an ear infection? Check out the below infographic to learn tips for managing an ear infection. If you opt to take antibiotics to treat your ear infection, it is important to maintain a regular schedule. They usually start working in 24 to 48 hours. Fever, pain, and other symptoms usually disappear within 48 to 72 hours. If there is no difference even after 72 hours of taking antibiotics, please consult your doctor ASAP. When you take an antibiotic, be sure and take a probiotic. What causes inflammation of the ear? Infection is the main cause for inflammation inside and outside the ear. Inflammation can also be due to fluid build-up in the middle ear. How long does an ear infection last? An ear infection may last from a few days to more than a week, depending on how severe it is. The pain may come and go, but the underlying infection will still be present. Take proper care and use either home remedies or OTC antibiotics to treat the infection before it worsens. When to see a doctor for an ear infection? Be it for adults or children, it is always advisable to see a doctor if the ear infection does not lessen after two to three days. Other cases when you should call the doctor include: • Fever above 101°F (38.3°C), especially in children • Severe pain or dizziness • Stiffness in the neck • Redness, swelling, and/or pain around the infected ear, making it difficult to move that side of the face • Fluid similar to pus or blood coming out of the infected ear (29) What happens if an ear infection goes untreated? An untreated middle ear infection may lead to complications such as tympanic membrane perforation, mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone of the skull), labyrinthitis (inner ear infection), meningitis, brain abscess, and hearing loss in some cases (30). Will the ear infection go away on its own? Possibly. In most cases, an ear infection resolves itself within 2-3 days. However, consult your doctor in case your infection persists. How can you tell the difference between an earache and an ear infection? Usually, an ear infection is accompanied by a host of complications like fever and inflammation, while earache is a dull pain that resolves by itself in a few days.
