Earaches can often be resolved by using natural at-home remedies. Want to learn how? Read on to learn eight different remedies to relieve ear pain.
Although earaches seem more common for children, adults often get them too and aren’t always sure what causes them. Pain in the ear can come from different issues, such as too much wax buildup, air pressure changes, water in the ear, or bacteria, and even allergies.
There are many over the counter and prescription medicines that are marketed toward earaches, but if you prefer to try natural methods, try one of these natural earache remedies
Note: if pain in the ear is severe, always see a doctor or healthcare professional.
1. Hot or Cold Compresses for Ear Earache
A cool or warm compress can be helpful in alleviating many different types of pain, including ear pain. Simply use a clean rag and hot to warm water and place it on your ear, following the 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off method. Similarly, a cool-to-cold compress can work as well – use an ice pack wrapped in a clean towel and hold it against your ear.
2. Try a Heating Pad to Ease Pain
Much like a compress, heating pads can help eliminate ear pain. Try turning the heat to medium setting and lying your painful ear on the heating pad. Remove from the pad after 20 minutes. Always be mindful when using a heating pad that they use electricity and need to be monitored if they do not have an automatic off setting.
3. Rest in an Upright Position to Eliminate Earache
If there is fluid trapped inside your ear, lying on your side can keep the fluid inside. By sitting upright you encourage the fluid to drain properly, removing the pain from your ear. This is a good remedy if you were swimming/in water and notice water has remained in your ear. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used if you have water in your ear, by adding a few drops only into the ear to dry up the water.
4. Chewing Gum Can Ease Pain in Your Ear
If you’ve ever come off an airplane with a stuffy head, your body likely didn’t return to equilibrium properly after all of the air pressure changes. When this happens, your ears can feel “full” and like you can’t hear well. It can also turn into an infection if not properly cared for and drained. The best way to prevent this is to chew gum while on the plane, especially during take off and landing. This causes the throat to swallow, which helps the ears to drain properly during changes in pressure. Alternatively, if you often get sick after flying due to ear infection or sinus infections, consider allergy tablets.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar for Earaches
Mixing equal parts apple cider vinegar and warm water and then adding a few drops to the ear or with a cotton ball can help ease earache pain. The vinegar has antibacterial acid that can help eliminate bacteria that may be causing the earache. You can safely use this method a few times in a row if the pain persists.
6. Olive Oil – Another Remedy for Earache
Who knew olive oil was so versatile? It can be used for numerous health concerns, including as a natural earache remedy. Warm a few tablespoons of olive oil to body temperature and using a dropper, add a few drops into the afflicted ear. The warm oil soothes the inflammation, reducing pain.
7. Garlic Oil as a Natural Earache Remedy
Garlic has antibacterial properties making it a good pick for ear pain. Simply crush a clove in olive oil, warm the mixture to body temperature and place a few drops into the ear. This mixture should help relieve ear pain.
8. Try a Neti Pot to Reduce Ear Pain
A neti pot is an Indian yogic ritual that irrigates the nasal canals. It is a very safe and widely used method. Use warm water and a bit of salt and stand over a sink – have a tissue ready. Tip your head to the side and position the neti pot so that the tip hits the inside of your outer nostril. Let the water flow until it comes out the other nostril. It can be a bit tricky to master at first, but remember to breathe out of your mouth and let the water and salt do its job. If you are prone to earaches, sinus infections, and even allergies, this method can be used frequently and can relieve pain and allergens inside the nasal canal.
Read on:
- Steam Inhalation for Colds and Coughs
- How to Stop a Cold When You Feel it Coming On: 6 Methods
- Natural Home Remedies for Colds: 7 Easy Recipes
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