7 Natural Earache Remedies

An earache can completely throw you off balance. The experience is painful and extremely challenging to get through. OTC (over the counter) remedies will often quell the pain but these 7 natural earache remedies may offer more relief. The pain is usually due to fluid buildup in the middle ear which can cause pressure. If the fluid sits too long it can become infected where antibiotics become inevitable. This is usually indicated by extreme pain and high fever. Yet, an infection can be reversed through alternative remedies but it may take several days to weeks as the pain continues. Whether it is your diet, environment, anatomical change or any other number of causes, understanding why you contracted an earache in the first place could help you prevent them in the future. These 7 natural earache remedies are for adults but as far as remedies for children some of these can be used. It is essential to consult your doctor before taking any natural earache remedy for you or a child.

Hot Water Bottle

Sometimes all it takes is a hot water bottle on top of the affected ear to break up the stagnant middle ear fluid. If anything, this remedy is an excellent pain reliever while another remedy can work on a deeper level.

Olive Oil

Heat olive oil until it is warm enough, but not too hot, to place several drops into the affected ear.  The oil lubricates the inner ear with the hopes of also extracting any potential infection.

Garlic

The natural analgesic (pain reliever), antimicrobial and antibacterial properties are some of the incredible healing powers of garlic. This herb has been used for centuries as a remedy for many health challenges. For an earache, heat two tablespoons of sesame oil with one teaspoon of minced garlic in it. Cool and filter the oil. Put two to three drops of this garlic oil in the aching ear.

Tea Tree Oil

This oil can be found in most health food stores. It is a powerful antibacterial indigenous to Australia where some of the best tea tree oil comes from. Try one or two drops to see if the pain subsides. Do take note that this oil is very pungent and can be acidic to the skin. It is best to mix a few drops with a small amount of distilled water using one drop at a time in the affected ear to make sure no irritation occurs. Consult your doctor before using.

Ginger

An earache can often be the cause of internal ear canal swelling. Fresh ginger can be a potential anti-inflammatory for your aching ear. Another plus of this incredible herb is that it can also act as a natural painkiller which is perfect at 2am when the pain is usually at its height. Grind about one tablespoon of fresh ginger with about 3 tablespoons of warm sesame oil. Mix thoroughly and then generously apply AROUND the affected ear. You can also extract the juice of this root and place a few drops in the affected ear.

Homeopathy

This practice, which is hundreds of years old, works on the ‘like-cures-like’ philosophy. Picture a forest fire and then starting a fire in front of the threatening flames to burn it out. Always use homeopathy under the guidance of a professional homeopath for exact dosage, protocol and effectiveness. These are some remedies that may be used for an earache:

• Belladonna
• Ferrum Phosphate
• Hepar Sulphur
• Pulsatilla
• Mercurius
• Chamomilla
• Sillica

The Food Factor 

There are many theories that food can play an important role in causing or preventing earaches. Naturopathic physician Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr., author of “The Clinician’s Handbook of Natural Medicine,” recommends avoiding milk and dairy products, eggs, wheat, corn, peanut butter, dried fruit, sugar, honey, and concentrated fruit juice which can all exacerbate the middle ear canal. Instead, Dr. Pizzorno Jr. advocates reaching for vitamin C rich foods, such as kale, mustard greens, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kiwis, papayas and strawberries. In fact, strawberries are very high in vitamin C offering the potential for an excellent antioxidant offensive against ear infections.

These 7 natural earache remedies are a good “go-to” fix before using strong medicine. Consult with your doctor before using any natural earache remedies.