Earaches can be very uncomfortable. Most are due to ear infection and fluid buildup in the middle ear. Other causes include the common cold, wax in the ear, blockage in the nasal passage, physical damage to the inside of the ear, an increase in air pressure and so on. Earaches occur more commonly among small children than adults.
A simple earache can be taken care of easily at home with natural remedies. It’s likely you’ll have one or more of these readily available in your kitchen.
Here are the top 10 home remedies for earaches.
1. Olive Oil
Olive oil can provide fast relief from an earache. It serves as a lubricant and helps get rid of an infection in the ear. Olive oil can also be helpful in stopping buzzing sensations inside the ears.
Put 3-4 drops of lukewarm olive oil as ear drops into the ear canal.
Alternatively, you can dip a cotton bud in the oil and put it firmly into the ear.
You can also use mustard oil in the same way.
2. Garlic
The analgesic and antibiotic properties of garlic can help reduce earache caused by an ear infection.
Heat one teaspoon of minced garlic in two tablespoons of sesame oil. Cool and filter the oil. Put 2-3 drops of this garlic oil in the aching ear.
Another option is to extract the juice out of a few cloves of garlic and put it into the ear that hurts.
3. Onion
Onion is one of the most readily available home remedies for an earache. The antiseptic and antibacterial properties in onions work well in treating the problem.
Extract one tablespoon of onion juice from grated onions and heat it over low heat. Then put 2-3 drops of the juice into affected ear 2-3 times a day.
Crush a fresh onion and wrap it tightly in a piece of clean cloth. Hold the cloth over the infected ear for about 5 to 10 minutes. Repeat the process several times a day.
4. Hot Water Bottle
Putting moist heat around an infected ear can work as a great pain reliever. Simply wrap a hot water bottle in a towel and press it against the aching ear for a few minutes.
5. Ginger
Ginger has strong anti-inflammatory properties that can be helpful in treating ear infections. It is also an excellent natural painkiller.
Extract juice from fresh ginger and put it directly into the ears to get relief from pain and reduce inflammation.
You can also mix one teaspoon of fresh grated ginger root with two tablespoons of olive oil. Leave it to infuse for 5 to 10 minutes and then put a few drops of the oil in the aching ear.
6. Peppermint
Both peppermint leaves and peppermint oil can be used to soothe earaches.
Put the juice from fresh peppermint leaves in a dropper and then put some drops inside the aching ear.
Using a cotton swab, apply a few drops of peppermint oil externally around the opening of your ear. Avoid getting any of this oil inside your ear. You can also dilute the peppermint oil using olive oil and then apply.
7. Basil
basil
Due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic properties, basil is considered good for relieving earaches.
Crush a few basil leaves and extract the juice.
Put three or four drops of this juice in the aching ear.
Repeat once or twice a day.
8. Neem
Indian lilac, also known as neem, has potent antibacterial and antifungal properties that help fight infection. Plus, it has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects that help reduce earache.
Crush a few neem leaves to extract the juice. Put a few drops in the aching ear as ear drops.
Soak a cotton ball in neem oil and squeeze out the excess oil. Put this cotton ball in your ear. Leave it for a few minutes and then discard it.
Repeat either of these remedies once or twice a day until you get relief.
9. Bishop’s Weed
bishop's weed
Bishop’s weed, also known as ajwain is another effective natural cure for earaches as it has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties.
Mix one teaspoon of Bishop’s weed oil with three teaspoons of sesame oil and warm it slightly. Put a few drops of the oil mixture in the ear.
Heat two teaspoons of mustard oil and add one-half teaspoon of Bishop’s weed and a couple of garlic flakes. Heat the mixture until the garlic turns red. Filter it and put a few drops in your ear as ear drops.
10. Hair Dryer
Applying moist heat through a hair dryer can be a great way to reduce earache.
After taking a shower or bath, do not towel dry your ears. Instead, use a blow dryer. Keep the dryer setting on warm and hold it slightly away from the ear. Let the warm air dry the moisture in your ear. Do not use the blow dryer for more than five minutes.
If you do not get relief using these home remedies, consult a doctor.
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