Ear Pain/Infection? Get Quick Relief With These Three Remedies

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Ear infections are a common ailment that most people will experience at some point in there life. Here are three at home remedies that will help fight against these infections so you can get back to feeling great!

Ear Infection

When you hear infection you might think I must need antibiotics, but when it comes to ear infections this is not the case. Most ear infections do not need antibiotics and will clear on there own. But here are three at home remedies to help your body fight it, so you can heal quicker!

There are several types of ear infection here is a list with a few of the possible symptoms.

Inner ear infection symptoms:

• Vertigo
• Ear pain ranging from mild to severe
• Balance problems
• Headache
• Tinnitus
• Fever

Inner ear infections are the most serious type of ear infection. It is an infection of the inner ear structures including the labyrinth (which helps us balance) as well as the cochlea (helps us hear) They can also cause puss and blood to build up behind the eardrum which can cause painful pressure. This pressure can build up to the point where the eardrum will rupture and the liquid will then drain out.

Middle ear infections symptoms:

• Ear pain, especially when lying down
• Reduced hearing
• Dizziness
• Possible drainage
• Feeling of ear fullness or pressure
• Fever

Middle ear infections are just behind the ear drum. Although the symptoms are very similar to a inner ear infection the pain from a middle ear infection is often worse. This is due to the fact that the infection is right behind the eardrum, so the fluid build up from the infection puts immediate pressure on the eardrum. Middle ear infections are also the most likely ear infection to cause a rupture.

Outer ear infection symptoms:

• Pain that gets worse when touching or pulling the ear
• Reduced Hearing
• Drainage
• Itching
• Redness and swelling in the ear canal
• In very severe cases a fever may also be present

Outer ear infections are considered the most mild form, although still painful. These are easier to treat as it is not behind the eardrum. This type of infection usually responds very quickly to treatment.

Important Note

Its important to note that a ruptured eardrum should not have any liquid put inside the ear canal. This includes water. It is important to keep all liquids out for 6 to 10 weeks while the eardrum heals. Improper healing, or repeated ruptures can lead to scaring on the eardrum. This scaring can cause hearing loss so it is very important to prevent rupture, and in the case of rupture to provide an optimal healing environment.

I recommend everyone (especially parents) have an otoscope at home. These can be easily purchased on amazon. Familiarize yourself with a healthy eardrum, and teach yourself how to spot an infection or rupture. This can of course not take the place of your doctor! This is simply to help you determine if there is a rupture so you wont make the mistake of putting something inside the ear canal.

These remedies should work quickly. In general an ear infection should not last more then a few weeks, but with these treatments you should get relief in a day or two. It will still take several weeks of treatment to fully clear the infection.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen Peroxide is a easy at home remedy for ear infections, its also great for removing built up ear wax. Simply tilt head to the side with effected ear facing up, put 1-3ml of peroxide into the ear canal, allow 1-3 minutes for the peroxide to fizz and bubble. Flip your head the other way and allow to drain onto a towel. Repeat up to three times a day.

This should not cause pain. It could be slightly uncomfortable, the fizzing might also feel a bit strange but if there is pain then drain immediately. This could mean the ear drum is very inflamed, or ruptured and you don’t want the liquid getting deep into the ear. Its also important not to use hydrogen peroxide with antibiotics. If you are using antibiotics the hydrogen peroxide could kill the antibiotic making it ineffective.

Ear Drops

There are lots of ear drops on the market to choose from. The thing you want to look for is that it contains garlic and mullein. In one clinical trial it was proven just as effective as a medicated pain relieving ear drop. Click this link for that study. These ear drops in this picture also contain a few other things to help deal with ear infections quick. Here’s a little break down:

• Garlic: potent natural antibiotic
• Mullein: contains compounds believed to fight both virial and bacterial infections
• Calendula: helps sooth inflammation and prevent pain
• St. John’s Wort: also anti-inflammatory and helps relieve pain
• Tea Tree Oil: known for its antimicrobial properties is another great addition

So as you can see with a power house ingredient list like this, why this oil could be so helpful in fighting an ear infection. As with all remedies that go inside the ear this should not be used if you have a ruptured ear drum, or any drainage from the ear.

Garlic and Onion Poultice

This last remedy is a great one. One of the major benefits of this one is it can be used even if there is drainage or a rupture. This is a remedy that is only applied to the outside of the ear. This is also great to do along side the other treatments and can often offer quick pain relief. If treating an infant this is a good one to utilize at bedtime and naps. They usually don’t even notice it. Here’s the link to my post on how to make and use this poultice.

Ear massage

This last one is not technically a remedy, however it can be very beneficial. Doing ear massages can help open up blocked tubes and drain any built up fluid. This can help with pain relief as well as help clear out built up blood or puss. Using a de-congestion cream like the one pictured is beneficial, but just lotion, or coconut oil with a couple drops tea tree would be great as well. Some essential oils are not safe for infants and young children so make sure to keep this in mind.

Here’s a link to a video on how to do this type of massage.

Ear infections can be very painful and hard to deal with, especially in children. With these remedies you will be getting relief and on the way to recovering faster!