10 Natural Earache Relief Methods That Really Work
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Earaches and ear infections can have a number of causes, but no matter the cause, they are no fun! Here are some ideas for natural earache remedies using things you might have around the home, and they really work!
In this post, we'll talk about some ways to help with earaches while you are trying to determine the cause, and we'll also address the possible overuse of antibiotics in the case of ear infections.
Antibiotic Use and Ear Infections
Did you know that antibiotics aren’t typically necessary for ear infections and that overuse of antibiotics for ear infections can cause long-lasting health problems including gut dysbiosis and antibiotic resistance?
It's a common misperception that an infection means that one must use an antibiotic. In the case of an ear infection, that is definitely not the case. In fact, according to the CDC, for most ear infections, antibiotics are not recommended. Overuse of antibiotics for children’s ear infections can end up causing gut microbial imbalance and even antibiotic resistance.
What's more, ear infections are often over-diagnosed and of course, viral ear infections won't respond to antibiotics.
For these reasons, it's important to know how to address ear infections at home to avoid unnecessary exposure to antibiotics and the problems that can arise from their overuse.
I try to avoid antibiotics as much as possible, for those same reasons. We try to use saline washes, essential oils, probiotics, and other natural methods of addressing issues before turning to OTC and prescription medications.
Ear Infection Symptoms
Following are some symptoms of an ear infection.
- feeling of fullness in the ear
- fever
- pain in ear
- sore throat
- feeling sick
- lacking energy
- difficulty hearing
- discharge from ear
- feeling of pressure or fullness in ear
- itching and/or irritation in or around the ear
When to Seek Medical Care
If any of the following occur, do seek attention from your healthcare provider:
- Symptoms last for more than a day
- Ear pain is severe
- Your infant or toddler is sleepless or irritable after a cold or other upper respiratory infection
- You observe a discharge of fluid, pus, or bloody discharge from the ear
Additionally, an adult with ear pain or discharge should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Natural Remedies for Earache / Ear Infection
Following are some natural helps for ear infections and earaches. You likely have some of these in your home already or they can be purchased at health food stores or online holistic sites.
1. Vitamin C
Personally I like sodium ascorbate but camu camu is a new one that we love; its natural vitamin C power in a whole food form. Or try this Homemade Vitamin C! Vitamin C supports the immune system so it's great to use when the body is fighting something. Homemade Vitamin C is
2. Saline Wash
Saline washes are known to help remove the germs from the nasal passages and the back of the throat to reduce viral load.
3. Garlic Oil
Garlic is well known to help with immune support and has antimicrobial and antiviral properties. And, according to many parents, garlic oil is a great home remedy for ear infections. One to two drops in the ear is often recommended, however, this is not recommended if there is suspicion of a burst or ruptured ear drum.
4. Probiotics
Probiotics help support the body's immune system and also are thought to help with preventing ear infections in the first place.
You can get probiotics in the form of a supplement or fermented foods and drinks like sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and kombucha. In fact, ferments are known to be exponentially more potent than probiotic supplements, so they are often a better choice unless one is dealing with histamine intolerance. In that case, a low-histamine probiotic is a good option.
5. Mullein
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) oil is well-known as a natural earache remedy. It's also known to be an expectorant. You can easily find mullein tinctures online or in health food stores.
Research published in The Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine demonstrates how an herbal ear drop containing mullein was just as effective for pain relief as an anesthetic one. Mullein oil is also used to naturally treat ear infections (and more) in dogs too!
6. Breast Milk
Breast milk is full of natural antibodies and is known to have many benefits for a baby's health. Breastfeeding has also been shown to reduce the number of ear infections in babies and in children who were breastfed as babies.
There is conflicting information about putting breastmilk directly in the ear canal. Some say that you can put it in the outer ear canal, whereas others say that putting a few drops in the ear canal has brought relief. Both of those claims lean on the claim that each drop of breast milk has over one million white blood cells.
7. Hydrogen Peroxide
Many sources recommend putting a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in the ear and then letting it bubble for a few minutes before draining it out. I personally never got much benefit from this, but have heard of others who have. It's important to not put peroxide or any other liquid in the car if you suspect a perforated ear drum. Also, if you have a cut in your ear, peroxide should not be used as it can be damaging to injured tissues.
8. Vitamin D
It's a good idea to take vitamin K2 with Vitamin D for it to work better.
9. Warm Compress
While warmth isn't going to cure an ear infection, it can help relieve the pain and inflammation so you can get the rest you need. To make a warm compress, wet a clean small towel with warm water, wring it out well, and then hold it against the infected ear. Some people like to alternate warm compresses with cold compresses to help address the inflammation better. You can use a cloth soaked in cold or ice-cold water and then wrung out, or an ice pack can also be used. A heating pad can be used instead of a warm compress.
10. Apple Cider Vinegar
Yes, most of us use apple cider vinegar for cooking (like in salad dressings) or for personal care (like in this hair rinse), but ACV apparently can also be used for ear infections. But you do need to be careful when trying this. The reason why this can help is that apple cider vinegar has proven antibacterial and antifungal properties.
To use apple cider vinegar for an ear infection or earache, dilute the vinegar with equal parts of warm water or isopropyl alcohol, and place 5-10 drops in the affected ear. Tilt the head (lying down with the affected ear up works well) so the mixture doesn't run out and leave for a few minutes before letting it drain out onto a cloth. Repeat throughout the day.
We have tried many of the above remedies with varying amounts of relief. To my recollection, we have never had to use antibiotics once for an ear infection or earache for our kids. Natural methods have worked well for us, thankfully!
More Natural Health Topics:
- Eczema and Food Allergies — From Despair to Healing
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- Andrea Fabry's Mold Story — What she learned just might save your life.
What natural ear infection remedies have you used?
Funny that you want a home natural cure, like urine – but have no problem putting the toxic chemicals that make up duct tape on your childs skin – only the largest organ of the body…. Do you do yoga and then treat yourself to some nice crack after too?
Hi Rosemary.
Do you have information on duct tape being toxic? I found this on Debra Lynn Dad’s blog – she is a highly regarded expert on toxicity: https://www.debralynndadd.com/q-a/is-duck-brand-duct-tape-toxic/
And no, to answer your question I don’t do crack, nice or not. But I don’t do yoga either. I have been thinking about starting some yoga but haven’t as of yet.
If you are Christian, which you seem to be by reading your other comments. I recommend you research the meaning of yoga and what Or who you are yoking before you begin this practice. I know I will catch a lot of flack for saying this and probably cause uproar, just do you due diligence please as you would with anything else. Stay healthy.
Yes, I am a christian. I have looked at yoga. You aren’t going to get flak from me about it. I think it’s good to be careful. For me I just did a few stretches for my back and nothing else. I don’t participate in the mental part of it. Does that help?
Hi, I just wanted to comment on this. I’m a devout Christian, and I practice yoga. I have read about it in depth, and I’m struggling to find what in all that I’ve learned that would make yoga unfit for the christian mind and soul. I’m not trying to give anyone flack, I am honestly confused. I don’t find anything contradictory the practice. When I read scriptures I’m communing with God. When I pray I am too. Yoga is just an extension of prayer to me, and I have felt God’s presence in the practice.
(Now to go get urine for my ear…)
Just an FYI – NutriBiotics has natural ear drops with Grape Seed Extract that really work. I used it one time and the infection was gone! I personally would rather do that than put Urine in my ear, just letting others know who might feel the same way. You have some great ideas though and if the economy ever crashes then I might consider doing it. 🙂
Thanks Sabrina, I have heard some concerns about GSE. I used to use it and don’t anymore as a result. However, I “get” your concerns. Thanks for the kind words.
I used 3 drops of coconut oil. First I used it at night in one ear, and it worked but the next day the pain was at the other ear…. Then I put 3 drops alternating ears for 3 nights. The pain came back but weaker. I’m so much better but I think I should do it for 6 nights alternating.
Hope it helps.
I hope so too. Please contact your physician about the pain.
Vinegar works just as good. Even though it smells about the same, it’s psychologically much less “icky” than actual pee.. It raises the acid level in the ear canal to kill infection-causing bacteria, and vinegar also eases the pain. You can also buy garlic oil capsules at Walgreens. They are the perfect size. Just poke it with a pin and squeeze the oil into your ear. Stuff a cotton ball in there so it doesn’t all leak out and get messy.
I think it might be too strong. Are you concerned about that?
Sorry for my typos above ^^^! my ear is impacting on everything!
No problem!! Take care!
From the research I’ve been doing, I’ve learned that diet can cause ear infections and ear pain. Sugar, diary and gluten are major culprits apparently. It’s worth looking into and possibly making some changes.
Hey…I came across this on Pinterest of all places and I actually clicked the link because my own ear is giving me grief! My doctor has been trying without fail to help me with it for months on end. I have tried mullein garlic oil and other home remdies and via my doctor just die to the severe ongoing ache I have used steroids. Doc says it is ongoing Otitis Externa but nothing is helping…..would you suggest urine might help?? And not to sound ridiculous but do you think that there is a difference between your own pee (say if you aren’t the healthiest person = me) and that of a toddler that has better health and diet as to the quality of the urine (I can’t believe I am typing this lol). Thanks in advance and wow to the whacko comments you receive from others!
Oh my. I can’t made medical recommendations, but I do know that I was looking at OE recently and found recommendations about mixed of alcohol and vinegar. This is one of them: https://www.livestrong.com/article/455453-vinegar-home-remedy-for-an-ear-infection/ I am not saying that urine wouldn’t be an option but I can’t medically advise. I used the same person’s urine. I think that is the thinking of those who have written about urine therapy. Take care and please see a physician for guidance and talk to him before doing any of the above.
Good morning to all replies to this article. I am 53 using Amaroli, Shivambu, Urine for 33 years. People should know more about today modern medicine. Since Mr R. Mr B. Mr. M in USA in early 20 century start pump millions of golden dollars into chemical industry it was established big business and big business must return multiplying all several times back to their pockets. As you should know, we have 2 schools of medicine one is chemical from Mr. for example R and second is Natural used centuries by old nations. Modern emergency medicine/ accidental/ is very good and I am big fan of it. But people feed on junk food are so polluted that natural remedies do not work properly or nor at all. Even eating organic food one needs regular detoxification. But not with synthetic juices, coffers and other junk but with urine and water. All manuals for life which we call in Western World Bible have direct description to use urine /proverb 5::15 in any bible/. For those thinking I am religious fanatic, letting you now I am not member of any religion group and never had been. Today’s problem of most of civilization everyone wants to live aristocratic type of life, called now Western Lifestyle that brings finally only mental or physical illness. Being on urine and good food for 33 years now 53, young women in their 20 ties are offering me relationship even I have no money. I have no wrinkles on my face because I clean it every day with morning urine, Urine do not smell if you are on good food,, ammonia is a gas and evaporates within minutes. It nothing to have bad smell on your face. I have the same weight since my 18 so no wrinkles on my body including hands. I am a teacher/ high schools and university/ and never nobody complains for smell from me and I never used deodorants.
If you would like to keep yourselves in good shape for a long time stay with urine and good food. Using junkies urine is considered as poison, so you have to be on good food- non aristocratic food, old farmers food from your tribal genetic code.
Please use Amaroli as much as you can in your daily life. Many Hollywood stars do it so why not you!
Before you reply to my comments, please educate yourself so people can read comment from intelligent and educated individual.
Thank you!
Have nice day.to all,
LB
Hi there. I can’t speak to the rest of your comment, but I do believe that Proverbs 5:15 is referring a husband not straying from his wife. Hope to see you around again.
Hello Adrienne,
I do not like fuel any arguments it is not my lifestyle.
, http://www.biblegateway.com states:
Proverbs 5:15 New International Version (NIV)
15 Drink water from your own cistern,
running water from your own well.
My question what else we should drink from own cistern, running water from own well?
Yes I agree the other proverbs following no 5:15 are targeting relationship issues.
As we know Bible was written for the first time hundreds of years latter after Jesus Crucifixion.
Fortunately we have other religions who do not use human body torture as main symbols and alcohol intoxification as part of a mass procedure- the way to follow?. So are looking more serious- competent.
These are real and historical facts not calling for fight or hate.
Hindus and oldest manual for life is written on bamboo sticks joined together. refer directly as it is . Drinking urine from your bladder. Dated back 10 000 years BC. God Shiva is second most important after Krishna, Shivambu means urine. About 200 million people around the World use urine daily. It is basic to drink own urine for any military survival training and astronauts drinks it all after minerals are removed by filtration system. Ask your husband if had survival training if not get one and you will see.
Ending erotically:
After I apply urine to may face and meeting women, they are more demanding to kiss me on face, than If I wash it after 5 min with cold water. It doesn’t matter if are 20+ or 65 +.of age. If it is full moon or half moon.
Reason: Pheromones stays on my face and females feel it,, so they get more attracted to be close to my and my face
Another:
My girlfriend /she prepared herself 18 month to become my partner/ was shocked I did not smell after a day hiking trip, even my old shoes smell from leather rather than stings from sweat.. After eating peaches my sweat smells from peaches, this is like clean body is functioning..
All the best,
LB
Hi again.
That whole passage is a warning about adultery so it is talking about being satisfied with what is yours (i.e. in marriage).
As for the comment about the Bible and when it was written, that is for another conversation, but the NT is the most well documented piece of literature in all of history. My husband is a literary and Biblical scholar and has done a lot of research on all of this.
The crucifixion was not put forward as a symbol, but it is what was done to Christ.
As for intoxication, I don’t believe that having small drink of wine is recommending intoxication.
Thanks for commenting.
Hello Adrienne,
We are from different part of the World. As you mention above you are in religious World I am from realistic part of the World..
Good luck
LB
Hi there. I don’t think that is the case. I was pre med at a top university and am always after facts. Of course, there is faith involved in Christianity, but supernatural things cannot be proven with science. I was just telling you about some facts about the Scriptures. Take care and hope to see you around again.
Jesus Loves you with urine on your face or no urine on your face you are his creation you are beautiful
Actually, urine is sterile. People drink their own urine for medical reasons. Feel free to Google it!. Apparently there’s a long list of health benefits. My holistic doctor suggested I try it but I’m just not there yet. 😉
I’ve found hundreds of amazing home remedies on Earthclinic.com. (Not affiliated, just a user). There are a few other excellent holistic heath sites that I trust implicitly, but won’t post them here unless Adrienne says it’s ok.
Hi there. I’m OK if they aren’t spammy and all that. Some can be a big problem. Maybe just the name is better than the whole URL. Thanks for your concern!
Yes urine therapy for ear infections ive used! Works well. Even used my breast milk for my kids eye infections. I Love trying out natural remedies! If anyone knows anything to help for dry persistent coughs.. Tried alot of things.
Have you tried teas? Peppermint, ginger, and nettle?
I’ve used grapefruit seed extract for ongoing cough after having the Norvo virus two times bank-to-back. It was the only thing that worked. I used the drops… It tastes bad. Put 25 drops in a bottle of water (160z). I would drink this each time my cough started! Worked like a charm! Co-workers had the residual cough from the virus for a month longer than I had it.
I had a dry cough would last for weeks. One day I was thinking, felt like my throat was a little swollen from coughing. I thought, could this be throat, sinus fungal infection. Talked to my doctor, she gave me a med. Same as babies are treated for thrush. In 3 days coughing gone. I had been on antibiotics and I think this was the reason for the fungal problems. reflux and sinus problems can also cause a dry cough.
Boil water, add sliced lemons, and honey. Works awesome if you have a sore throat also.
I have an ear ache about 5 days now 🙁 IV searched evrrything on how to get rid of it but nothing’s working. I do not have any essential oils. I do have pee though…..do you just put straight pee in there??? You don’t add water or anything? (Kind of scared to be honest) 🙁
It was just plain urine – but of course be careful you don’t have a burst eardrum and seek medical attention if you think you should. Please use common sense. Hope it works if you try it.
I had a pain in my right ear for the longest time..( I AM MATURE AGE) and since i started using a natural medicine to kill all pathogens and viruses in my body for a 1 week now..i just figured this would take away my dull pain in my ear…and all i did is the protocol , MMS, chlorine dioxide. BAby THIS KILLS ALL YOUR BAD BACTERIA, FUNGI AND PARASISTES!
THERE WE GO NOW WE HAVE A PHARMACY AT HOME.. NO MORE PAIN IN MY EAR..CAN’T WAIT FOR THE REST OF THE NATURAL HEALING
I use it too 😀 !!! In fact I will be using it later today since I have a very bad ear infection.