Ear infections are quite common these days and are generally caused by a virus or bacterial infections. Ear infections usually affect kids than adults. There are numerous reasons as well as contributing factors which lead to infections in the ear including building up of wax, infections in the respiratory tract, food allergies, nutritional deficiencies and internal injuries in the ear. Most people suffering from home remedies for ear infections have symptoms like a headache, sleeping problems, pain and tugging on the ear, poor response to the sounds, vomiting, draining of fluid from the ear, high fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Infections in the ear can occur in either inner or middle or outer ear, and it is most severe in the inner ear. Therefore, doctors emphasize treating ear infections at the earliest for preventing complications. It is always important to consult an expert when you are affected with infections, but you can always try some effective home remedies for ear infections for immediate relief. Some of these simple yet efficient tips include,
Salt: The most readily available among the Home Remedies for Ear Infections is salt, and it offers instant relief from the symptoms of ear infections. Heat a cupful of salt on low flame for a few minutes and place it in a cloth. Then tie a knot so that the salt particles does not seep through. When it is warm enough, place the cloth on the affected part of the ear for about 10 minutes. You should follow the process as many times as required. The heat generated from this salt would help in drawing out the fluid from the ear and relieve the pain and inflammation. You may also use rice in place of salt and follow the same process.
Garlic: Garlic is rich in anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties for which it is widely used in relieving pain. Hence you can use garlic in various ways to mitigate the infection as it is an effective Home Remedies for Ear Infections. Take some mustard or sesame oil in a pan and put two to three cloves of garlic in it. Let it cook until the garlic turns black after which you would have to strain the solution. You can use it as ear drops when the solution is bearably hot. You may also boil some garlic cloves in water for a few minutes and add some salt in it. Now you will have to put it in a clean cloth and place against the infected ear. Alternatively, you may also have raw garlic daily to boost the healing process.
Basil leaves: These are extremely useful in treating minor ear infections and earaches owing to the anti-bacterial properties. Preparing Home Remedies for Ear Infections with basil is effortless. You would just need to crush a few basil leaves for extracting the juice. Now apply the basil juice on the affected parts without allowing it to get into the ear canal. A few drops of coconut oil can also be mixed with the juice of basil leaves. Now take a cotton ball for wiping the internal area of the ear, the outer edge and the rear part of the ear. This process should be repeated at least twice a day.
Apple cider vinegar: Sometimes ear infections are caused by an infestation of fungus, and if this is the case with you, then apple cider vinegar may be helpful. You will have to take an equal amount of alcohol and apple cider vinegar and soak a cotton ball in it. Now apply this cotton ball in the ear like a plug and allow it to rest for a few minutes. After you remove it, you will have to lie on the opposite side so that the liquid drains out. If apple cider vinegar is not accessible, you can use white vinegar as well.
Olive oil: One of the most common reasons behind ear infections is the bacterial growth in the ear wax which finally causes blockage in the Eustachian tube. This obstruction can be easily cleaned with the help of olive oil. You will just have to warm the oil and put a few drops into the infected ear. It will cause the ear wax to soften which can be easily removed with the help of cotton swabs and is one of the easiest Home Remedies for Ear Infections.
Warm water bottle: If your ear is infected, you should try to apply some heat in the ear. This can eliminate the pain and prevent further infestation of the bacterial microbes. You can press a warm water bottle or a warm press against the affected ear. But make sure that you don’t apply heat for long periods. Keep it for five minutes and then allow a gap of few minutes before repeating it.
These are some of the best home remedies for ear infections, and once your symptoms subside, you should seek medical attention at the earliest.
