Earaches are uncomfortable and painful. They are more common among young children, but people of all ages can experience an earache. Fortunately, a minor earache can be treated at home with natural remedies. Here is a look at some of the best home remedies for earache relief.
Basil
Basil is great to use for irritating earaches because of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties:
- Crush up a few basil leaves and extract the juice.
- Put 3 or 4 drops of the extracted basil juice in the affected ear.
- Repeat 1 or 2 times a day.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is known for providing quick relief from an earache. The oil not only acts as a lubricant, but can also get rid of the infection that is causing the earache:
- Use 3-4 drops of lukewarm olive oil as ear drops.
- You can also dip a cotton swab in olive oil and then rub it in your ear.
Garlic
If your earache is due to an ear infection, the analgesic and antibiotic properties of garlic can offer you some relief:
- Heat one teaspoon of minced garlic and two tablespoons of sesame oil. After heating, cool and filter the oil. Use 2-3 drops of the oil mixture in the infected ear.
- You can also extract the juice from a few cloves of garlic and put in the ear that is causing you pain.
Hot Water Bottle
A great way to reduce pain is by putting moist heat around an aching ear. All you need to do is wrap up a hot water bottle in a towel and press it against the affected ear for a few minutes. You can also try a warm heating pad that is covered with a towel.
Pain Relievers
Over the counter medications such as Tylenol, Motrin, Advil, etc. can help relieve pain as well by reducing irritation and inflammation. However, it will not treat an infection.
Hair Blow Dryer
Earaches can be relieved by applying moist heat through a hair dryer. Instead of towel drying your ears after taking a shower or bath, use a blow dryer. It’s best to keep the dryer setting on warm and to hold it slightly away from the aching ear. The warm air will dry the moisture in your ear, but remember to not use the hair dryer for longer than five minutes.
Inhale Steam
Hot steam can help drain fluids in the Eustachian tubes, offering relief from pressure in the inner ear. You can also add medication or scents to the steam which provides you with an additional benefit of relief from ear pain:
- Boil water and pour it in a bowl.
- Add several drops of eucalyptus essential oil or a teaspoon of Vicks vapor rub to the water.
- Place a towel over your head and inhale the through your nose 3 times a day until pain subsides.
*Do not use home remedies in place of medical advice. If your pain worsens or persists or if you are uncertain about the following remedies, consult with a doctor.
