31 Earache Remedies To Get Instant Relief From Ear Pain And Infection

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Earache can occur due to an infection or swelling in any part of the ear. It can affect both adults and children, but are mostly common in kids.

What is Earache?

Earaches can cause a lot of pain. It mostly happens due to germs or foreign particles infecting the middle ear or outer ear. An ear infection can cause swelling, redness, itchiness, and mild to severe earache. Apart from infections, earache can also be caused due to wax buildup, ear injury, allergic reactions and throat infections.

Cure for an earache can depend on the type of ear pain. If the earache happens because of an infection, then home remedies like warm compress, and olive oil can soothe inflammation. Hence it is important to learn the cause of earache before jumping to conclusions.

Causes of Earache in Children and Adults:

It is important to learn about the different causes of pain and ear inflammation to prevent an earache. An ear infection can interfere with normal activities and cause discomfort.

Causes:

1. An earache can be caused due to bacterial or viral ear infection.

2. Earache can also be caused by an allergic reaction in respiratory system.

3. Changes in air pressure can increase the changes of earache.

4. Ear canals are generally sensitive. Even a small injury in the middle ear can damage ear canal and cause ear infection.

5. Buildup of wax can cause earache and temporarily diminish hearing.

6. A throat infection can also lead to sore ears as throat and ears are connected.

7. Tooth decay can also spread pain in the ears and lead to earache.

Symptoms of Earache in Children and Adults:

Both children and adults experience different types of symptoms associated with earache. It is important to recognize these pain related symptoms and treat ear infection.

Symptoms:

• Chronic pain

• Hearing loss

• Buzzing sound in the ear

• Fluid discharge from ear canal

• Fever

• Swelling, itchiness, and redness in the ear

• Bleeding from ear canal

• Ear blockage

• Children might experience diarrhea, vomiting, loss of sleep, appetite, grow irritable, and increase crying

Here is the List of Simple and Easy Home Remedies for Getting Rid of Earache:

1. Essential Oil for Earache:

Essential oils contain anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that can help prevent an ear infection. You can try using essential oil around the opening of the ear to prevent it from spreading.

What you need:

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 10 drops tea tree essential oil

• 10 drops lavender essential oil

• Cotton

Procedure:

• Mix all the ingredients together

• Dip the cotton balls into the mixture. Squeeze out the excess

• Press the cotton balls around the affected area

How it works:

Essential oil contains anti-bacterial properties that can help reduce infection and relieve from inflammation.

Note: Try this remedy at the first signs of ear infection. Be extra careful when using it around children. They might smear the oils into their eyes.

2. Olive Oil for Earache:

One of the main reasons for ear infection is the wax catching a fungal growth and blocking the Eustachian tubes. You can prevent this by using warm olive oil. It can easily help to remove the infected wax.

What you need:

• Warm Olive Oil

• Cotton swabs

Procedure:

• Pour the olive oil in a vessel and heat it slightly in low flame

• Turn off the flame and set it aside to cool off

• Dip a cotton swab when the oil is still warm

• Put few drops of the warm olive oil into the infected ear

How it works:

The oil will soften the infected wax. You can easily remove the infected wax using the cotton swabs.

• 1 part apple cider vinegar

• 1 part alcohol/water

• Cotton ball

Procedure:

• Mix one part apple cider vinegar in equal amount of alcohol or water

• Soak a cotton ball in the solution

• Place the cotton ball in your ears and leave it for 5 minutes

• Remove the cotton ball

• Tilt your head to the opposite to drain out the liquid from the ear

• Make sure your ear completely dries out

How it works:

Apple cider vinegar works perfectly when you have an ear infection. Try this remedy once a day to experience immediate results.

Note: Ear infection can also be formed in the Eustachian tubes. In this case, you can try gargling with apple cider vinegar.

4.Tea Tree Oil for Earache:

Tea tree oil contains antifungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. This oil can be applied as ear drops to give instant relief from earache. If you are not comfortable using tea tree oil, you can add few drops of olive oil.

What you need:

• 3 drops tea tree oil

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

• 2 tsp olive oil

• 1 tsp colloidal silver

• Dropper

Procedure:

• Mix three drops of tea tree oil, two tsp of olive oil, 1 tsp of colloidal silver and 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar

• Warm the mixture slightly and pour into dropper bottle

• Lie down on one side with your head tilted using a towel

• Use the dropper to put the mixture into the ear. Hold it for five minutes

• Tilt your head to the opposite side to drain out the mixture from the other ear

How it works:

Tea tree oil contains therapeutic properties that include antiseptic, antibacterial, fungicide, and stimulant. All these properties are excellent remedy for treating an ear infection.

Note: Try this remedy two or three times a day for two days.

5. Onion for Earache:

Onions has various medicinal uses and one of them includes an ear infection. The compounds found in onions can help to bring relief to an inflamed or infected ear infection.

What you need:

• 1 small onion

• Dropper

Procedure:

• Microwave one small onion for one or two minutes

• Allow it to cool off and then strain the onion juice

• Put two to three drops of the onion juice into the infected ear using the dropper

• Turn your head to other side to drain out the mixture from the ear

How it works:

Onions contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve an inflamed or sore ear. By reducing the ear inflammation, onions can allow the body to heal an ear infection.

Note: You can try this remedy several times a day.

6. Garlic for Earache:

Garlic contains antibiotic and pain relieving properties which makes it an excellent remedy for ear infections. You can make a home remedy using garlic to cure ear infection.

What you need:

• 2 garlic cloves

• 2 tsp warm olive or sesame oil

Procedure:

• Heat two tsp sesame oil in a pan. Once it is warm, put two garlic cloves and deep fry

• Strain the oil solution

• Put two or four drops of the oil solution to your ears

How it works:

Garlic can help to induce pain that comes with an ear infection because of its natural pain killing properties.

Note:

You can also chew two or three garlic gloves daily to speed up healing process.

7. Hydrogen Peroxide for Earache:

Hydrogen peroxide can be an excellent remedy to treat ear infection. It can break down infected wax buildup in the ears, and reduce the pain associated with an ear infection.

What you need:

• 3% hydrogen peroxide

• Water

• Cotton ball or dropper

Procedure:

• Mix equal amount of 3% or less hydrogen peroxide

• Dilute with water in a cup

• Soak a cotton ball into the mixture

• Squeeze few drops of the solution into the ear tilting your head to the side

• After ten minutes, tilt your head to the other to drain out the peroxide residual

How it works:

The hydrogen peroxide can help to remove the infected wax from the ears without causing any irritation to the ears. Clean the ears using warm water afterwards.

Note: You can try this remedy several times a day until you see results. And do not worry if you experience a tingling sensation when you put this solution into your ears. It is completely normal.

8. Honey for Earache:

Honey is a great remedy for treating an ear infection. It has mild antiseptic properties that can gently remove any infected wax present in the ears. You can make use of local, raw and manuka honey for this treatment.

What you need:

• Honey

• Cotton Swab

Procedure:

• Soak the cotton swab into a bowl of honey

• Swab it around your ear canal

How it works:

It can gently remove all infected wax without causing any irritation to your ears.

Note: This remedy can work for both children and adults.

9. White Vinegar and Rubbing Alcohol for Earache:

Both white vinegar and rubbing alcohol can help to kill bacteria, and reduce pain causing ear infection. You can consult your health provider to make sure that the remedy is appropriate for your condition.

What you need:

• 50% rubbing alcohol

• 50% hydrogen peroxide

• Dropper

Procedure:

• Mix 50% of rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide together in equal parts. Pour into dropper bottle

• Tilt your head to the side and put few drops of the mixture into your ears

• After a minute or two, turn your head to drain the mixture from your ears

How it works:

This solution can help to kill bacteria and induce pain related symptoms.

Note: You can repeat this process as often as possible.

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10. Hair Dryer for Earache:

There are few things you can easily do at home while experience ear ache. One of the ways to reduce pain caused by ear infection is a hair dryer. The warm heat and air can help to ease ear infection related pain.

What you need:

• Hair dryer

Procedure:

• Set the hair dryer in warm setting

• Hold it across your ears for allowing the warm air to blow in for 3 to 5 minutes

How it works:

The warm air and the heat coming from the hair dryer can help to ease the pain.

Note: Keep the hair dryer in medium setting to avoid the risk of burning. And do not use it for more than 3 to 5 minutes.

11. Salt for Earache:

Salt is one of the most easily available home remedy for earache. Using warm salt can help to remove the fluid from ears. It can also reduce swelling and pain associated with an ear infection.

What you need:

• 1 cup Salt

• Clean cloth

Procedure:

• Heat 1 cup of salt in low flame for few minutes or microwave

• Place the hot salt over a clean cloth and tie it a knot over it

• Press this cloth over the affected area for five to ten minutes

How it works:

The heat generated from the cloth will help to draw out excess infected fluid from ears.

Note: You can try this remedy several times a day or as needed.

12. Ginger for Earache:

Ginger contains effective anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that can help prevent ear infections.

What you need:

• 1 tsp freshly grated ginger root

• 2 tsp olive oil

• Dropper

Procedure:

• Mix one tsp of freshly grated ginger root with two tsp of olive oil

• Allow to set this mixture for 10 minutes

• Use a dropper to put few drops of the solution into the infected ear

How it works:

Ginger root is a great remedy for fighting off ear infections and soothe earaches

Note: You can also use the solution around the outer ear canal

13. Radish for Earache:

Radish has remarkable therapeutic properties. You can use it to fight against and inflammation caused by an ear infection. It works as a quick and effective remedy for pain relief.

What you need:

• 1 tsp radish juice

• 2 tsp mustard oil

• Dropper

Procedure:

• Chop radish pieces and extract out the juice

• Mix 1 tsp of radish juice and two tsp of mustard oil

• Transfer the solution into a dropper bottle

• Put two to three drops of the solution into the affected ear

How it works:

Radish is an excellent remedy for treating ear infection and fighting against inflammation caused by an ear infection.

Note: Use often as needed until pain subsides.

14. Try Over-the-counter Drugs for Earache:

Over-the-counter drugs for earache such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help to control pain related with painful ear infection like acute otitis media (AOM). These medicines are safe to use without antibiotics.

What you need:

• Pain relieving drugs

Procedure:

• Follow the dosage instructions on the label strictly

How it works:

These medications can help to lower pain associated with ear infection.

Note: Talk to a health specialist regarding the dosage. There are different dosage versions for both adult and children.

15. Peppermint for Earache:

Peppermint contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and mild anesthetic properties to help fight an ear infection. It can not only reduce infection but can also relieve from inflammation.

What you need:

• 1 drop peppermint oil

• 5 drops olive oil

• Dropper

Procedure:

• Mash fresh peppermint leaves and extract out the juice

• Transfer into a dropper bottle. Use one or two drops inside the infected air

• Repeat this remedy regularly

How it works:

Use this peppermint solution as an ear dropper for instant relief

Note: You can also apply few drops of peppermint oil around the corner of your ear canal making sure not to get it inside ears.

16. Licorice for Earache:

Licorice is a great remedy for treating earache. Its herb can be effective for lowering ear inflammation and easing out discomfort.

What you need:

• Licorice root

• Clarified butter

Procedure:

• Warm licorice slightly in clarified butter

• Apply this solution around the outside corners of ear canal

How it works:

Licorice can lower inflammation and reduces pain associated with ear infection.

Note: Repeat the process whenever needed.

17. Have Foods Rich in Vitamin C for Earache:

If you and your children develop characteristics or symptoms of ear infection, then it is best to consult a health specialist. They can help to chart out a proper diet regime for you and advice on foods to avoid.

What you need:

• Vitamin A and C enriched foods

• Foods rich in zinc

• Herbal tea

• Water

Procedure:

• Include Vitamin A and C enriched foods such as fruits and vegetables

• Strawberry, kale, bell peppers, cauliflower, mustard greens, and papayas contains a high amount of Vitamin C and help to treat ear infection

• Drink herbal teas like chamomile tea, ginger, basil, and honey tea to get rid of earache

How it works:

An effective dietary approach can help to treat the condition of ear infection.

Note: Prevent taking mucous contained foods such as wheat, oranges, dairy products, peanut butter, bananas, and citrus fruits. Also, avoid processed or junk foods.

18. Sleep in an Upright Position for Earache:

Sleeping in an upright position can actually reduce your ear pressure. You can use several pillows or wedge pillows and place between the bed mattress and box springs.

What you need:

• Wedge pillow or several pillows

• Wood blocks

Procedure:

• Prop your head using several pillows to clear off Eustachian tubes

• Sleep in an upright position. Lie down straight to reduce ear pressure

• Also, place five to six inch wood blocks under your bed feet

How it works:

Keeping an upright position using pillows can help to clear Eustachian tubes.

Note: Lying down straight can increase ear pressure, and by sleeping in an upright position, you can reduce middle pressure.

19. Sesame Oil for Earache:

Sesame oil contains natural antibiotic properties used for treating ear infection and reducing pain effectively. It also contains allicin that can prevent the infection from inner corners of ears.

What you need:

• 3-4 drops sesame oil

• Dropper

• Cotton swab

Procedure:

• Put 3-4 drops of sesame oil using a dropper

• Let the oil absorb fully

• Remove the infected wax using cotton swab

How it works:

Sesame oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that can easily absorb into eardrum and reduce pain-inflicting ear infection. It is a great remedy for ear swelling, ear pain and ear infection.

Note: Continuous use of this oil can reduce ear infection.

20. Chewing Gum for Earache:

Chewing two pieces of sweetened gum in a day can reduce ear infection. Earaches can happen when there is a change in air pressure. Chew gum to activate the muscles that allows to send air into the ears, and unblock it

What you need:

• Sweetened gum

Procedure:

• Chew a sweetened gum to unblock ears

How it works:

You will instantly hear a pop in your ears relieving you of pain.

Note: This is not a conventional pain relieving remedy, but it can avoid the pain associated with ear infection.

21. Echinacea for Earache:

Also known as purple coneflower, echinacea is one of the popular herbs that cleanse the internal body systems and prevent an ear infection. It can soothe the pain and inflammation related to an ear infection.

What you need:

• Echinacea

• Goldenseal

• Water

Procedure:

• Pour water to a vessel. Put over flame and bring it to boil

• Once water starts boiling, add both the herbs

• Strain the mixture

• Sip on the mixture slowly when warm

How it works:

Echinacea can prevent the formation of an ear infection when taken at an early stage.

Note: You can drink the mixture three times a day to see effective results.

22. Basil Leaves for Earache:

Basil contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic properties that are considered effective for relieving earaches. Putting at least 2 drops of the basil juice into the ear can prevent an ear infection.

What you need:

• Basil leaves

• Dropper

Procedure:

• Crush few basil leaves and extract the juice

• Transfer its juice to a dropper bottle

• Put three or four drops of this juice to the ears

How it works:

Basil leaves contains antibiotic properties that can help to cure earache and prevent infection.

Note: Repeat this remedy once or twice a day to see effective results.

23. Eucalyptus Oil for Earache:

Eucalyptus oil can speed up healing process of an ear infection. This oil is extremely soothing for the nerves and can relieve you from ear pain. Because of its antibacterial properties, it is considered a great remedy for curing earache.

What you need:

• Eucalyptus oil

• 1 tsp vicks

• Water

Procedure:

• Add few drops of eucalyptus oil to a bowl of boiling water

• Add one tsp of vicks

• Inhale the steam

• Repeat few times until the pain lessens

How it works:

Inhaling eucalyptus oil can reduce the pressure and also facilitate the removal of accumulated dirt from the infected ear.

Note: You can repeat this inhaling exercise twice a day.

24. Mango Leaves for Earache:

Earaches can be really difficult to deal with. Using the juice of mango leaves extract can provide good relief. One teaspoon of mango juice extract used as eardrops can relief from earache.

What you need:

• Mango leaves

• Cotton swab

Procedure:

• Heat the mango leaves

• Crush it and extract its juice

• Put a few drops into the infected ear using a cotton swab

• Leave it overnight

How it works:

Mango leaves are considered an effective treatment for ear aches.

Note: Heat the mango juice extract slightly before using it.

25. Naturopathic drops for Earache:

Naturopathic ear drops contain herbal extracts ingredients which are effective as well as safe to use during earache. It can be easily found online and in medical stores.

What you need:

• Naturopathic ear drops

• Olive oil (optional)

Procedure:

• Put few drops of naturopathic ear drops into the infected ear

• Adding olive oil can make it even more effective

How it works:

Naturopathic eardrops have no side effects and can be used safely for treating earache.

Note: The herbal extracts of naturopathic eardrops mixed with few drops of olive oil can give same or more effective results than over-the-counter-drugs.

26. Chiropractic treatment for Earache:

Chiropractic treatment can cure your ear infection. Chiropractors can use various techniques to stimulate muscle movement. There are small muscles connecting the upper part of the neck to the ears. When there is a distortion in these areas, an ear infection is likely. A chiropractor can suggest few therapies to help.

What you need:

• Book an appointment with a chiropractor

Procedure:

• Chiropractors can adjust your ears with several manual therapies

• These therapy sessions can help to facilitate the flow of accumulated fluid from the ear and getting rid of harmful foreign particles

How it works:

Chiropractic treatment uses safe techniques to stimulate movements of the upper neck portion.

Note: You will notice a difference in just one or two sessions with them.

27. Neck exercises for Earache:

Earaches can happen when there is pressure in the ear canal. There are several neck exercises that can be helpful for relieving the pressure. Practicing few neck rotation exercises can be greatly beneficial.

What you need:

• Learn neck rotation exercises

Procedure:

• Sit up straight keeping your two feet planted firmly on the ground

• Start rotating your head and neck slowly towards your right until your head comes parallel to your shoulder

• Repeat the same steps on the other side, until your head comes parallel with your left shoulder

• Keep your shoulders in upright position while covering your ears with your shoulders

• Keep your movements slow and gentle

How it works:

Doing these neck rotation exercises can ease your muscles and help with your ear infection.

Note: Repeat this exercise until you start seeing effective results.

28. Bishop’s Weed Oil for Earache:

Bishop’s weed oil contains analgesic and pain killing properties that are helpful for curing an earache. You can use 2-3 drops of bishop’s weed oil as eardrops to reduce pain associated with earache.

What you need:

• ½ tsp bishop weed seeds

• 1 cup milk

Procedure:

• Boil ½ tsp of bishop’s weed seeds in a cup of milk

• Strain the mixture

• Use as ear drops to reduce the ear congestion

How it works:

Bishop weed seeds are effective for reducing ear congestion and also getting rid of pain related with ear infection.

Note: Try this remedy whenever you have earache.

29. Distraction for Earache:

If you are battling an earache, then it is best to keep yourself distracted to keep your mind off the pain. You can watch a movie; have a bubble bath, take a nap, play games on your phone, and gorge on your favorite snacks.

What you need:

• Distraction

Procedure:

• Treat yourself to a good book or movie

• Visit a spa or a salon

• Take a luxurious bubble bath

How it works:

Keeping yourself distracted can help to keep your mind off the pain.

Note: Try all these ideas whenever you face an earache.

30. Mullein Oil for Earache:

Mullein oil is an antiseptic agent useful for treating earache. With a combination of garlic juice or olive oil, one can be able to reduce ear pain, and get rid of all infection-causing foreign particles.

What you need:

• Garlic juice or olive oil

• Mullein oil

Procedure:

• Mix few drops of garlic juice or olive oil with mullein oil

• Put few drops of this oil solution to the affected ear

How it works:

Mullein oil can help to relieve the earache that comes with an ear infection.

Note: Repeat the process whenever needed.

31. Place Heating Pad for Earache:

Steam can help to open up Eustachian tubes and reduce inflammation associated with an ear infection. It can relieve one from pain caused by earache.

What you need:

• Clean cloth or towel

• Heating pad

Procedure:

• Place your face over heating pad wrapped in a cloth for 10 minutes

How it works?

Putting moist heat over affected ear can work as an effective pain reliever.

Note: Try this routine as often as possible.

Homeopathy Remedies for Earache:

Homeopathic remedies are safer to use when compared to over-the-counter drugs or eardrops for treating earache. Hence, you can try the following homeopathic remedies for relieving from ear pain.

List out Maximum Homeopathic Remedies

1. Chamomilla– This remedy can be tried when earache becomes unbearable with one cheek turning red and ear becoming swollen.

2. Acotinum napellus– This remedy is suggested when earache is accompanies with fever and dry cough.

3. Belladonna– It is helpful for chronic ear pain when one experiences fever, red face, and hot flashes over skin.

4. Hepar sulphuris calcareum– This remedy is suggested at a later stage when earache turns chronic. During this stage, one experiences sharp ear pain, when exposed to touch or cold air.

5. Mercuris solubilis– This remedy is helpful for treating earaches that are accompanied by symptoms, such as shooting pain, swollen lymph nodes, pus formation, bad breath, and sensitivity to extreme temperatures.
   Generally one dosage of these remedies can help treat earache. However, it is best to consult a doctor for right amount of dosage needed.

Preventive Tips for Earache:

Besides all these remedies, you should take care of few things to prevent earache. There are few preventive measures you can incorporate in daily life to prevent ear infection from spreading.

List out Maximum Preventive Tips

• Before going for swimming, put mineral oil in both ears

• Do not leave your ears wet after bathing or swimming. Dry out thoroughly

• Never insert foreign objects into ears

• Prevent both active and passive smoking

• Avoid direct exposure to dust or pollen

• Avoid dairy products

• Wrap a scarf around your head to keep your ears protected

• When flying in a plan, the change in pressure can cause ear pain. Chew gum to activate the muscles and equalize the pressure

• Try yawning. It can cure ear pain by opening up the Eustachian tubes

• While antibiotics are helpful, avoid giving aspirin to children for earache

Earache in Children:

Ear infections are one of the most common illnesses in childhood stage besides common cold. Many children with ear infection experience a ruptured eardrum. It can easily heal in one or two weeks. But parents can undertake few home remedies.

How to deal with it:

• Place a warm compress over your child’s ear for 10-15 minutes to reduce earache

• Check whether there are fluids draining from child’s ear. If there is nothing, then put few drops of warm olive or sesame oil to the affected ear

• Help your child to sleep at an elevated crib. You can replace putting pillows under your child’s head. Instead, put the pillows underneath the mattress

• Homeopathic eardrops are safe for children. While purchasing one, look out for ingredients like garlic, lavender, mullein, calendula, and St. John’s wort oil to relieve from pain and inflammation

• Protect your children from second hand smoking

• When you are bottle-feeding your baby, hold the child in a semi-upright position preventing the fluid from entering Eustachian tubes

• If someone is suffering from cold or flu, then they should wash their hands to keep the germs away from the child

• Check with a pediatrician to know if flu shots are necessary

Earache in Adults:

Earache can remind you unpleasant experiences of child. It is not easy to deal with this problem. You can approach it by choosing natural eardrops made from garlic juice, draining out mucus, and doing warm treatments to weather the pain.

How to deal with it:

• Put three to four drops of commercially available hydrogen peroxide into pain ear canal. Repeat every three to four hours

• Warm baby oil or mineral oil under a cup of boiling water for one minutes. Drip few drops of the warm oil solutions into your ears to relieve from discomfort

• Try spicy food for allowing the mucus to flow, drain out your ears, and relieve from painful pressure

• Gulp down several glasses of water daily to allow the Eustachian tubes to open up. Swallowing water can allow your ears to drain, and treat earache

• Gargle using warm salt water. This is an excellent remedy for increasing blood circulation to Eustachian tubes

• Use an extra pillow to lift your head, and help your ears ease out pressure

• Wear ice-cold socks over your feet, and use a hot compress over your ears. This can help to draw out inflammation from your ears

• Apart from using garlic oil for your ears, or chewing garlic cloves, you can take garlic supplements to cure from ear infection

• Take a dosage of Vitamin A supplements twice a day for treating ear infection

Tips To Get Rid Of Earache:

• Sleep in a dark room. Close your eyes and relax. Keep your thoughts clear and meditate.

• Take pain medication and dosages as prescribed by doctor.

• Keep ice pack on pillows and lay your ears over it. Repeat it until you find relief.