Ear aches are a common medical occurrence that can be caused by a variety of conditions, such as colds, flu, allergies, sinuses and enlarged adenoids. Congestion can block the eustachian tube and create a painful buildup. The inner ear, eardrum and ear canal can also become inflamed, thus creating more pressure and causing pain. There are several effective home treatments for minor ear aches, but go to the doctor immediately if your ear ache gets worse.
Warmth
The Mayo Clinic suggests that people treat ear aches with warmth. There are several ways you can safely apply warmth to your ear. Make a pillow with a hot water bottle carefully wrapped in a towel and rest the affected ear on the pillow. A warm compress on the outside of the ear is a safe way to apply heat, as is a heating pad. Another common suggestion for applying heat is to use a blow dryer. Put the blow dryer on the warm setting and place it at least 18 inches away from your ear. Only do this for 30 to 45 second intervals so the skin does not overheat.
Garlic
According to Steven Horne, a registered herbalist and author, garlic is a wonderful way to treat earaches. Garlic contains powerful compounds with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities. Drop a few drops of warm garlic oil into the affected ear; the warmth of the garlic and the antibiotic qualities may help relieve discomfort.
Oils
Place a few drops of tea tree oil into your ear, then put a cotton ball in your ear and go to sleep. Other helpful oils, according to the "Doctors Book of Home Remedies" by the editors of "Prevention Magazine" include almond oil, sweet oils and olive oil. Simply lay down with the painful ear facing up and place a few warm drops in your ear.
Other Quick Tips
Lemon and onion juice are effective home remedies for ear aches. Add one of the juices to a cotton ball, place it in your ear for 20 minutes, then remove it. Chewing gum or yawning may help as well. Drinking lots of water and sipping warm tea may also help an ear infection. Vitamin C and zinc can help stave off ear infections.
References
- Total Health Care
- Home Remedy World
- The Doctors Book of Home Remedies; Prevention Magazine Editors; 1995
