Having an earache is an extremely unpleasant and painful experience and one most people dread. Young children often get earaches due to congestion from the sinuses putting pressure on the ear canal resulting in pain. Earaches have many causes from infections to pressure buildup from being on an airplane. If you or a loved one are suffering from earache and looking for quick relief, here are some home remedies.
Step 1
Use organic apple cider vinegar, recommends Dr. Theodore A. Baroody in his book, "Alkalinize or Die," for reducing inflammation during an earache. Warm the vinegar to body temperature and drop a few drops into the ear, covering with a piece of cotton. You can also apply the vinegar to the inside of the outer ear canal with a Q-tip. Do not insert the Q-tip into the ear. The vinegar helps to relieve pain and works against infection. Make sure to use only organic vinegar.
Step 2
Fill a clean sock or cloth bag, either one made from cotton, with untreated sea salt for earaches, says Jethro Kloss in his natural and herbal remedy book, "Back to Eden." Heat the salt in a microwave or frying pan to body temperature and pour into the sock or bag. Place on the ear as a compress. Reheat as needed. The minerals in the salt will help draw the infection out of the ear and the heat is very soothing. Combine this remedy with the apple cider vinegar remedy in step #1 for added relief.
Step 3
Give homeopathic Chamomilla to a child for relief from an earache, recommends "Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines." Chamomilla is indicated for earaches when there is excruciating pain and the child cannot be consoled. It is available at health food stores and should be administered after consulting a homeopath for an appropriate dose.
Step 4
Place two to three drops of hydrogen peroxide in the ear, recommends Kloss. Lay on your bed with the effected ear facing upward after doing so and you should experience relief shortly.
Step 5
Buy Mullein oil from your health food store to use for earaches. Mix several drops in some olive oil and warm to body temperature and place in the effected ear. Follow with a piece of cotton to keep it in the ear. Mullein oil acts as an anti-inflammatory and strengthens the membranes and tissue in the ear, says Kloss.
Tips and Warnings
- Combine several of these remedies at the same time for optimal effect.
- Do not put liquids into ears if you suspect a broken eardrum. The information offered here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace medical advice.
Things You'll Need
- Organic apple cider vinegar
- Clean cotton sock or cloth bag
- Sea Salt
- Homeopathic Chamomilla
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Cotton balls
- Qtips
- Mullein oil
- Olive oil
References
- "Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines," Stephen Cummings, F.N.P., and Dana Ullman, M.P.H., 1984
- "Back to Eden," Jethro Kloss, 1972
- "Alkalinize or Die," Dr. Theodore A. Baroody, 1991
