10 Natural Remedies for Ear Infection: Alternatives to Antibiotics

Ear infections can be a painful and frustrating experience, especially for those who suffer from them frequently. While antibiotics are often prescribed to combat the infection, many people are turning to natural remedies as a safer and more effective alternative.

From garlic oil drops to tea tree oil, there are a variety of natural remedies available that are known to help alleviate the symptoms of an ear infection. These remedies not only help to reduce pain and inflammation, but they also support the body’s natural healing process.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the top natural remedies for ear infections and how they can help you find relief from this uncomfortable condition. Whether you’re looking for a natural alternative to antibiotics or simply want to complement your existing treatment plan, these remedies are worth considering.

Symptoms of Ear infections

1. Ear Pain: One of the most common and obvious symptoms of an ear infection is a sharp, throbbing pain in the ear. This pain can range from mild to severe, depending on the severity of the infection.

2. Balance Issues: An ear infection can cause balance issues as the fluid buildup in the ear can affect the inner ear balance. People suffering from an ear infection may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, and vertigo.

3. Fever: If the ear infection is caused by bacteria, a person may experience a fever. In some cases, the fever may be mild, while in others, the fever may reach up to 103°F.

4. Loss of Appetite: A person suffering from an ear infection may experience a loss of appetite. The pain and discomfort can make it difficult for a person to eat.

5. Headache: A person may experience a headache due to the pain from the ear infection. The headache may be dull or throbbing and may be located at the temples or behind the eyes.

6. Fluid Drainage: People suffering from an ear infection may experience fluid drainage from the ear. The fluid may be yellow or green and may have a foul odor.

Common Causes of Ear Infection

First, it is important to understand the possible causes of ear infections. The following are possible causes of ear infections:

1. Ear Wax Blockage: Ear wax is a normal and healthy part of the ear canal. However, too much of it can block sound waves from passing through the ear to the eardrum. This can cause hearing loss and even lead to an ear infection if the wax traps bacteria and other germs in the ear.

2. Swimming: Swimming in water that is not properly chlorinated can introduce bacteria and other contaminants into the ear canal. This can lead to infection as the bacteria and other contaminants grow in the warm, moist environment of the ear canal.

3. Allergies: Allergies can cause inflammation in the ear canal. This inflammation can lead to an accumulation of fluid and an increase in bacteria and other germs. This can cause an ear infection.

4. Cold or Flu: A cold or flu virus can cause an increase in mucus production. This mucus can obstruct the ear canal and can lead to infection.

5. Upper Respiratory Infections: Upper respiratory infections can cause blockage in the Eustachian tube, which connects the ear to the back of the throat. This can cause fluid build–up and lead to ear infections.

6. Foreign Object: Inserting a foreign object, such as a cotton swab, into the ear can cause trauma to the ear canal and increase the risk of infection.

7. Cleft Palate: Babies born with a cleft palate may have a higher risk of ear infections due to how the Eustachian tube is formed.

Top 10 Natural Home Remedies for Ear Infection

1. Hydrogen Peroxide

A lot of people are not aware that hydrogen peroxide can be used beyond cleaning some wounds and cuts. In the case of ear infection, Hydrogen Peroxide can also be used to clean the ears and eventually get rid of the ear infection.

Direction:

• Place a few drops of Hydrogen Peroxide on the ear.
• Wait for the Hydrogen Peroxide to get in contact with the infection.
• Do this about twice a day.

2. Try a Warm compress

A warm compress can help in relieving the symptoms that are brought about by an ear infection. More often than not, people feel uncomfortable because their ear infection is causing pain or is making them hear less than they should. Applying a warm compress to the affected ear can change this.

Direction:

• Prepare a warm compress to be placed on the ear. Do remember not to make the water too hot since this will be bad for the skin.
• Apply the warm compress near the ear for about 10 minutes or till the compress is not too warm anymore.
• Do this several times a day for relief from ear infection symptoms.

3. Use Salt

One of the best things about salt is that it is always available. Whenever people need it, they can be sure that they have it. This can be one of the things that can be used as an effective home remedy. Heat mixed in with salt will ensure the fluid will get out from the ear.

Direction:

• Heat a cup of salt in a microwave or pan for about 3 minutes.
• Put the salt on a sock or a thick cloth. Ensure it will be secured with a rubber band or another cloth.
• Cool it down a bit until it is just warm.
• Place on the ear for as long as possible.
• Repeat this as often as you can every day.

4. Try Garlic

One of the main reasons why garlic is considered to be an effective home remedy against ear infections is probably because of its natural pain-relieving qualities. There are different ways by which garlic can be used as an effective home remedy.

Direction:

• Cook garlic in healthy cooking oil like sesame oil.
• Strain the solution when it turns a blackish color.
• Wait for the solution to become warm.
• Place a few drops of garlic oil on the ear.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

No natural home remedies list will be complete without using apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar can eliminate the fungus that might be causing the ear infection inside the ear.

Direction:

• Mix one part of apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of water.
• Place the solution in a clean container.
• Using a cotton ball, soak up some of the mixtures.
• Put the cotton ball on the ear and leave it for about 5 minutes.
• Remove the cotton ball and lay it opposite the ear where the soaked cotton ball was placed.

6. Apply Basil

If the ear infection is only minor, basil can be a good home remedy against ear infections. Aside from the fact that it can help relieve pain brought about by the infection, it can also reduce ear infections.

Direction:

• Crush 5 basil leaves and get the juice.
• Apply the basil juice around the ear but not place it directly on the ear canal.
• Do this about twice a day.

7. Olive Oil

Many people usually become confused about why oil can be used as a home remedy for ear infections. Not any type of oil can be used. Olive oil can be very effective in getting rid of an ear infection because it can help break down the obstruction that might be causing the infection.

Direction:

• Warm olive oil until it is bearable.
• Put a few drops of warm olive oil on the ear.
• Remove the infected wax with a clean cotton swab.

8. Onion

Like garlic, onion is another spice that is well-loved for its taste, but it also has a lot of properties that can make it effective in getting rid of ear infections.

Direction:

• Finely chop a small onion and heat it for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Allow the onion to cool and get the juice.
• Put three drops of onion juice on the infected ear.
• Drain out the juice from the ear after 10 minutes.

9. Mullein Flower Oil

This type of oil can help reduce the pain and discomfort that people feel when they have an ear infection. This is typically recommended for adults rather than children.

Direction:

• Heat the Mullein flower oil.
• Make sure that it is not too hot.
• Dip the cotton ball in the oil and place it on the ear.

10. Tea Tree Oil

One of the reasons why tea tree oil can be used as an effective home remedy is because it has antibacterial properties that will help relieve pain and discomfort brought about by ear infections.

Direction:

• Mix about three drops of tea tree oil with two drops of olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
• Warm the solution for about a few minutes.
• Using a dropper, place the solution on the infected ear. Position yourself in such a way that the mixture will not fall from the ear. Wait for about 5 minutes.
• Drain the ear by positioning yourself the opposite way.
• Do this about 3 times a day.

The above-mentioned things are some best home remedies you can try to get rid of your ear infection fast and naturally.

How to prevent Ear infections in the future?

1. Practice Good Hygiene: Ear infections are often caused by bacteria and viruses that enter the ear from unclean hands, so washing your hands frequently and keeping them away from your nose and ears is a good way to prevent infection.

2. Avoid Swimming: Swimming can introduce bacteria into the ear, so it’s best to avoid swimming or, if you do, ensure that you use earplugs or a swim cap to protect your ears.

3. Avoid Foreign Objects: Avoid putting objects such as cotton swabs, bobby pins, or pencils in your ears as this can introduce bacteria and irritate the ear canal.

4. Avoid Tobacco Smoke: Tobacco smoke can irritate the inner ear and increase your risk of infection.

5. Use a Humidifier: A humidifier can help to keep the air moist, which can reduce the risk of infection.

6. Avoid Allergens: Allergens such as dust, pollen, and mold can irritate the ear and increase your risk of infection.

7. Avoid Loud Noises: Exposure to loud noises can damage the ear and increase your risk of infection.

8. Treat Ear Infections Promptly: If you have an ear infection, make sure to treat it promptly to reduce your risk of further infection.