Earache treatment at home is possible with substances that are probably already on hand. Instant comfort is possible with warmth and natural remedies. For children, controlling allergies can keep ear infections away.
Try One of These Infection-Fighters
Warm ear drop solutions by placing an eyedropper in a cup of warm (not hot) water. For an adult, straighten the ear canal by gently tugging the ear toward the back of the head. For children, pull the ear back and down. A dose of four drops should be followed by light massage and repeated every six to eight hours. Vinegar inhibits itchy fungal growth present in swimmer's ear. Use straight or dilute half with water. Tea tree oil (five drops mixed with one teaspoon of olive oil) relieves pain, inflammation, and fights infection. Garlic oil has similar actions. Open a a commercial gelcap and squeeze directly in the ear. Garlic oil can also be made by chopping garlic into olive oil that is heated on the stove and strained.
Swedish researchers found that hydrogen peroxide inhibits growth in three of the most common harmful bacterias found in ear infections(1). Use heat to increase circulation and help dry the ear canal afterward. A blow dryer on low setting, moved back and forth across the ear, is very soothing. Laying the affected ear on a covered hot water bottle or using a sock filled with dry rice heated in the microwave for three minutes are also effective.
Think Twice Before Using These Remedies
Rubbing alcohol kills germs and helps evaporate water in the ear but it can burn sensitive inflamed tissue.
Gently blowing smoke from a cigarette into the ear is an old folk remedy. Considering that children who live with smokers have been found to have more frequent ear infections, the procedure is questionable, but the nicotine may have a numbing effect.
Ear candling does not "clean" the ear of debris. For adults and children willing to lie still, it is a soothing way to warm and dry the ear, however. Having a parent close by for the time it takes makes this a novelty treatment that many children will love. Ear candles can be purchased, with directions, at health food stores. The point of a wax-coated gauze cone is inserted in the ear and the opposite end is lit on fire. The head around the ear must be protected from cinders and a bowl of water kept ready to extinguish the cone when it has burned down halfway.
Consider the Role of Allergies
Recurrent ear infections in children are a worry to doctors and parents alike. Food allergies may be a major cause of middle ear infections. Belgium researchers found food allergy was linked to recurrent earaches. Although diagnosis can be tricky, elimination of common allergenic foods such as wheat, dairy products, soy, eggs, corn, nuts, oranges, and strawberries might make a difference. Test for allergies by adding one food at a time back into the diet and watch for reactions, such as a rise in pulse, skin rash, nasal congestion, or behavior problems.
Natural ear drops and heat can relieve ear pain fast. Milk, wheat, and other common food allergies might hold the key to getting rid of earaches for good.
References:
(1) Is hydrogen peroxide responsible for inhibitory effect of alpha-haemoyltic streptococci, Tano,K. et.al., Acta oto-laryngologica, Aug. 2003: 123(6)
(2) Acute recurrent otalgia and food allergy: a case report and review of the literature, Luyasu S., et.al., European Annals of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2005 Feb. 37(2)
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