Natural Earache Remedies That Work

Earaches are one of the most common ailments.  Loud sounds, pressure on the ear (as in during a flight) and excessive wax deposits are some causes for earaches.  Inflammation of the tonsils, sinus disease, impacted teeth or infections in the nose or pharynx could also be reasons an ear is exuding pain.  Swimmers Ear, an inflammatory condition of the ear, occurs when water gets trapped inside the ear and causes discomfort.

In some cases, you may not need to make an appointment with your family doctor to seek relief.  Keep in mind, however, ears are often sensitive and should be cared for with a gentle touch.  While minor earache issues generally resolve themselves, a call to your physician describing symptoms is the best way to evaluate whether or not a doctor’s office is truly necessary. 

Here are several of the most common natural earache remedies:  

1. Astringent Herb Irrigation – Warm 4 cups of water for 10 minutes.  Add ½ cup dried witch hazel and ½ cup comfrey leaves (also dried).  Mix well and let cool completely.  Strain the leaves and keep the liquid.  Use an ear syringe or ear bulb, lean over a tub or sink with the hurt ear facing down towards the basin.  GENTLY irrigate and cleanse the inner ear.  Repeat up to four times a day.
2. Immune System Boost – Drink plenty of water, warm tea and/or fresh fruit juice to keep your body hydrated and increase your intake of vitamin C.  Rest or indulging in a nap -- especially in combination with another remedy efforts -- is often helpful, as well.
3. Warming Compress Therapy – Heat several cups of water to a comfortably toasty temperature in a saucepan.  Rotating several washcloths, dip the cloths in the water and gently apply to ear and neck.  Add ½ cup of chopped onion to the water if you want to consider the popular folk remedy purported to be effective for earache issues.
4. Warm Garlic Oil – Heat ½ cup olive oil until just nicely warmed.  Add 6 cloves or pressed fresh garlic.  Stir and let simmer for 20 minutes.  Strain and dab or pour a few tiny drops of the liquid into the affected ear.
5. Rubbing Alcohol – Pour or dab rubbing a few alcohol drops into the affected ear.  Especially effective, in many cases, if used in combination with warm compress therapies.
6. Ear Candle – While not for everyone, this is a way many people have found relief from ear pain.  Supplies and detailed instructions on how to use an ear candle can be typically be found at natural foods outlets or from an herbalist.