Earaches are common and can be very painful, which is why it’s incredibly important to know what you can do at home to alleviate your pain. In this article, you’ll discover 10 home remedies for ear infections that have been scientifically proven to help relieve earache symptoms quickly and easily!
Sleeping Position
Some sleep positions will help relieve pain from ear infections, while some can make symptoms worse.
Try sleeping with your affected ear facing upward instead of down toward the pillow. This can help the earache better. [1]
The best sleeping position for your ear infection is on your back with your head and shoulders elevated. You also can try sleeping on your side or on your stomach, but you may also want to experiment with different positions until you find one that is comfortable for you. Therefore, you should avoid putting pressure on your ear while you sleep. If you’re struggling to get some zzzs, we have put together a list of the top 5 plants that can actually reduce stress and improve sleep quality!
Ice Packs
If you are suffering from an ear infection, try using an ice pack to relieve your symptoms. Place the ice pack on your ear for 5 – 10 minutes at a time, three times a day. The cold temperatures will help to reduce the inflammation and swelling in your ear. This will help to relieve the pain and discomfort that you are experiencing.
Heating Pad
Using a heating pad can help reduce the symptoms of ear infections. Heating pads can help to open up your airways, relieve pain and inflammation, and improve your breathing.
To use a heating pad, place it on your ear where the pain is worst. Be sure to adjust the heat so that it is warm but not too hot. You can also place a cold pack on the back of your neck if you experience severe pain. Heating pads are safe for most people, and they are often effective in relieving symptoms quickly.
Neck Exercises
Neck exercises can help to relieve ear infection symptoms. Try these three simple neck exercises:
- Head-to-Knee neck stretch
- Wide-Grip neck massage
- 290-Degree neck flexion
All of these exercises are easy to do. If you are experiencing an ear infection, try one of these exercises to see if it helps to improve your symptoms.
Olive Oil
An ear infection is a common ailment that can be caused by a variety of factors. In some cases, the infection is due to bacteria, but in other cases, it may be due to an excess of ear wax.
There are no scientific studies that prove that drops of olive oil in your ear canal can soothe ear pain. However, putting a few warmed drops of olive oil in the ear is safe and could be moderately effective. If you are experiencing severe pain or inflammation, please consult a doctor. Using olive oil as a home remedy for an ear infection is generally safe and effective.
The benefits of olive oil don’t end with pain relief; the plant-based liquid has also been linked to lower cholesterol. Find out more on naturally lowering your cholesterol!
Naturopathic Drops
Naturopathic drops are made from natural ingredients and are effective in treating ear infections. [2] They work by relieving inflammation and pain, and they also help to heal the ear canal.
Ginger
Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help relieve pain from earaches. Ginger juice or warmed strained oil with ginger in it can be rubbed on the skin around the outer ear for relief. Note: Do not put it directly into the ear.
Did you know ginger can also provide relief from acid reflux?
Garlic
Garlic has the power to fight infections and reduce pain. Put the crushed garlic in warm olive or sesame oil for around a few minutes. Strain it out and apply it into the ear canal. Garlic is effective against ear infections and ear pain. It also helps to reduce inflammation which can decrease soreness after an infection. [3]
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a great home remedy for ear infections. You can use it to clean the infected area and soothe the pain. [4]
Hydrogen peroxide is a safe and effective solution for treating ear infections.
Chew gum
Chewing gum can help to relieve symptoms of ear infections. Chew a piece of gum for about 5 minutes each time you experience an earache.
Over-The-Counter Treatments For Ear Infection
If you are suffering from an ear infection, there are several over-the-counter (OTC) treatments that you can try.
Over-the-counter pain medications such as Paracetamol are usually effective in relieving symptoms. People also find relief from taking prescription medications such as Naproxen.
If you are not comfortable using OTC treatments, you can visit your local pharmacy and ask for advice on which medication is best for you. Our online pharmacy E-Surgery provides a wide range of prescription and OTC treatments for a variety of conditions, and we have a team of pharmacists who can help you find the treatment that is right for you.
Conclusion
Ear infection can be a real pain, and if left untreated it can lead to more serious health problems. If you are experiencing earache, discharge from the ear, or fever, there are some simple home remedies that you can try.
Some of these remedies may work better for one person than another, so it is always best to consult your doctor before trying anything new. However, by following these tips you should be able to get relief from your ear infection quickly and without any further complications.
Sources
- Sleep without putting pressure on ear | healthline.com
- Naturopathic treatment for ear pain | NCBI
- Garlic in-ear | healthline.com
- Hydrogen Peroxide drops | healthline.com
Further Reading
- 11 effective earache remedies | healthline.com
- 15 effective options for treating earache | medicalnewstoday.com
- What are some home remedies for ear infection? | everydayhealth.com
