12 Simple Treatments for Ear Infections

If you have ever had an earache before, then you know how painful they can be. Not only can they cause extreme pain and discomfort, they can also cause a temporary loss of hearing, dizziness, and affect your balance.

Fortunately, there are plenty of DIY home remedies that you can use to treat an ear infection. The next time you experience an earache, try using one of these 12 simple treatments.

It should be noted that many of these treatments require you to heat up oil and place several drops in your ear. Whenever you place oil in your ear, allow it to cool so that it is not hot. Placing the hot oil in your ear could cause damage to your ear canal or other parts of your inner ear.

Cinnamon Oil

Cinnamon oil can be used, in conjunction with olive oil, to clear your ear and treat your infection. Sprinkle a small amount of cinnamon oil on a tablespoon of olive oil. Warm up the oil in a small saucepan. You only need the oil to be cool. Do not put hot oil in your ear. Wait until the oil is warm and strain it through a cloth. Use a dropper to place several drops in your ear. Repeat several times a day until your infection is cured.

Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver can be applied directly in the ear. Heat up a small amount of colloidal silver and then wait until it is slightly warm. Once warm, use a dropper to add several drops in your infected ear. Within a few minutes, you should experience some relief from your earache.

Salt

Most people have salt in their kitchens, so you should have no problem preparing this treatment. Place one cup of salt in a small saucepan and heat for several minutes. Place the hot salt on a washcloth and wrap it up. When the salt has cooled enough that you can press it against your ear, lay down on your side, with your infected ear lying on the cloth. This is similar to using a hot compress. Repeat several times a day, for five minutes at a time.

Warm Water Bottle

The warm water bottle method is a treatment that has been used for decades. Place a warm water bottle against the ear. Another option is to dip a clean washcloth in warm water. Wring out the water and place the cloth on your ear.

Use a warm compress, either a water bottle or a washcloth, for five minutes at a time, several times each day.

Mango Leaf Juice

Mango leaf extract could provide a quick cure for your ear infection. Grind three mango leaves and extract the juice. Warm the juice slightly and then place several drops in your infected ear, using a dropper to insert the drops. You should feel relief within a few minutes. Continue adding drops several times a day until you experience complete relief from your earache.

Mullein Oil

Mullein oil can be used for treating ear infection, along with respiratory illnesses and other health problems. To use mullein oil to treat your ear infection, tilt your head and place several drops of the oil in your infected ear. After several minutes, tilt your head to remove the oil. You may also use a cotton swab to try and clean wax out of your ear, being careful to avoid damaging your ear canal.

Basil

Basil is another ingredient that can help treat ear infections and earaches. Crush four fresh basil leaves and extract the juice. Apply the juice around the infection. You do not want the basil juice to get in your ear canal.

Olive Oil

Ear infections are often caused by a buildup of wax, which can cause fungus or bacteria to grow. To clear this blockage, use olive oil.

Warm a small amount of olive oil and place a few drops into your infected ear. The oil should soften the wax in your ear. Use a cotton swab to remove the wax, using caution in order to avoid damaging the ear drum.

Onion

Onion has many different medicinal uses, including treating ear infections. Chop one small onion and place it in a bowl. Microwave the onion for about one and a half minutes. Allow the onion to cool and then strain the juice from it. Place three drops of the juice in the infected ear, using a dropper.

You may want to tilt your head before adding the drops and then allow the drops to drain.

Garlic

Garlic contains antimicrobial properties, along with pain relieving compounds. If you want to try using garlic to cure your ear infection, use a saucepan to heat up two garlic cloves with two tablespoons of sesame seed oil. After the garlic turns blackish, remove from the heat and strain the solution. Allow the oil to cool and then use a dropper to place several drops in the infected ear.

Eating two or three garlic cloves each day could also help to speed up your recovery from an ear infection.

Breast Milk

Breast milk contains powerful antibodies that can increase your body’s ability to recover from an ear infection. It can also help to relieve discomfort. This remedy can be used for children or adults. Fill a dropper with breast milk and place a few drops in the affected ear. Continue adding three drops of breast milk every few hours until the infection goes away.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil contains antibacterial properties that can provide relief from infections. It also helps to boost your immune system, helping your body fight the ear infection. To use tea tree oil to cure your ear infection, use the following ingredients:

• 3 drops of tea tree oil
• 1 teaspoon of colloidal silver
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar

Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. Warm the mixture slightly in your microwave, by heating for about fifteen seconds. Remove the bowl from the microwave and make sure that it is warm – not hot.

Lay on your side and place your head on a towel. Fill a dropper with the mixture and then drip it into your ear. Allow the mixture to sit for five minutes. Rollover so that your ear is on top of the towel. Allow the mixture to completely drain from your ear.

Try Using a Home Remedy to Treat Your Ear Infection

The next time you have an ear infection, make sure you try using one of these home remedies. You may be surprised by how quickly you are able to get relief from the pain and suffering that an ear infection can cause.