The ears are often regarded as the most sensitive body part. As such, they are prone to getting infected and causing great discomfort and pain in both children and adults. The infections are mainly caused by viruses or bacteria which can affect parts of the ear or the entire organ. 

But, there are also other factors that increase the risk of a person developing an ear infection and these include changes in temperature and humidity, recent illness, altitude changes, and earwax buildup. 

While most mild ear infections usually clear up without intervention, sometimes a special treatment will be necessary to alleviate the symptoms. In addition to taking doctor-prescribed medications, there are also a few home remedies you can try out to help treat your ear infection. Here is a brief list of the best five of these at-home treatments. 

A Warm Or Cool Compress

A warm compress is one of the most effective ways to alleviate the pain that results from an ear infection. This treatment involves holding a warm washcloth or a water bottle over the ear that’s infected for at least twenty minutes to lessen the pain and help draw out the inflammation. 

It is a great at-home remedy for any type of ear infection, including labyrinthitis where the infection begins with an inflammation of the vestibular nerve. 

If you want, you can also lay a cool compress over the infected ear in case you don’t feel comfortable using a warm one. 

Olive oil

Olive oil is another at-home remedy you can try out to ease the symptoms of an ear infection. It is the best option when the wax in your ears has been attacked by a fungal or bacterial growth which further leads to a blockage in the Eustachian tube. 

In order to clear this obstruction, all you have to do is warm up some olive oil on the stove and then dribble it into the infected ear. As soon as the wax comes in touch with the oil, it will soften it. This will make it easier for you to remove the wax with a cotton swab and alleviate the pain. However, remember not to put the swab too far into the ear because that may damage the eardrum. 

Garlic

An at-home remedy that can also help treat ear infections is garlic. This vegetable is known for its super antimicrobial and pain-relieving properties and can be used in many ways to alleviate discomfort and painful symptoms.

For instance, one way you can use garlic is by making your own garlic oil. To do it, you need to mix two cloves with mustard oil until it becomes black in color. Then strain the liquid and put a few drops in the affected ear.

In addition, you can just boil a few fresh cloves of garlic in water, crush them, put the mixture into a clean cloth, and place the cloth over your infected ear. 

Herbal Extract Ear Drops

For most ear infections, doctors often prescribe ear drops to ease the symptoms. However, if you want to avoid using over-the-counter ear drops to treat your infection, you can turn to herbal extract ear drops instead to help you with your treatment.

There are various types of drops that contain ingredients such as lavender, vitamin E, allium sativum (garlic), and Calendula, all of which can alleviate symptoms associated with ear infections. These drops are often the best option for children who require immediate and active treatment. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is often regarded as the oldest home remedy that can help treat ear infections. Despite its strong aroma and acidic taste, the vinegar is made from fermented apples which have plenty of healing properties. Some of the most notable properties are its antibacterial and antifungal characteristics, which are the most effective in treating ear infections.

To use it, all you have to do is mix a little bit of apple cider vinegar with some water and then soak a cotton ball in the solution. Place the cotton ball in your infected area and let it sit for a few minutes. Remove the cotton ball afterward and lay it on the opposite side to allow the vinegar to drain from your ear.

Final Thoughts

It is no secret that ear infections can be very discomforting and painful. However, instead of waiting on them to clear away on their own, you can try out a few at-home remedies to try and ease the symptoms. For more information, refer to our post and read about the best ways to treat ear infections at home.