In most situations, ear pain is mild to moderate and can be treated at home with natural products. Avoiding over-the-counter medication or a doctor visit can save time and money, although a doctor’s visit may be warranted in certain cases. The following will help decide when to treat at home, and what to use for earache relief.
Garlic Oil for Earache Relief
Minor earache pain can be treated at home with garlic oil, which comes in capsule form, according to Bill Gottlieb, author of Alternative Cures. Garlic can relieve earaches by destroy bacteria that may be causing the pain.
To use garlic oil, do not drop it directly into the ear. Rather, apply a few drops onto a ball of cotton and place carefully into the ear, avoiding pushing it in too far. Do this for at least an hour a day, or overnight for added relief. Garlic oil can also be consumed in capsule form for seven days (take two 500 mg capsules daily).
Onion Pulp for Ear Pain
The juice from an onion pulp can be effective when mixed with olive oil and squeezed directly into the ear. This works by reducing inflammation. Although the onion pulp juice is effective without the olive oil, onion juice alone can cause a burning pain in the ear, which may prove more uncomfortable than the original ear pain.
Echinacea and Goldenseal Natural Remedy
According to Gottlieb, the antibacterial properties in echinacea combined with the drying effects in goldenseal can help clear up a mild ear infection. These two products should be taken as described on the label.
Lavender Essential Oil as a Natural Treatment
Lavender essential oil is used to support the immune system and promote relaxation when inhaled. A few drops of the oil can be added to a bowl of steaming water. Taking care not to burn oneself, gently inhale the steam.
When to See a Doctor
Although home remedies are helpful in mild to moderate ear pain, they are not appropriate in all situations. Gottlieb recommends seeing a doctor for treatment if the ear pain is severe or if there is discharge coming from the ear. A fever that accompanies ear pain should also be investigated by a physician, due to the fact that a middle or outer ear infection may be present.
On occasion, recurrent earaches may be caused by allergies to certain foods. Allergy testing can be done to rule this out if it is suspected.
Source:
Alternative Cures; Bill Gottlieb; Published by Rodale, 2000
Renee Holmes - Renee Holmes began her writing career when she was invited to join the Young Authors Club in the first grade. From that point on, writing ...
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