Natural Remedies for Ear Pain and Infections

Contrary to what you might think, there are many remedies for ear pain and infections that don't require drugs. 

In the United States, approximately 80 percent of children will have an ear infection before the age of three.

By the age of seven, more than 90 percent of children experience their first ear infection.

Some will continue to experience frequent infections or varying levels of ear discomfort while others have occasional infections and mild discomfort only during cold and flu season.

Some will experience varying degrees of hearing loss while others develop tinnitus and other related conditions.

Adults are prone to ear pain and infections as well, some more than others.

If you don’t want to rely on repeat visits to the doctor and prescription medications, it helps to know the most effective natural remedies for ear pain and infection.

What really works and what should you not waste your time on?

Garlic for Ear Infections and Pain

Researchers completed a double-blind trial that included approximately 170 children diagnosed with middle ear infections at a community medical clinic.

They found that herbal ear dops were more effective at curing the infection over a period of three days than a prescription antibiotic.

The herbal drops included the following all-natural ingredients:

• Garlic
  

• Mullein
  

• Calendula Flores
  

• John’s Wart
  

• Lavender
  

• Vitamin E
  

• Olive oil

When children receive other treatment options besides antibiotics, the results were similar between groups.

That proves that garlic and other natural ingredients are just as effective at curing ear infections as some more traditional treatment options.

Have you heard that sticking garlic in your ear will cure an ear infection?

That’s the most commonly suggested application for garlic as a home remedy for ear infections, but warm garlic oil will likely work better.

You can put drops of the oil directly into the ear or soak a cotton ball in the oil and then press it into the ear.

Mullein for Ear Infections and Aches

Mullein is the common name for Verbascum Thapsus.

This plant grows naturally in Asia, Europe and the northern regions of Africa. I

t’s now growing in the United States and other select regions of the world.

It has a long history of treating ear infections and is now considered one of the most effective natural remedies for ear pain and infections.

You can find natural mullen tinctures online that are ready for application.

That makes this the most convenient option if you don’t mind buy a product rather than going to the kitchen for the garlic.

There is some scientific proof that mullein is effective for earaches and infections.

For instance, it was one of the main ingredients in the study mentioned above in the garlic section.

Apply Heat to Ease Ear Pain

Heat is a simple way to bring down ear pain quickly and naturally.

You don’t want to use a heating pad on your face because it can burn. A warm, wet towel or washcloth will do the trick.

You can apply heat as often as needed to keep the pain to a more comfortable level.

This works best when combined with other natural remedies for ear pain and infection.

Immune Boosters As REmedies for EAR Pain and Infections

One of the most natural ways to treat an ear infection is to boost your immune system.

That allows your body to handle the pain or infection naturally so that you might not need treatment.

Here are some guaranteed ways to give your immunity a boost naturally:

• Rest – Sleep is essential to keeping the immune system strong. Get as much rest as you can to aid the healing process.
  

• Vitamin D – You can get vitamin D by spending time outdoors. Supplements are also available if you want to rest indoors.
  

• Diet – Eat the most nutrient-dense foods possible. Include lots of fruits and vegetables that contain B vitamins and the minerals that your immune system needs to stay strong.
  

• Probiotics – Restoring balance to your gut microbiome is one of the easiest and best ways to keep your immune system at full capacity. Consider taking probiotics daily even after you’re better. There are probiotics on the market for children.

Natural remedies for ear pain and infection may not work in all cases for all people.

Some types of ear infections may require antibiotics to fully heal.

Most can heal on their own, especially if you apply treatment at the first signs of discomfort.

Never ignore escalating ear pain.

If you or your loved one doesn’t experience relief within a day or two, you should seek medical attention to make sure the ear pain or infection doesn’t get worse.

You should also seek prompt medical attention if the pain worsens or other symptoms develop beyond the pain.

Natural remedies can save you money and time, so use them at the first sign of an infection or oncoming pain.

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