Natural Remedies For Ear Infections Part 1

If you or your child are prone to catching ear infections, you know how painful they can be. They can be triggered by many things, like wax build-up, moisture build-up and allergies which lead to bacterial and viral infections. Luckily, they can be treated at home naturally, using historically proven remedies that are both safe, effective and have little-to-no side effects.

1. Castor or olive oil

Most ear infections occur due to wax build-up blocking the Eustachian tubes. Use a few drops of castor oil in the infected ear (remember to heat it up a little) before going to bed. Put a cotton plug in your ear and sleep on your side with the ear facing up. In the morning, clean your ear with a cotton bud. (Repeat for a week) The warm oil helps melting the obstructing wax.

2. Garlic

Known for its anti-bacterial properties, garlic is great for treating ear infections. Cook halved cloves of garlic in sesame or mustard oil on low heat, strain the oil and allow to cool. Pour a little bit into the infected ear and see how quickly you feel better.

3. Onion

Warm the onion in the oven and strain the juice, the put a few drops in the infected ear, and then tilt your head to allow the liquid to pour out. You can add a warm compress to the treatment - it will draw out the infection.

4. Steam

Put a few drops of tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil in a bowl of boiling water, place your head over the bowl and cover your head with a towel. This is highly effective at treating infections caused by blockage. To increase the effectiveness of the treatment, plug your ear with some cotton – this will absorb more moisture and heat, and focus the treatment in the infected ear. (If you don’t have either oil, just plain steam will also work)