Natural Remedies for Otitis
Otitis, or inflammation of the ear, is a condition caused by an infection. Depending on the affected area, otitis can be external, media, media with effusion, and an acute or chronic infection. However, its most common form is otitis media, when the area behind the eardrum becomes inflamed. Do you know about any natural remedies for otitis? Read this article to discover more!
While the treatment of this condition varies depending on the severity of the infection, there are some natural ingredients that can help speed up your recovery process when your symptoms are mild. In this article, we’ll share some options for you to try at home.
4 natural remedies for otitis
Otitis can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as ear pain (otalgia), moderate fever, tinnitus, and irritability. Occasionally, it’s also accompanied by dizziness, discharge, and loss of hearing. Most of the time, these uncomfortable symptoms diminish in a few days and don’t cause major complications.
However, if it’s caused by a serious infection, it can lead to hearing loss or a ruptured eardrum, among other serious consequences. Therefore, we recommend that you consult your doctor right away to determine the cause of the problem. If it’s mild, you can improve it with some natural remedies. Take note!
Read also: Recommendations to Treat an Ear Infection
1. Olive oil
To date there’s no solid scientific evidence to support the use of olive oil as a remedy for otitis. Despite this, some anecdotal data suggests that it may be effective. In fact, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), applying a few drops of olive oil to your ear is safe.
How to use it:
- First, heat a little olive oil to a mild temperature
- Then, apply 3 drops in the affected ear (do not overheat the oil, check it carefully!)
- After that, tilt your head and let it act for a few minutes – then drain the waste
- If your symptoms persist, repeat the remedy the next day
2. Apple cider vinegar
People have used apple cider vinegar since ancient times as a remedy for otitis and other ear infections. However, as in the previous case, there’s no evidence to support these effects. What some studies do suggest is that it’s effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
How to use it:
- To start, combine equal parts apple cider vinegar with warm water
- Then, tilt your head and apply 5 drops in each affected ear, using a dropper or syringe
- Next, cover the ear with a cotton ball and let it act for 5 minutes
- After that, drain the residue (if there is any)
- Repeat the procedure daily until the infection is controlled
3. Basil oil
Due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, basil oil may be one of the best remedies for otitis. Applying it reduces irritation in the ear canal and helps to stop the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.
How to use it:
- First, dilute a couple of drops of basil oil in a tablespoon of warm water
- Then, put the mixture in a dropper and apply 3 or 5 drops into the affected ear
- Next, let it act for 5 minutes, tilting your head
- Repeat its use every day until the discomfort stops
4. Ginger
The external use of ginger oil can help control your otitis symptoms. Due to its slight analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, it reduces pain and reduces ear irritation. It even calms the discomfort associated with otitis, such as headaches and irritability.
How to use it:
- First, add 2 or 3 drops of ginger oil in a tablespoon of warm water or a carrier oil such as olive oil
- After mixing, apply it into the ear canal and massage
- Avoid putting the product directly onto the outer ear
In summary, remedies for otitis…
Otitis will improve thanks to the antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. However, while they’re healing, they can cause uncomfortable symptoms like pain, swelling, and ringing. Therefore, it can be helpful to complement the care with some natural remedies for otitis.
However, if your symptoms don’t improve, or they worsen or continue for a long time, then it’s best to consult your doctor to determine the best treatment. It’s important to note that this ailment can be the symptom of other conditions.
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All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Lieberthal, A. S., Carroll, A. E., Chonmaitree, T., Ganiats, T. G., Hoberman, A., Jackson, M. A., … Guideline, C. P. (2015). The Diagnosis and Management of Acute Otitis Media abstract. Pediatrics. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2012-3488
- Fraise, A. P., Wilkinson, M. A. C., Bradley, C. R., Oppenheim, B., & Moiemen, N. (2013). The antibacterial activity and stability of acetic acid. Journal of Hospital Infection. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2013.05.001
- Gopal, J., Anthonydhason, V., Muthu, M., Gansukh, E., Jung, S., Chul, S., & Iyyakkannu, S. (2017). Authenticating apple cider vinegar’s home remedy claims: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties and cytotoxicity aspect. Natural Product Research. https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2017.1413567
- Kristinsson, K. G., Magnusdottir, A. B., Petersen, H., & Hermansson, A. (2005). Effective Treatment of Experimental Acute Otitis Media by Application of Volatile Fluids into the Ear Canal. The Journal of Infectious Diseases. https://doi.org/10.1086/430003
- Abdulzahra, M. D., & Mohammed, H. F. (2014). The Antibacterial Effect of Ginger and Garlic Extracts on Some Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated from Patients with Otitis Media. International Research Journal of Medical Sciences.
