Use These Natural Remedies For An Earache

If your earache pain persists even after using these remedies, make sure to see a doctor to get checked out.

An earache is one of the worst kinds of pain a human can ever experience. People describe it as pressure inside the ear along with ringing or buzzing and trouble hearing.

Generally speaking, it comes from an infection, but it can also mean that your ear canal is blocked by excess earwax or that there is an injury.

It can be mild or serious, but it almost always goes away in a matter of hours or a day, even if it isn’t treated.

There are several natural remedies that can help stop the discomfort that characterizes an earache. For this reason, today we want to share some effective options.

Remember that these tips work only in case of mild pain. If the discomfort persists or becomes more unpleasant, you should see a doctor urgently so that they can prescribe the appropriate pharmacological treatment.

What causes an earache?

An earache has many possible causes. Most of the time, it’s from an infection in the ear canal or around it.

An infection would cause an obstruction of the eustachian tube, which drains the fluid that builds up in the middle ear. When the fluid isn’t removed properly, the infection gets worse and feels like mild pressure in the affected area.

While it doesn’t usually have any serious complications, sometimes it’s enough to schedule a doctor’s appointment.

The major causes are:

• Sinus infection
• Sudden changes in pressure
• Throat infection
• Arthritis of the jaw
• Oral infection, like gingivitis or periodontitis
• Ruptured ear drum
• Ear infection
• Earwax buildup

The symptoms of an earache

While an earache in and of itself it’s an illness, it may come along with other symptoms:

• Sore throat
• Moderate fever
• Ringing or buzzing in the ears
• Trouble hearing clearly
• Headache
• Difficulty concentrating

Natural remedies for an earache

If you’re concerned about your earache, then it’s best to see a doctor to decide what treatment would be appropriate. If it’s mild, though, certain natural remedies can help make you feel better.

Hot compress

Using a hot compress is a traditional remedy that can help get your blood flowing again and soothe the irritated area.

• Soak a towel or compress in hot water.
• Then, apply to your ear for 5 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can use a heating pad or blow dryer to apply heat.

Note: Make sure that the temperature is safe for your skin, or else you could get burned.

Olive oil

While olive oil won’t heal an earache, it does have a lubricating effect that is perfect for loosening earwax that may be blocking your ear canal.

• Heat a bit of olive oil and apply 3 drops to the affected ear.
• Keep your head leaning to the side for 3 minutes and remove any bits of earwax that it loosened.

Onion

Onions have qualities similar to garlic. Therefore, they’re said to have antibacterial properties and kill microorganisms that may be causing problems inside your ear.

• Dice a fresh onion and wrap it up in a towel.
• Apply it to your ear and let it sit for 5 minutes.
• Use twice a day as needed.

Things to keep in mind

Health experts indicate that “People should avoid digging in their ears with any objects (no matter how soft the object or how careful people think they are)”. They also state that:

• Most earaches are due to a middle ear or outer ear infection.
• Usually, a medical examination is all that’s needed for diagnosis.
• If the ear appears normal during the examination, the physician looks for the presence of a disorder in the structures near the ear.
• Treatment will depend on the type of problem.
• Ear drops with analgesics (such as antipyrine/benzocaine combinations) are usually not very effective, but may be used for a few days.
• On the other hand, a pressure washer system such as the one used for cleaning teeth should never be used in the ear.

In case of any doubt, consult your physician before taking any action.