If you go to the doctor every time that someone gets an earache and get the prescribed medications it can end up costing a small fortune. Not to mention the hassle involved with making an appointment, waiting to be seen (and that is usually longer than expected), go to the pharmacy for the prescription then finally get the medicine and then wait a couple of days before it starts to work. Imagine how much money, time and hassle you would save if you could make your own natural home remedies for ear infections.
Mind you, if an earache is persistent and doesn’t seem to get better, then it is advisable to visit a doctor and get a proper diagnosis. But if an earache is minor then it can save money and a lot of hassle to use home remedies. If you have a family member that is susceptible to getting ear infections then you will probably know if it is mild or severe and whether it really needs a doctor visit or not.
Many home remedies for ear infections are made from ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Even some foods have antioxidant properties that will benefit someone with an ear infection. Some food items can also be used to create a lotion to apply to an infected ear. Some foods can also help fight infections and also help prevent infections.
There are scientific explanations to how some home remedies work. When you have an ear infection, the bacteria can only survive in a base pH level. Foods that are highly acidic, like lemon juice, have an acidic pH and so if you put a few drops of lemon juice into an infected ear the acidic pH should neutralize the base. This is not good for the bacteria because it can’t thrive in this pH and it should die and the infection will clear up.
A mixture of water and vinegar is another home remedy that works with the same principle as the lemon juice. With this remedy you just need to combine equal parts of water and vinegar and mix them together. Then apply a few drops into the affected ear and repeat this a few times a day.
Another really effective home remedy for ear infections is onion, garlic and olive oil. With these you simmer the onion and garlic in olive oil and when it reduces you then strain it so you are left with the liquid. Put a few drops in the affected ear and the onion and garlic help fight the infection while the oil helps to shift any blockage in the ear.
Then there are foods that are natural in antioxidants that can aid in overcoming infections. These foods can be consumed regularly to help prevent infections developing. Green tea and vitamin C are also good choices.
These are remedies that are put into the ears or consumed, but if you don’t like the idea of those you can also use a warm compress held to the ear which can help to ease the pain. When doing this you should lie down with your sore ear facing down to allow it to drain.
If one of these remedies doesn’t work then you can always try another as some remedies work better for some people while others work better for other people. Please remember though to consult with your doctor if the pain is severe.