Home Remedies for Ear Infections

Ear infections are a painful thing to deal with and one of the main reasons for your child’s screams.

They can be incredibly common especially in young children. Ear infections can occur in the middle ear and the outer ear and while you may need antibiotics, it is possible to manage the infection at home and at least alleviate some of the pain until you can see a doctor. We have some home remedies for treating the plugged, aching, hot and burning sensation that an ear infection can cause. You can also use essential oils specifically for ear infections along with these methods (see this bundle, for example).

Heat

One of the reasons why ear infections hurt so much is because they block your ear. You may feel like your ear is heavy and have trouble hearing out of it. Adding some heat to the area can help bring down the swelling and hopefully unblock the ear. You can apply heat in a number of different ways. You may want to use a hairdryer and blow the hot air directly into the ear (low heat only) or you can heat up a towel in the dryer and place it on your ear. You can also make your own heat bag by filling up a sock with rice and heating in the microwave. This can provide relief from some of the painful symptoms of ear infections.

Lemon Juice 

You can make your own natural ear drops using lemon juice. Warm the lemon juice for around 10 seconds in the microwave. Check that it is not too hot before adding to an ear dropper and dropping into your ear. Leave the mixture in your ear for a minute and then let it drain out.

Garlic

Garlic is a go-to remedy for a number of infections. You can try to add garlic to your food but for instant relief from an ear infection, the best bet is to actually add garlic to the infected ear. Place the garlic clove into your ear and let it sit for five minutes. Another option is to mince the garlic up with a tablespoon of olive oil over low heat. Strain the liquid out and place into an ear dropper. Then drop the mixture into the ear and let it sit before draining it out.

Onion

Another stinky food that can help with your ear infection is onion. Slice an onion, lay on your side and let the onion rest in your ear for around 45 minutes, if you can stand the smell. This one may be difficult to administer to kids because they might not want to lie still for that long!

Note: Often ear infections are caused by a serious bacterial infection and will require antibiotics to cure the infection. If you or your child is developing a high fever, chills and other signs of infection, you may need to give in and head to the doctor for a prescription. Always complete the entire batch of antibiotics to be sure to kill the infection and prevent it from growing again.

If you become concerned about any symptoms please seek immediate medical attention we have some hotlines and suggested websites for further information and advice  https://www.stayathomemum.com.au/my-kids/babies/important-hotlines-websites/

SAHM takes no responsibility for any illness, injury or death caused by misuse of this information.  All information provided is correct at time of publication. 

References:  

The Mayo Foundation of Medical Education and Research. Ear Infection (Middle Ear). 2013.  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ear-infections/DS00303/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies