Top Natural Ear Infection Remedies
Ear infections can get to be really nasty and uncomfortable. Ear infections are caused by bacteria or viruses in the middle ear and generally occur in children more than adults. Some common causes that are responsible for ear infections are wax buildup, upper respiratory infections, food allergies, environmental allergies, fetal alcohol syndrome, genetics, nutritional deficiencies, and internal injuries. Some common signs and symptoms to recognize an ear infection are pains in the ear, tugging at the ear, difficulty sleeping, headache, poor response to sounds, high fever, fluid draining from the ear, vomiting and more.
The medical term for ear infections is otitis and this occurs in different areas of the ear.
Types of Ear Infection:
External Otitis: This type of ear infection usually affects the outer ear and the canal. It is also known as the swimmer’s ear. One of the common symptoms of this infection is that the ear becomes increasingly sensitive to touch, and might also appear red or inflamed. This is because of a bacterial buildup or a fungal infection on the skin in the ear tube.
Middle Ear Infection or Otitis Media: The pain is more of a deeper throbbing sensation and can often cause fever and headaches. It usually occurs in children, but can occur at all ages as well. This infection occurs as a result of eardrum perforation or the buildup of fluid behind the eardrum.
Otitis Internal: This inner ear infection can cause loss of hearing and balance problems as the inner ear includes sensory organs for balance. When the inner ear is inflamed it can lead to vertigo and severe fever and headaches.
Natural Remedies:
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- Completely remove dairy from the diet (it causes mucus)
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- Eliminate sugar from the diet (it destroys immunity)
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- Use garlic and a mullein drop supplement in the affected ear(s)
- Use a children’s probiotic to strengthen the immune system
Home Remedies For ear Infections:
1. Salt Sock Method: This is one of the most simple and most effective home remedies that I’ve come across. All you need is a plain and clean white sock filled with coarse ground sea salt. Now, the minerals in sea salt are antiseptic and have wonderful healing properties. It can retain heat so well that it helps soothe inflamed ears and reduce pain immediately!
To apply, first, pack the white sock with 2 cups of salt and tie a tight knot so you have a package that’s the size of your hand. Simply place the salt sock on a clean, dry pan over low heat and rotate for about 5 minutes to achieve a moderate to hot level of warmth. Next, place the sock over your ear and the portion below your ear and jawbone.
2. Garlic: Garlic contains antimicrobial and pain relieving properties, which make it an effective remedy for your ear infections! To use, you could consume two or three cloves of garlic daily. You can also crush a boil garlic cloves in water for five minutes, then crush and add some salt to it. Place the mixture in a clean cloth and apply.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple Cider Vinegar can help you get rid of the fungus causing the ear infection. To apply, mix one part apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of water or alcohol. Soak a cotton ball in the solution. Put the cotton ball in your ear and leave it for about five minutes. Remove the cotton ball and lay down on your opposite side to drain the liquid from the ear. Use a hair dryer to dry your ear as much as possible.
