Health Desk
An ear ache, whether dull or sharp, can be incredibly painful. An ear ache is typically caused by a bacterial or viral infection in the ear, explains Mayo Clinic. However, the root cause of an ear infection is usually linked to another condition like cold, flu, or an allergy. These ailments cause inflammation, congestion, and swelling in the ear, nose, and throat. This is why when you have an earache, you may also suffer from a sore throat or stuffy nose.
Garlic
The antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibacterial properties of garlic make it a great home remedy that covers all possible causes of an earache, be it viral or bacterial. You can do it the old fashioned way and simply stick a clove of garlic in the infected ear. Or, you can take the advice of Wellness Mama and make a garlic-infused olive oil. To make garlic olive oil, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small pan. Add 1 clove of fresh, minced garlic to the olive oil and let it sit on low heat for twenty minutes. Once the olive oil has been infused, strain and remove the garlic. Let the mixture cool and then apply two drops of oil directly in the ear.
Onion
To make an onion ear muff, slice an onion in half and take out the inner rings. Heat the outer 2 or 3 onion rings in the oven at 300ºF (150ºC). When the rings are warm and slightly steaming, remove and wrap them in a towel. Cup the towel-covered onion over the infected ear. The heat is likely to have a soothing effect on your aching ears.
Ginger
This punchy root can help reduce the inflammation that causes an earache. According to the Ginger Community, simply drinking ginger tea can have wonderful effects in the fight against ear infections. You can also make a soothing oil out of ginger juice. To make this home remedy, grate a piece of fresh ginger and crush it to squeeze out the juice. Warm the juice and apply four drops into the infected ear.
Honey
A Swedish study has found that honey can be more effective than pharmaceutical antibiotics in fighting a bacteria known to be a common cause of ear infection. Warm honey and apply a few droplets to the infected ear.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can help fight viral infections that cause earaches. Livestrong recommends heating 1/8 cup of coconut oil with 2 cloves of garlic in a small saucepan. Let the oil and garlic simmer together for five minutes. Strain the mixture and then while lying on your side, apply two drops of oil into your ear. Lie still for five minutes. You can use this home remedy twice a day for 7 days or until symptoms disappear.
