Earache home remedies: What helps with earache?

Earache home remedies: What helps with earache?

Ear pain occurs with relatively high frequency in both children and adults. The causes of the unpleasant pulling, pressing or throbbing are varied. Some home remedies have become established for pain relief, although a doctor should be consulted if the pain is persistent or severe. The same applies to a suspected middle ear infection. In this case, home remedies can be used as a supplement to relieve pain, but diagnosis and medical treatment is urgently recommended.

Where does earache come from?

The causes are varied - earache can be caused by an infection, but it can also be due to tension of the neck and jaw or dental inflammation. The most common causes include middle ear infections, tympanic effusion, accumulated earwax, inflammation of the throat and sinuses, injuries to the ear caused by external objects (e.g. cotton buds), cold/humid weather, significant differences in altitude, water in the ear. Earache usually does not last longer than one to two weeks. If the pain lasts longer or is severe, a visit to the doctor is necessary.

Home remedies for earache

Many home remedies have proven effective against earache. However, caution is sometimes required when using them - especially when using them on children. If in doubt, always consult your doctor to avoid worsening the symptoms.

Home remedy for earache: compresses

Treatment with compresses involves alternating cold and warm compresses under the ear for 10-15 minutes each. It is important never to fall asleep on the compresses and always wrap them in a cloth. Special care should also be taken when using them on children to prevent injury.

Home remedy for earache: sleeping position

In some cases, changing your sleeping position alleviates pain and discomfort.Elevating your head and neck slightly to sleep is therefore also considered a home remedy in the broader sense.

Home remedy for ear infections: Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can be used for inflammation of the outer ear. Mix the apple cider vinegar in equal parts with isopropyl alcohol, put a few drops in the ear and let it run out again after a few minutes. This method has a healing and antibacterial effect, but does not relieve the accompanying pain. Therefore, home remedies can also be used to reduce pain.

Home remedies for ear infections: herbal drops

Natural herbal drops are available in health food stores and larger supermarkets, which are usually based on cloves or lavender and are enriched with ginger. The latter has an antibacterial effect. Drop a few of the herbal drops into your ear and let them run out again after a few minutes.

Home remedy for ear infections: chamomile tea

Chamomile has an anti-inflammatory effect and is therefore also suitable for use in cases of inflammation. Simply place the drained and cooled tea bag on the ear for a while.

Home remedy for ear infections: Onions

Probably the most common home remedy for treating earache and ear infections: Onions. Onions naturally have a disinfecting effect. Both drops of onion juice and onion pouches can be used for this purpose.

To make the sachets, lightly heat finely chopped onions, fill into a cotton bag and place behind the ear. Optionally, the bag can be secured with a headband or scarf. It should be applied for at least 20 minutes. Garlic can be used as an alternative to onions.

Home remedy for ear infections: Heat (red light lamp/cherry stone cushion/salt sock)

The warming effect of the red light stimulates blood circulation and therefore the metabolism. Inflammation therefore drains better from the ear canal. Irradiation with a red light lamp also promises improvement for middle ear infections. A maximum exposure time of 10 minutes and a minimum distance of 50 cm from the ear should be observed to prevent burns. Red light treatments are sometimes considered controversial, which is why we recommend consulting your doctor beforehand.

Alternatively, you can also make a salt sock. Simply fill a white sock with sea salt. Heat in the pan, turning constantly so that it does not get too hot. Before using, be sure to test with your hands whether the heat is appropriate. Cherry stone cushions promise a comparable warming effect.

Home remedy for ear pressure: chewing gum

A classic for air travel, but also generally recommended for reducing pressure on the ear. Chewingreduces the pressure in the Eustachian tube, which is located between the middle ear, back of the throat and nose. The same applies to swallowing itself, which is stimulated by the chewing gum.

Home remedy for ear pressure: ear cleaning

Congested ears can cause a feeling of pressure in the ear. To reduce or even eliminate this, the ear canal can be rinsed with salt water to remove excess earwax. Please be extremely careful when cleaning your ears and never insert objects into your ear. If you are unsure, consult a doctor!

Home remedy for ear pressure: chamomile steam baths

The anti-inflammatory and warming effect of a chamomile steam bath potentially helps to reduce ear pressure.

Middle ear infection home remedies

Middle ear infections are one of the most common causes of ear pain. Although home remedies can help to relieve the pain of middle ear infections, if otitis media is suspected, a visit to an ear, nose and throat specialist should still take place. This is where a proper diagnosis is made and recommendations for action are made. In addition, pain-relieving home remedies such as heat from red light or cherry stone pillows are recommended. In addition, drinking plenty of fluids, rest, sleep and clearing your nose regularly are essential for healing a middle ear infection.

Home remedies for earache

Due to the frequency of earache, numerous home remedies have been found that can contribute to pain relief. However, severe and continuous pain should never be ignored and should be urgently referred to a doctor. In addition, caution is always advised when using any home remedy. If you are unsure, avoid using them and ask a doctor for advice.