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Earache happens due to infections or swelling in any part of the ear. We cannot advise you to avoid seeing your doctor, however there are many home remedies that have been used by people to counter ear infections. We present these below, together with scientific references that show they have a solid basis in research:
1. Garlic
This spice has potent antibiotic and pain-relieving properties. A study published in the journal Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine confirmed the efficacy of naturopathic extracts containing garlic in the management of ear pain caused by acute otitis media (AOM). The study compared this efficacy to that of over-the-counter drops. [1]
2. Ginger
An old earache remedy is to apply ginger juice or strained oil that was warmed with ginger around the outer ear canal. Ginger offers anti-inflammatory actions which can help soothe pain from earaches. This famous spice is one of the plants identified by a study as effective for the treatment of skin diseases including ear infection. [2]
3. Tea Tree Oil
A very diluted mixture of tea tree oil and warm water is another solution people have used to get relief from ear pain. Tea tree oil is used as an active ingredient in many topical formulations for cutaneous infections, according to a study published in the journal Clinical Microbiology Reviews. [3]
4. Olive Oil
A study reported in the journal Pediatrics suggested the effectiveness of an herbal extract solution containing olive oil, lavender, and garlic for cases of ear pain caused by acute otitis media (AOM) in children. The study also found out that antibiotic treatment was not contributory to soothing the pain. [4]
5. Cold / Warm Compresses
Cold or warm compresses like a heating pad or damp washcloth are safe, gentle methods often used for ear pain in children and adults. Compresses are often used for other kinds of pain: Both methods were demonstrated effective in relieving pain in patients with acute low back pain by a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. [5]
6. Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic session, interestingly, may be valuable is not only for back pain but also for people with ear pain. A study reported in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics posited the value of adding chiropractic care to reducing the symptoms of ear infection in young children. [6]
7. Hydrogen Peroxide
Long used as a natural remedy for earaches, hydrogen peroxide is reported beneficial [7] by placing several drops (diluted down to 1.5%, very important!) into the affected area. Hydrogen peroxide’s fizzing action helps to clean the ear canal. Physicians advise users to immediately tip out the peroxide solution out of the ear to minimize any possible pain or burning. Do not use hydrogen peroxide at higher strength than 1.5%.
8. Vitamin D
A study that first appeared in The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal discovered the association between vitamin D deficiency and increased incidence of gastrointestinal and ear infections in school-age children. Vitamin D-deficient children experienced cough with fever and earache or discharge, says the study. [8]
9. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has anti-glycemic and anti-infective effects which are ideal for the treatment of infections and other acute conditions. [9] Put some of the vinegar in the affected ear and let it act for a minute before flushing it out. Do this procedure twice a day.
10. Vitamin C Supplementation
Vitamin C is great immune system booster. It contains natural antibiotic properties that help prevent inflammation. Ear pain and otitis media commonly follow the common cold, so Vitamin C supplementation is a potential strategy to prevent the mentioned conditions. [10]
11. Onions
Packed with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, onions could also help bring relief to an inflamed and sore ear. According to a document published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, some parents place onion packs on their child’s ear to treat acute middle ear infections. [11]
Further Reading:
Top 10 Home Remedies For Earaches
Why Cotton Swabs are NOT the Right Ear Cleaners And What You Should Use Instead
References:
[1] Sarrell EM et al. July 2011. Efficacy of Naturopathic Extracts in the Management of Ear Pain Associated With Acute Otitis Media. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/190792
[2] Nahida Tabassum and Mariya Hamdami. 2014. Pharmacology Review. Plants used to treat skin diseases. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3931201/
[3] Carson CF et al. January 2006. Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1360273/
[4] Sarrell EM et al. May 2003. Naturopathic treatment for ear pain in children. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12728112
[5] Morteza Dehghan and Farinaz Farahbod. September 2014. The Efficacy of Thermotherapy and Cryotherapy on Pain Relief in Patients with Acute Low Back Pain, A Clinical Trial Study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4225921/
[6] Froehle RM. 1996. Ear infection: a retrospective study examining improvement from chiropractic care and analyzing for influencing factors. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8728460
[7] ENT Doctors Parkville Β Melbourne. Hydrogen peroxide for ear infections. https://entparkville.com.au/hydrogen-peroxide-for-ear-infections/
[8] Thornton KA et al. June 2013. Vitamin D deficiency associated with increased incidence of gastrointestinal and ear infections in school-age children. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23340562
[9] Carol S. Johnston and Cindy A. Gaas. Medscape General Medicine. Vinegar: Medicinal Uses and Antiglycemic Effect. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1785201/
[10] G. Michael Allan and Bruce Arroll. February 18, 2014. Prevention and treatment of the common cold: making sense of the evidence. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3928210/
[11] U.S. National Library of Medicine. Treatment for acute middle ear infections. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0072564/
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