Natural Remedies for Ear Infections

Infections of the ear most often occur after swimming, specifically when polluted water enters the ear canal. Also scratching inside the ear to alleviate itching or trying to remove ear wax are other ways in which you can develop an ear infection. If the onset of the symptoms begins with itching followed by pain, these are signs the ear may be infected. Here are some natural remedies for ear infections which may help.

Apply a heating pad over the ear or a clean cotton pad. Keep the ear clean and dry, and remove any pus with a cotton ball. When taking a shower, wear a shower cap to prevent any water from entering the ear. Remove any water from the ear with a blow dryer.

Other natural remedies include:

1. Add a few drops of garlic juice into the ear.
2. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a ¼ cup of warm olive oil.
3. Add a few drops of warm olive oil into the infected ear.
4. Add a drop of hydrogen peroxide in the ear.
5. Heat up some baby oil and place a few drops in the ear.
6. For wax buildup which results in an infection, place a few drops of mineral oil into the infected ear and remove the loosened wax with a suction bulb.

While these are tried and true natural remedies for ear infections, you can prevent them from occurring by using a remedy that has worked for generations – take a teaspoon of cod liver oil every day. According to research, this old but familiar remedy has been proven effective. Experts suggest taking a teaspoon of the new lemon-flavored cod liver oil followed by a multi-vitamin tablet with selenium. They assert this may also prevent ear infections in children.

Of course, if the ear infection persists after you’ve applied these natural remedies, it would be advisable to see a doctor. However, the general consensus among those who have used these natural remedies for ear infections agree that any one of the above methods do indeed work.