Medically ear infection is known as ‘otitis media’. Generally middle ear is more susceptible to ear infections. Middle air contains air and located at the back of ear drum. An infection to the ear is either viral or bacterial. Middle ear may get inflamed due to collection and formation of fluids in ear and becomes extremely painful.
Ear infection is common both in children and in adults and therefore one need to be conscious about the symptoms of the infection. You should remember that treatment needs to be started at an early stage so that the severe pain can be avoided. Ear is one of the delicate organ of our body so delaying the treatment will only invite problems.
Symptoms of ear infections Ear pain –Both children and adults experience ear pain. Children get affected more due to the shorter size of the Eustachian tubes compared to the adults.
Sore throat – Bacteria that is responsible for ear infection also causes sore throat in adults.
Blocked ears – Individuals experience blocked ears as a result of fluid accumulation.
Dull hearing – ear infection may cause dull hearing or hearing loss temporarily.
Fever – Fever may occur if a person is suffering from severe ear infection, also a common symptom with children.
Trouble in sleeping –This symptom is more common with the children. Children faces sleep problem due to pain in ears.
Reduced appetite – Children faces difficulty in swallowing due to pain in ear.
Diarrhea –When the bacteria responsible for causing ear infection enter the digestive system, it results in diarrhea in children.
Discharge – This is a common symptom seen in both children and adults.
Following are the Home remedies for ear infections
Onion Juice For Ear Infections
Extract out juice from an onion. Soak a cotton ball in it. Now insert the cotton ball soaked in onion juice into your ear. Onion juice helps in eliminating ear infections.
Garlic Oil For Ear Infections
Pour several drops garlic oil into your ear before going to bed. Regular usage will definitely help.
Lemon Balm For Ear Infections
Lemon balm very effectively cures ear infections. It contains anti-viral and antiseptic properties that help to fight ear infections. Gently apply lemon balm in your ears. This is an excellent herbal remedy for ear infections.
Holy Basil Leaves For Ear Infections
The juice of holy basil works wonder in treating ear infections. Grind the leaves of holy basil and extract the juice. Put the juice in your ears. The juice not only acts as a cleanser but also as a disinfectant and fights off viruses and bacteria present inside the ears.
Ginger Or Garlic And Honey For Ear Infections
Take finely chopped ginger or garlic and mix it with honey. Take this mixture with tea or with warm water. This home remedy will aid in the treatment of ear infections.
Garlic For Ear Infections
Boil 3 to 4 garlic cloves in water. Mash the cloves and add a dash of salt to it. Now wrap this mixture into a poultice prepared of woolen cloth. Place it on painful ear. It will provide relief from the pain. You can also put juice of garlic in aching ear. This remedy is tested and also one of the trusted natural remedies for ear infection. Extract juice out of some garlic cloves and pour into affected ear. This remedy will help in lessening the pain and also aid in eliminating the infection.
Mineral Oil For Swimmers Ear
If you are into swimming then apply mineral oil in your ears before getting into water. Put heating pad close to your ear. Better if you avoid swimming till you recover from the infection.
Hydrogen Peroxide For Ear Infections
Put little hydrogen peroxide if you are getting ear ache. Hydrogen peroxide helps in relieving ear ache. This is one of the simple and natural home remedy for ear infection, it will not cause any harm to your ears.
Tips For Ear Infections
You need to keep your ear clean and dry, not too much moist. Moist ears are the breeding grounds for bacteria and their survival.You should stop inserting anything into your ear like cotton swabs, bobby pins and even fingers. All these products may cause damage to your eardrum and eventually increase the chance of foreign material getting into the eardrum resulting in infection. Cleaning ear regularly but carefully helps to prevent ear infections.
You should take serious precautions while blowing your nose. Always put ear plug or cotton ball in your ear. This is to prevent contact of the infected ear with the outer atmosphere, hence will reduce the chances of further infections. You should yawn. Yawning will help to contract the muscles which will open the Eustachian tube.Taking hot shower is helpful. The steam often helps in softening the wax which eventually becomes easier to remove. This is also a good remedy for preventing ear infections.
Diet For Ear Infections
Take vitamin c as it is considered helpful in relieving earache. In ear infection and earache, vitamin C helps to boost your immunity. It is proven anti histamine and natural antibiotic which also helps to reduce inflammation. Avoid milk and milk products such as butter, cheese etc. Milk products ear infection thereby worsening the infection and the earache.
Fish oil is effective in curing ear infections as they are rich in ‘omega 3 fats’. These fats enhance the immunity system of the body and are also anti-inflammatory. Tuna, sardines, herrings, mackerel and salmon are good sources of Omega3. Smoking should be strictly avoided.Take turmeric in several ways with your food. Turmeric acts as antibiotic and anti-inflammatory. It also strengthens and energizes.
Add turmeric to soups, stir fries, curries or casseroles. Follow the recommended diet strictly. Try to add the above mentioned foods to your daily diet as an aid to the treatment of the infection. Besides, follow the home remedies for ear infection regularly. You can follow any of the remedies or better choose a couple of remedies to treat your ear infection naturally. Home remedies are free from side effects and therefore will never cause further harm to your ears. But if the problem persists or the ear ache reappears you should take medical guidance without delay.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.