Home remedies for ear infections sure come in handy when you are struggling with painful symptoms and you’re desperate for relief. The beauty of these remedies is they can be done at home, so you can avoid hospitals or drugstores as much as possible (though, of course, a check-up is still important.) Can’t wait to know what these home remedies for ear infections are? Read on!
Effective Home Remedies for Ear Infections
1. Know the Root Cause – Food Allergies
Nothing is better in knowing what the root cause of the ear infections is! And one underlying cause of these infections could be food allergies. According to some studies, many cases of middle ear infection have fluid accumulation that has something to do with a food allergy. If this is the case, then you simply have to avoid foods that can trigger your allergies.
2. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
Mullein is a plant and it is one of the best home remedies for ear infections! The leaf of this incredible herb contains soothing properties that help relieve ear pain. It also aids in draining mucus which can lead to infections inside your ear. The plant can also calm the swollen tissue of your ear, reducing your earache. The oil from its flowers is a great ear infection remedy too and you can purchase it from online stores or physical health stores.
3. Vitamin D
If you often catch colds, the risk of having otitis media with effusion (OME) is high. OME is the accumulation of non-infected fluid in your middle ear space which usually dissolves in about 4 to 6 weeks. When OME occurs, the eustachian tube, a canal connecting the throat area with the middle ear functions poorly. It can’t equalize the pressure well between your middle ear and the air surrounding you.
In some cases, the fluid accumulation stays longer which can develop into an infection or can cause a temporary hearing loss. But you don’t have to wait for OME to happen, right? You only need to increase the serum levels of vitamin D in your body to boost your immune system to prevent catching colds. You can take vitamin D supplements, eat foods rich in vitamin D, or increase sun exposure.
4. Heat
By simply applying heat to your ear, you can be relieved from your earache. The heat can calm the swollen tissue, lessening the pain. You can apply a warm washcloth on top of your ear to let the heat penetrate it. Just make sure the cloth is not too hot and it is wrung properly.
5. Rest
Rest is the simplest and most effective remedy for ear infections. Because your immune system is weaker when you have these infections, you need to cozy up under a blanket and get some rest! Getting a good rest and eating healthily is important in treating your ear infections.
Here’s a video about ear infection remedies from Dr. Josh Axe:
With these home remedies for ear infections, you don’t have to go through a lot of chemical treatments. Utilizing your knowledge of the natural ways to treat your infection saves you time and money in seeing a doctor (but you should know when to do so, especially if other symptoms crop up). What is essential, however, is strengthening your immune system in order to live a healthy lifestyle. This will help you avoid not just ear infections but other types of diseases as well!
What other home remedies for ear infections you can share with us? Leave them in the comments section below!
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