Earaches can become so painful that they are debilitating. At a minimum they are uncomfortable. While it is best to see a physician for diagnosis and treatment of ear infections, it isn’t always possible. For those of you who are looking for an effective ear infection treatment that you can be done in your own home, read on. Here is a guide that will provide you with natural earache remedy and ear infection remedy solutions using natural ingredients that are easy to obtain.

Warm compress

Heat can help to ease the discomfort of an earache. You can use a warm water bottle, heat pack, or washcloth that is dipped in warm water and wrung out. The heat helps to alleviate the pain and additionally helps to prevent the spread of microorganisms. It is recommended that you only keep the heat on the infected ear for up to 5 minutes at a time, but it can be repeated as often as needed.

Garlic oil drops

Garlic is a common earache remedy. It also contains antimicrobial properties in addition to being a pain reliever. It is one of the most effective ear infection remedies. Cook 2 cloves of garlic in a few tablespoons of sesame oil. It will turn a black color. Stain the oil through cheesecloth. Place 2 to 4 drops of the oil at a temperature that is as warm as you can tolerate into the infected ear. If you don’t have a suitable carrier oil to boil the garlic in, you can also boil it in water, crush the cooked garlic, add salt, place the mixture in a washcloth and apply it on the outside of the infected ear for relief.

Basil juice

Basil helps to relieve the pain of minor earaches and ear infections. Crush a sprig of fresh basil leaves and extract the juice. Apply the juice around the affected ear but don’t get the juice into the ear canal. Basil juice can also be placed in a carrier oil and applied around the outer edge of the ear and behind it. It also helps to reduce infection. You can repeat this up to twice a day.

Olive oil

Earaches are often the result of wax that has built up in the ear and become infected with a bacteria or fungus. Olive oil can help to clear out the obstructions so the ear can heal. Warm olive oil and apply a few drops into the infected ear. This will soften the wax so you can remove it with cotton swabs. Be careful that you do not place the swabs too deeply into the ear as it can cause damage to the eardrum.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can help to kill fungus which could be the cause your ear infection. Simply combine equal amounts of apple cider vinegar with alcohol or water. Use a cotton ball to soak up the mixture and place it in your ear, making a plug. Leave the solution in your ear for approximately five minutes. Remove the cotton ball. Dry your ear by using a hair dryer or lying down for a few minutes. You can also gargle with apple cider vinegar. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar (preferable), you can use white vinegar.

Salt

Heat a cup of salt over low heat on the stove, or in a microwave. Place the hot salt in a cloth and fasten securely. Place the hot salt pack (as hot as you can bear) on the affected ear. Leave it on for no more than 5 to 10 minutes, then let the ear rest. You can repeat this as often as needed for pain relief. It will help to draw fluid from the ear while relieving pain and any swelling in the area.

These are the most effective ear infection treatments that can be done from home with inexpensive ingredients. When you can’t seek medical help immediately, each of these treatments can help to relieve the pain and discomfort of an earache. They are also useful in reducing infections of the ear.