An earache occurs when pressure builds in the ear and causes pain, usually due to infection, bacteria or injury. Most people experience sharp, dull or burning pain when suffering from an earache, though severity varies depending on the cause. Traditional treatments for earaches include pain medication, and if the infection doesn’t go away on its own, antibiotics are prescribed. Many home remedies exist that can reduce pain and help treat an underlying infection. If the pain becomes severe or does not improve after a few days, however, consult a physician for further treatment. Also seek medical attention if hearing loss or fever occur.
Mullein
Mullein flowers, a popular home remedy for earaches, may provide pain relief and help speed healing. In her book “Jude’s Herbal Home Remedies,” Jude C. Todd recommends making an ear pain relief remedy by steeping 1/4 cup mullein flowers in 1/2 cup olive oil for three to four weeks, then straining and storing in a tightly lidded jar. To use, warm the oil to room temperature and put three to four drops into the affected ear. For the best results, plug the ear with a sterile cotton ball after applying the mullein oil. Continue the treatment up to three times per day, as needed. You may also find mullein infused oil or mullein ear drops at natural health stores that provide the same results if you don’t have access to mullein flowers.
Garlic Oil
Another widely used home remedy for earaches is garlic oil, which kills bacteria and may help get rid of an earache caused by an infection in the ear canal. According to Bill Gottlieb in his book “Alternative Cures,” piercing a garlic oil capsule with a pin, putting a few drops of the oil on a cotton ball, then placing gently just inside the ear may provide relief. Allow the cotton ball to remain in the ear overnight for the best results. Gottlieb also suggests taking garlic oil capsules internally to help knock out the infection. Take two 500 mg capsules for up to seven days, as needed.
Tea Tree Oil
In aromatherapy, practitioners consider tea tree oil a significant antiseptic when applied to the skin. Herbalist James A. Duke, author of “The Green Pharmacy,” recommends making ear drops using tea tree oil and vegetable oil to help get rid of an earache. Combine two to three drops of tea tree oil with five to six drops of high-quality vegetable oil, then apply the solution directly into the ear. For the best results, plug the ear with a sterile cotton ball after application. Do not use this remedy if you have a perforated eardrum, and never take tea tree oil internally. If you experience any irritation at all, discontinue use immediately.
Other Remedies
Numerous other home remedies for earaches may help reduce pain and combat infection. Try applying a few drops of warmed honey, olive oil or castor oil into the affected ear, then plugging the ear with a cotton ball to keep in the warmth. Another home remedy consists of mixing 1 tsp. each of witch hazel extract and vegetable glycerin, warming the mixture, then saturating a cotton ball in the liquid. Place the cotton in the ear and allow it to remain until it is cool, then repeat as needed until the pain subsides.
