10 Useful home remedies to relieve earaches

There are several conditions that can harm our health and earache is one of the problems that cause the most discomfort. Suffering from this condition interferes with daily activities and affects our performance at work and school, as well as our moments of leisure and relaxation. However, luckily, there are some home remedies that can help reduce this discomfort.

O awesome.club want to share with you some measures that can relieve earache. Don’t forget to consult a doctor before putting them into practice.

Ear pain can have several causes, but the most common is what is called acute otitis media. This condition mostly affects children and occurs when the Eustachian tube is blocked. Obstruction causes fluid to accumulate in the cavity, resulting in inflammation and infection of the middle ear. Other causes of this type of pain are excess wax, dental problems, sinus or throat infection, injuries from pressure changes and teeth grinding (bruxism).

While the problem can be debilitating and interfere with our daily lives, antibiotics are not always needed to treat pain. Some of the sources of discomfort are not bacterial or infections; therefore, there are some home remedies or actions you can try to reduce the discomfort.

Over-the-counter medications that can help manage pain associated with an ear infection are acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin — acetylsalicylic acid. It is important to follow the directions for the appropriate doses and consult a doctor before administering these drugs to children and infants, as they often need smaller doses. Keep in mind that it is not safe for minors to consume acetylsalicylic acid.

Heat packs or cold compresses can be used to relieve pain. Place them in your ear for 10 minutes, alternating between cold and heat. If you find it more comfortable, you can also use them at a single temperature. This method can be used on adults and children, taking care not to apply ice directly to children. The heat of the thermal bag should not be excessive, nor should you sleep with it. And it doesn’t hurt to remember that children should never adopt this method without adult supervision.

Although there is no scientific proof, many people use olive oil. Its texture is beneficial for reducing the pain caused by wax buildup, as direct application can soften and eliminate excess. As we said, there is no scientific proof. Even so, the American Academy of Pediatrics points out that putting a few drops of hot olive oil can have an anti-inflammatory effect that can reduce pain.

For pain caused by tension or from the jaw, try gently massaging the area, applying pressure and starting at the ears, moving towards the neck with downward and then forward motions. This type of massage can also help relieve pain caused by an ear infection by draining excess fluid and preventing the discomfort from getting worse.

They can be obtained at pharmacies or online. They are made with herbal extracts and are very useful for reducing pressure caused by wax and liquids. These types of products have been found to be as effective as those with antibiotics; however, it is recommended to consult a doctor before applying to babies.

It is considered a possible anti-inflammatory that can help reduce pain thanks to its active natural properties, such as those provided by gingerol, as well as being antimicrobial and antifungal. Just apply hot ginger juice around the outer canal, without putting it directly in the ear.

For many years, garlic has been used as an aid to relieve pain and prevent infections, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. To soothe discomfort, soak for a few minutes in sesame oil, previously crushed garlic. Then strain and apply to the ear canal.

Another widely used remedy is hydrogen peroxide (the famous hydrogen peroxide), a popular antiseptic used to heal wounds and injuries. For earache, it is recommended to put 3 to 5 drops in the affected ear every 3 or 4 hours. It’s important to let them rest inside the ear for a few minutes before draining everything and washing it off with clean water.

It is important to pay attention to the positions we adopt when sleeping, as some can make the pain caused by the infection worse. Instead of pressing the affected ear with the pillow, lift it up. Also, try to sleep with your head elevated using extra pillows. These positions favor drainage of the ear and reduce pain.

It has been proven by a study that the anti-inflammatory and antibiotic components of licorice can relieve ear pain. Heat a tablespoon of licorice and a tablespoon of butter. Mix everything and wait 5 minutes until it cools down. Afterwards, put the mixture on the outside of the ear and leave it for 15 minutes. After this period, rinse carefully.

It’s not always possible to prevent earache in children, but there are steps you can take to prevent them from getting an infection. Among them are:

Have vaccines up to date.

Wash your hands frequently to prevent the transmission of germs.

Do not expose children to tobacco smoke or any other source of smoke.

Do not put the baby to sleep with a bottle.

Avoid contact with sick people.

While these measures can help soothe an earache, remember that they are not a substitute for specialist treatment. Consult a doctor before applying any of these remedies, as the ear canal is very sensitive and introducing any substance into it can cause allergies or worsen the condition.

Did you know these natural remedies? Have you used any of them? Or do you prefer conventional treatments? Tell us in the comments section.