Herbal Ear Ache Remedy

Earaches can result from infections due to colds and flu, and are sometimes caused by bacteria in water, leading to swimmer's ear. Regardless of the origins of earache, alternative herbal treatments offer effective relief for mild to moderate earache pain. For serious ear pain and infection, see your physician for the appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Garlic Oil

• Garlic is a popular bacteria killer, making garlic oil an excellent weapon in your arsenal against earache. Look for ready-made garlic oil in health food stores, or make your own at home. Make your own oil by grating 2 large cloves of garlic and put in a shallow dish or cup. Cover with 2 Tbsp. olive oil and let stand overnight. In the morning, strain out the garlic pieces and retain the garlic oil. Use a dropper and put 3 drops of garlic oil in the affected ear twice a day for relief. Let it stay in the ear for at least five minutes so it coats the ear canal. You can warm the oil very slightly if you like, for a soothing effect.

Calendula, Garlic and Mullein

• Calendula and mullein both have pain-relieving and antibacterial properties. Combine with garlic for a powerful treatment for earache. Make ear drops of your own by combining these three ingredients. Look for extractions of each herb in an olive oil base, then mix your own ear drops. Mix in equal parts and place in a small dropper-type bottle. Lie down on your side, and place 4 to 6 drops of the mixture in the infected ear. Lie still for five minutes to let the oil completely saturate the ear canal. Use this remedy every two to three hours until symptoms subside.

Lavender

• Lavender essential oil can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with earaches. For pain, massage the outer ear with 3 to 5 drops of lavender essential oil diluted with 1 tsp. vegetable oil.

Warning

• If you are experiencing hearing loss or your ears have stayed plugged up for more than a couple of days, see your physician. You may have a more-serious infection that needs medical treatment. If left untreated, an ear infection can lead to serious damage of the ear canal and may cause hearing loss.