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How to Treat an Earache Naturally With Home Remedies

If you, your child or some other loved one experiences ear pain, it often means a trip to the doctor, who will likely prescribe an antibiotic to clear up the bacterial infection causing the pain. However, there are times when you cannot or choose not to use an antibiotic. Perhaps no doctor is available, or the pain is not caused by bacteria. Perhaps you prefer not to contribute to the "superbug" problem and choose not to use antibiotics. Whatever the case, there are numerous home remedies that you can employ to ease earache pain.

  1. Warm Compress

    • Granny's old-fashioned water bottle is not yet obsolete. Fill a water bottle -- the medical type, not the disposable drink type -- with warm water and place it over the patient's ear for 10 to 15 minutes. If you do not have a water bottle, try heating a dampened hand towel or a cloth bag full of salt in the microwave oven until it is gently warm.

    Herbs

    • According to the website for the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, certain herbs help break up and clear up the mucus that causes ear pain and infection. These herbs include tea tree, chamomile, ginger root, thyme, elder flowers, licorice and eye bright. Make a tea from one or more of these herbs for your patient to drink, or make a poultice by bundling one or more of the herbs into a small, thin cloth, warming it gently and placing it over the patient's ear.

    Onion Poultice

    • Dr. Andrea Rentea of the Pauline Medical Clinic in Chicago, Illinois recommends making a poultice of onion to place over the ear. Chop approximately one quarter of an onion into small pieces. Gently warm them in a pan over the stove or in a glass dish in the microwave. Bundle the warm onion pieces into a piece of gauze and tie it securely. Place the bag over the ear, without pressing, and distribute the onion pieces in the bag so that they surround the ear but are not directly on it. Leave in place for 10 to 15 minutes.

    Valsalva's Maneuver

    • This little trick temporarily clears the ear canal of infection-causing congestion. Have the patient close his mouth, hold his nose and gently try to "blow" air our of his ears. Make sure the patient understands not to apply too much pressure by "blowing" too hard, as this can cause further damage and pain. Use this technique to help clear that stuffy, congested feeling; do not use this technique on a person with a full-blown ear infection.

    Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

    • While acetaminophen and ibuprofen are not natural substances, they are very effective over-the-counter pain relievers. They are generally considered safe for children and adults when given as directed. These pain relievers are inexpensive and readily available at just about any grocery store, convenience store, drug store or mass merchandiser. If your patient is a child that is in such pain that she is unable to sleep, or if it is the middle of the night and you cannot get to a doctor, acetaminophen and ibuprofen can bring welcome relief.

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