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What are Home Remedies for Ear Infections?
Ear infections can be painful and irritating. If left untreated, they can lead to permanent deafness. While there are several home remedies for ear infections, it is best to consult with a doctor if the infection does not go away within two to three days.
One popular home remedy for ear infections is to drop one to two drops of onion juice or garlic in the ear. This remedy can sting the ear. Therefore, it may be necessary to dilute the juice with boiled water that has been allowed to cool.
To help draw out the pus associated with this condition, it can also be beneficial to fill a sock or a small bag with salt and press it against the ear. Ear candling is also used for removing pus. Ear candles can usually be purchased at vitamin supply stores or health stores. These special candles are placed in the ear and burned. As they burn, they draw impurities out of the ear.
There are also a few herbs that can be helpful in fighting off the underlying cause of ear infections, which is usually a viral or bacterial infection. Goldenseal and echinacea are both known for their abilities to cleanse the body. Taking doses of Vitamin C can also be beneficial. Individuals with ear infections should avoid consuming dairy products, as these foods and drinks tend to increase the body’s production of mucus, causing increased congestion and pain.
A home remedy for ear infections involves draping a towel over the head and sitting over a bowl containing hot steaming water and essential oils. Oils that are beneficial for this condition include ginger, peppermint, and eucalyptus. This home remedy is called a steam facial and can help clear up congestion and other symptoms that can aggravate ear infections. Another home remedy involves creating a mixture of St. John’s Wort oil, grapefruit seed extract, and tea tree essential oil. Placing a few drops of this mixture in the ear every few days can help relieve pain and fight off the infection.
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![Garlic may be beneficial when suffering with an ear infection.]()
By: SchliernerGarlic may be beneficial when suffering with an ear infection. -
![Swollen lymph nodes can be a sign of infection.]()
By: ShakzuSwollen lymph nodes can be a sign of infection. -
![Grapefruit seed extract may be a home remedy for ear infections.]()
By: volffGrapefruit seed extract may be a home remedy for ear infections. -
![It's important to consult with a doctor before relying on home remedies to treat an ear infection.]()
By: philippe DevanneIt's important to consult with a doctor before relying on home remedies to treat an ear infection.
Discussion Comments
My suggestion is to read how BLIS K12 probiotics for ear, nose, throat and mouth can help middle ear infection.
Natural BLIS K12 probiotic is for ear infection. It has many other health benefits.
@anon33773: I took all three of my children to the chiropractor shortly after they were born to be sure that they were not out of line after birth. They all were but one treatment straightened them out.
I also go to a chiropractor who uses the activator method, not manual manipulation. Many chronic back problems in adults can be attributed to the spine being out of line from birth. Treatment in infants also improves and sometimes even eliminates colic and digestive problems.
To the person above. It's actually very beneficial for young children to be adjusted. Adjusting a newborn can prevent life-long issues. Some MDs when they are delivering a baby pull and torque the baby's head. Upper cervical adjustments are highly recommended for babies!
Chiropractic is the way to go. My child hasn't had an ear infection since seeing a chiro and before that she got one with every cold or sniffle she had.
I personally have used the chiropractor for my child's ear infections. Every time she gets a cold she always ends up with an ear infection. I take her to the chiropractor and sometimes several timed in one week if the infection/pain is bad. The majority of the the time one visit works just fine. She is 13 and never taken any antibiotics for an ear infection. Chiropractic care for children with ear infections does work!
Chiropractic is the way to go!
You should *never* let a chiropractor adjust a child's body, especially the neck! They're not even fully developed yet! If you don't believe me, watch the Penn & Teller episode about alternative medicines.
Now don't get me wrong, some chiropractors are great, I had one as a coach for about 7 years, and for muscle strains and injuries, it was fantastic. Helped me fully recover from a meniscus tear in my knee within 3 weeks of my surgery!
My husband is a chiropractor and, yes, it does help with ear infections. It has been known to help children with chronic infections not have any problems again.
i know it's not necessarily a home remedy, but i've heard that having a chiropractor adjust your neck for better drainage can help with ear infections. can children benefit from this as well? do you have to find a chiropractor who specializes in children?
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