An earache is one of the worst kinds of pain a human can ever experience. People describe it as pressure inside the ear along with ringing or buzzing and trouble hearing.
Generally speaking, it comes from an infection, but it can also mean that your ear canal is blocked by excess earwax or that there is an injury. It can be mild or serious, but it almost always goes away in a matter of hours or a day, even if it isn’t treated. However, there’s good news: there are natural remedies that can help with the pain. Keep on reading to learn all about them!
What causes an earache?
An earache has many possible causes. Most of the time it’s from an infection in the ear canal or around it. An infection would cause an obstruction of the eustachian tube, which drains the fluid that builds up in the middle ear.
When the fluid isn’t removed properly, the infection gets worse and feels like mild pressure in the affected area. While it doesn’t usually have any serious complications, sometimes it’s enough to schedule a doctor’s appointment.
The major causes are:
- Sinus infection
- Sudden changes in pressure
- Throat infection
- Arthritis of the jaw
- Oral infection, like gingivitis or periodontitis
- Ruptured ear drum
- Ear infection
- Earwax buildup
Symptoms of an earache
An earache may come along with other symptoms:
- Sore throat
- Moderate fever
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears
- Trouble hearing clearly
- Headache
- Difficulty concentrating
Natural remedies to Treat Earache
If you’re concerned about your earache, then it’s best to see a doctor to decide what treatment would be appropriate. If it’s mild, though, certain natural remedies can help you treat earache.
1. Hot compress
Using a hot compress is a traditional remedy that can help get your blood flowing again and treat earache naturally.
- Soak a towel or compress in hot water and apply to your ear for 5 minutes.
- Alternatively, you can use a heating pad or blow dryer to apply heat.
Note: Make sure that the temperature is safe for your skin, or else you could get burned.
2. Garlic
Due to the antibacterial and antiviral components in it, raw garlic is one of the most effective ways to reduce pain from an earache caused by an infection.
- Press or mash a raw garlic clove and strain it to obtain the juice.
- Apply 1 or 2 drops to the affected ear.
- Repeat twice a day as long as the pain persists.
3. Olive oil
While olive oil won’t treat earache, it does have a lubricating effect that is perfect for loosening earwax that may be blocking your ear canal.
- Heat a bit of olive oil and apply 3 drops to the affected ear.
- Keep your head leaning to the side for 3 minutes and remove any bits of earwax that it loosened.
4. Onion
Onions have qualities similar to garlic. They are antibacterial and kill microorganisms that may be causing problems inside your ear.
- Dice a fresh onion and wrap it up in a towel.
- Apply it to your ear and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Use it twice a day as needed.
5. Ginger
Ginger, with its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, is able to clear your ear canal and thus speed up your recovery if an infection is causing your earache.
- Grate a bit of ginger and press it to obtain the juice.
- Apply 3 drops to the affected ear and cover it with a cotton ball.
- Use it daily until the pain is gone.
Remember the natural remedies above can help to treat earache, but they’re only temporary. If your earache is from an infection, it’s important to use other treatments in order to address it properly.
Via: MamaNatural | MedicalNewsToday
