What is an Ear Infection?
An ear infection occurs when fluid becomes trapped in the ear. Symptoms of ear infections include ear pain, fever, yellow drainage from the ear, and vomiting. Hearing difficulties, ringing of the ears, and balance problems could be signs of fluid buildup. Outer ear infections are caused by a mixture of heat, sweat, and scratching. Middle ear infections affect the space between the eardrum and inner ear.
Inner ear infections can cause inflammation and can affect balance. An untreated ear infection can cause serious complications such as Mastoiditis, Meningitis, hearing loss, and perforation of the eardrum. Consider these natural remedies to treat your next ear infection.
Garlic
Garlic can be used as a natural antibiotic and pain reliever. Two to four drops of garlic oil can be applied to ear 3 to 4 times a day. Garlic oil is made by cooking 2 cloves of garlic in 2 tbsp. of olive oil. The solution should be strained before application.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is one of the easiest ways to treat an ear infection. This remedy softens the wax, which makes it easier to remove buildup. A few drops of olive oil should be applied to the ear after it has been warmed. After the wax has softened, it can be removed with cotton swabs.
Basil
Basil is an effective way to cure ear infections. Basil juice can be made by crushing 4 to 5 leaves to extract the juice. Basil oil can also be mixed with a carrier oil and applied around the ear. This treatment should be applied twice a day.
Onion
Onions are one of the most common ways to treat an ear infection. People have the option to use onion juice or a compress. A few drops of onion juice can be applied to the ear twice a day. An onion compress is made by cutting an onion in half and roasting it in the microwave for 1 minute. The onion should be placed in a cloth and held against the ear for 10 minutes.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil can be used as an antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic treatment. Three drops of tea tree oil, 2 tbsp. of olive oil, and 1 tsp. of apple cider vinegar can be heated to soothe and cure ear infections. The application should be applied with a dropper 2 to 3 times a day.
Mullein Oil
Mullein Oil will need to be prepared a few weeks in advance. The ingredients for this remedy include dried mullein, 2 to 3 crushed garlic cloves, St. John’s wort, one-fourth tsp of Vitamin E oil, and olive oil. The mullein oil should be placed in a mason jar before adding the herbs. The jar should be filled with olive oil one-half inch from the top. The Vitamin E oil should be applied before sealing the jar and soaking it for 2 to 4 weeks. The oil can then be strained and placed in another bottle. Three to five drops can be applied for 15 minutes.
An ear infection is a buildup of fluid or wax that causes inflammation and discomfort. Natural remedies are an excellent alternative of antibiotic treatment. These homeopathic treatments use garlic, olive oil, basil, onion, tea tree oil, and mullein oil to cure the infection.