Viruses or bacteria in the middle ear give rise to ear infections, which occur more in children than in adults. Food allergies, upper respiratory functions, fetal alcohol syndrome, environmental allergies, wax buildup, internal injuries, nutritional deficiencies and genetics are some contributing factors and causes that can often lead to these infections in the ear. There are various symptoms that are associated with ear infections such as poor response to sounds, vomiting, tugging at the ear, and fluid draining from the ear, high fever, difficulty sleeping, and pain in the ear, diarrhea and headache. Consulting a doctor is essential for dealing with these infections, but there are some natural remedies for ear infections that can be used at home for immediate relief.

Some remedies are listed as follows:

Salt

The most readily available natural remedy that can be easily found at home is salt. For about three to five minutes, one cup of salt should be heated on a double boiler, pan or microwave. Take a sock or thick cloth and put the hot salt inside it. Use a rubber band to tie a knot and seal the open end. Place the sock or cloth on the affected ear for about 10 to 15 minutes when the hotness becomes bearable. This remedy should be repeated as many times as possible. Fluid from the air will be drawn out from the heat that’s generated by the sock and will ease pain and swelling.

Garlic

Natural pain relieving qualities and antimicrobial properties can be found in garlic due to which its very effective in dealing with ear infections. Garlic oil can be made by taking two teaspoons of mustard or sesame oil and cooking two cloves of garlic in it until the solution turns black. Now, it should be strained. This oil can be used as ear drops. The healing process can also be boosted up by eating two to three cloves of raw garlic daily.

Basil

Basil is also beneficial in reducing pain and infections in the ear. The juice of basil leaves can be extracted by crushing four or five of them. The juice should be applied on the affected ear, but ensure that it doesn’t enter the ear canal. A few drops of holy basil oil and carrier oil such as coconut oil can be mixed and applied inside the ear, out the outer edges and behind the ear with a cotton ball.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This ingredient is highly useful for eradicating fungus that gives rise to ear infection. An equal amount of water or alcohol should be used for mixing one part of apple cider vinegar in it. Soak a cotton ball in this mixture and leave it inside the ear like a plug for around 5 minutes. Remove the cotton ball and drain the fluid from the ear and dry your ear with a hair dry as much as possible. White vinegar can also be used if apple cider vinegar is not available. Gargling apple cider vinegar is also helpful for dealing with some types of ear infections.