Home Remedies and Herbs for Ear Infection

Infections of the inner ear are extremely common. Over three-quarters of children will suffer an ear infection by their third birthday and they regularly occur in adults. The infections usually affect the inner ear and the condition is known as otitis media.^1,4
 
The middle ear is located right behind the eardrum and is where the tiny vibrating bones are located. The area is drained by the Eustachian tubes that connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. It’s also associated with the adenoids.^2,3
 
Almost all ear infections are viral, not bacterial, which is why antibiotics are totally ineffective in treating ear infections. Most ear infections are acute which means they come on suddenly and don’t last long. Acute ear infections are readily treatable with natural remedies, unlike chronic ear infections which are long-lasting or continual.^2,3,6,7
 
What Causes Ear Infection?
 
Ear infection causes are usually because the Eustachian tube has become blocked and unable to drain fluids from the middle ear. When the Eustachian tube is blocked, fluid builds up and leads to infections. This compounds if the adenoids are already infected and the virus travels through the tubes to the ear.  ^2,3
 
Allergies can also cause ear infections as can colds and sinus infections. Secondary tobacco smoke is suspected as well.³
 
Ear infections in kids are extremely common and children who spend a lot of their time on their back with a bottle are more susceptible due to slower drainage of the Eustachian tubes. Contrary to popular belief, ear infections are not caused by getting water in the ear unless there’s a hole in the eardrum. Most ear infections occur in the winter.^2,3,6
 
Ear Infection Symptoms
 
Ear infection symptoms are usually very obvious. They come on quickly and present as a continuous, nagging pain in the inner ear. Other common ear infection symptoms are:

• Fullness in the ear
• Feeling of general illness
• Nausea
• Dizziness and lack of balance
• Hearing loss
• Pus-like discharge
• Fussiness in infants
• Low-grade fever
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Ear Infection

• Peroxide 3 - Hydrogen Peroxide 3% is made by mixing this common cleaning and disinfectant product with water to give a 3 percent by volume content. It’s poured into the ear canal or dabbed with a cotton swab, then drained. Peroxide 3 is one of the most effective natural home remedies known for ear infections.
• Garlic Oil - Garlic has natural antiviral and antibacterial health benefits. A few drops of garlic oil into an infected ear can work like magic.
• Urine - As unsanitary and unpleasant as this sounds, the acids and nitrogen in human urine have a medicinal effect when poured into the ear.
• Flaxseed Oil - Flaxseed oil is also known as linseed oil and comes from the seeds of the flax plant. It’s known as a drying oil in many home uses including a furniture finish. Flaxseed oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties. A few drops in the ear is a proven home remedy for an ear infection.
• Wheat Germ Oil - This oil is extracted from the germ or seed of the wheat plant and is the highest known natural source of vitamin E. Wheat germ oil has long been used as a treatment for infections by putting drops in the ear canal.
• Oregano Oil - Oregano oil is therapeutic for ear infections as well as being a common cooking additive. It contains thymol and carvacrol which are highly effective against infections.

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ear-infections/home/ovc-20199482
2. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000619.htm
3. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000638.htm
4. http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/ear-infections
5. http://umm.edu/programs/hearing/services/ear-infections
6. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/ear-infections-children
7. https://draxe.com/how-to-cure-an-ear-infection/