Home Remedies for Inner Ear Infections

Ear infections are very common, especially among children under the age of 5, and can be bothersome and painful. Most cases will clear up on their own after a few days, so patience is key. There are some treatments for ear infections that will help prevent or heal them faster. Here are some home remedies that can successfully treat an ear infection.

Homemade Ear Drops

There are several ear drops that are made naturally that have been found effective in treating an ear infection. For remedies from your local grocery store, try putting a small amount of olive oil onto a warm spoon and then apply two to three drops into the infected ear. You also can try applying a few drops of garlic juice into the infected ear. (Note: Garlic juice often is purchased from the spice aisle of the grocery store.)

If you prefer natural or herbal remedies, there also are other options. Lobelia extract can be purchased from your local natural foods store. Put a few drops into your inner ear then gently rub it. Mango leaf juice (an ayurvedic remedy) should be warmed first, and then 1 tsp. is applied, one drop at a time, into the inner ear.

Vitamins, Minerals and Eating Habits

Taking vitamin C is a great way to boost your immune system and help to fight off infections when you're under the weather. Consider increasing your zinc intake to assist in reducing the infection. If consuming either of these as supplements, be sure to follow the manufacturer's dosage instructions, particularly in children as dosages are based on age and weight.

Eating diets high in calcium also can be beneficial. Stay away from foods that are highly processed or contain hydrogenated oils. If the patient is a baby who is still breastfeeding, continue to breastfeed, as this is a great way to build up your baby's defenses against illness.

Other At-Home Remedies

Many patients have found that applying a warm, damp cloth to the ear can help to provide some much-needed relief for the pain associated with ear infections.

Another helpful hint is to find something to distract you from the pain. Read a good book or watch a well-loved movie. Play a game or spend time talking to friends and family. This will make the time go by faster as you're on the road to recovery.