If you have earache you should book an appointment with your doctor to have your ear examined. This will rule out any serious infections or illness. Untreated ear infections can damage your ear drum or affect your hearing. In the meantime, the following home remedies may help to relieve the pressure and the pain - especially if you ears have decided to play up at a weekend or in the evening.

Recommended Product: Napier Mullein Ear Formula.

Natural Ear Infection Treatment Ideas

1. Heat Treatment
2. Steam
3. Nasal Flush
4. Chewing Technique
5. Ear Drops

Heat Treatments

Soak a flannel in hot water, and place over the ear to allow the heat to soften wax and take the edge off the pain. Keep the ear tilted downwards while you do this. Repeat as often as needed.

Alternatively a hot water bottle placed on a dampened cloth near the affected ear may also help to draw fluid.

Taking a hot shower, sitting in a sauna or a steam room can also help. Allow the steam to build up in the shower and take your time showering.

Steam

If heat seemed to help a bit, but you feel it is not quite getting there, a home steam treatment can help to open the Eustachian tube where fluid typically accumulates.

Pour boiling water into a large glass or ceramic bowl and add 2 to 3 drops each of eucalyptus oil, lavender oil or chamomile oil.  

Cover your head with a towel, and hold your ear over the steam bath, breathing in the steam. Don’t stay under the towel for longer than 10 or 15 minutes.

Do not use too much oil or make the water too hot. If you start to feel lightheaded, drink a glass of water and keep sitting down until you feel steady again. 

If you don't have any essential oils to hand, add a sprig of thyme, sage, oregano or lavender - woody herbs that naturally contain high levels of antiseptic essential oils.

Chewing Technique

Take up chewing gum. Chew on food, gum, yawn or just make chewing or swallowing movements.

This can help the inner ear tube to open as the Eustachian tubes attached to your ear canal are made to stretch and can release the fluid. Tilt your affected ear down while you chew to use gravity to assist in the draining of any fluid. You can also try pinching your nose as you make these chewing and yawning motions.

Home-Made Herbal Ear Drops

Creating your ear drops is a practical application of herbal remedies for ear infections. If earwax is present, warm a teaspoon of olive oil by placing it in just-boiled water for a few minutes. Carefully pour a few warmed drops into your ear, gently tugging at the outer ear to help the oil penetrate the ear canal. After a few minutes, plug the ear lightly with cotton and tilt your head to assist in wax removal.

Herbal oils such as Mullein, St. John’s Wort, and Garlic oil are beneficial in managing symptoms and fighting infections associated with ear conditions. Here is a step by step recipe. For internal use, Plantain tincture and Elderflower can be effective in alleviating sinus and ear infections, while tinctures like Echinacea and Pelargonium support the immune system.

In cases where there is no wax or if fluid drainage is noted, a mix of equal parts rubbing alcohol and white vinegar can be applied using a sterilised dropper. This mixture helps dry out the ear and reduce bacterial infection, making it a simple yet effective herbal remedy for ear infections.

Nasal Flush

Using a nasal irrigation tool, like a neti pot, is an effective method for relieving sinus congestion, which often accompanies ear infections.

This simple technique works by thinning and flushing out infected mucus from the nasal passages, thereby easing fluid pressure that can affect the ears.

For safe and effective results, always follow the instructions provided with your neti pot and use only sterilised saline solution. This approach is a supportive component of herbal remedies for ear infections, as it helps clear the nasal pathways connected to the ear, promoting overall sinus and ear health.

Herbal Remedies for Ear Infections FAQs

What natural methods can I use to alleviate ear pain at home?

Applying heat, such as using a warm compress or a heating pad, can help soothe the pain by improving blood circulation to the affected area. Steam treatments, like inhaling steam from a hot shower or a bowl of hot water, can also help relieve ear pressure and reduce inflammation.

Additionally, chewing gum or other soft foods can help open the Eustachian tubes, which may reduce pressure and discomfort associated with ear infections.

Can I make my ear drops for an ear infection?

Yes, you can make your ear drops at home using simple, natural ingredients. A popular remedy is olive oil ear drops, which involve gently warming a small amount of olive oil and placing a few drops into the ear.

Olive oil can help soothe the ear canal and may aid in removing any excess wax. Another option is an alcohol-vinegar ear drop mixture, which combines equal parts rubbing alcohol and white vinegar.

What herbal oils are effective for ear infections?

Mullein oil, derived from the mullein plant, is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects, making it useful for relieving ear pain and swelling.

St. John's Wort oil is another option, offering both anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can help ease discomfort.

Garlic oil, has natural antibiotic properties, is especially effective against bacteria and can be applied as ear drops to help clear infections.

How does nasal irrigation help with ear infections?

Using a neti pot for nasal irrigation helps clear out mucus and allergens from the nasal passages, which can reduce congestion and improve drainage from the Eustachian tubes.

This process can alleviate pressure in the ears and potentially reduce the severity or duration of an ear infection.