Earaches can be a real problem for a lot of people. Kids are especially prone to frequent earaches. Many of them grow out of that, but some of them have the problem into adulthood. So, whether you have a problem with them or your child does, here are some things that you should know about natural earache remedies.
Inner Middle And Outer Ear
The first thing that you need to know is that infections come in two forms, outer and inner (middle) ear infections. Outer ear infections are the most common and can usually be simply treated with home remedies.
However, infections of the middle ear can actually wind up popping the eardrum. That can cause a person to become permanently deaf. Also, inner ear infections are not usually painful, but can be dangerous because they alter a person’s sense of balance. That can make it easier to fall, in many situations.
So, it’s absolutely vital that you talk to your doctor, or your child’s doctor, as the case may be. The doctor can identify the problem and tell you whether or not you can use home remedies to treat it. If they say yes, here are some treatments to try.
Cover Your Ears
Ear infections are often caused by exposure to cold wind or water. So, particularly in bad weather, it’s important to wear hats and ear coverings. We can’t always control our children, though. So, the next best thing is to get them warm and dry as quickly as possible, if they go out uncovered in cold or wet weather.
Swimmer’s Ear
If you or your child swim often, it can create an infection of the ear. That can also happen if your child insists on putting their head under water in the bath tub. That doesn’t mean they should stop swimming or bathing, obviously. However, you may want to start putting a couple drops of white vinegar in their ears after each bath or swim. That will help to ward off ear infections.
Olive Oil And Garlic
Olive oil can help to clear out ear wax. Garlic can help to reduce infection. So, you can try blending 3 tablespoons of the former with one clove of the latter and then drop three drops into the ear.
The problem with natural earache remedies, such as the garlic and olive oil one, is that they require laying down and being as still as possible for an extended time. In this case, at least half an hour is required. So, not all kids will tolerate such a treatment. If that’s the case, talk to your doctor about faster alternatives. Also, be sure to talk to the doctor if any of the above treatments don’t start to work after a day or two.
