When you have an earache, you want to get rid of the pain quickly. Many people prefer natural methods to ridding themselves of earaches instead of traveling to a doctor, undergoing tests and paying to fill a prescription. Try these natural remedies first to get the relief you want from an earache. Start as early as you can when you feel an earache coming on.
Warm Compresses
One of the simplest ways to relieve an earache is to use a warm compress. Wet a small washcloth or towel in very hot water, squeezing out the excess, and lay it against the affected ear. You can also carefully heat the washcloth up in the microwave, at about 5-second intervals, checking it at each interval until it reaches the desired warmth.
A heating pad is another natural way to relieve an earache, and is easier than constantly reheating a washcloth or towel. Simply plug the heating pad in and lay it lightly on the ear that hurts.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Mineral Oil
Most people already have either hydrogen peroxide or mineral oil in their home, if not both. Each one can be used to provide relief for earaches. Using a small baby bulb syringe, carefully put about 5 to 10 drops of hydrogen peroxide in the ear that is affected, and lay on your side to keep it in the ear. After about 10 minutes, let the solution drain out and rinse the ear out with water. This helps kill any germs that can be aiding in the process of an earache.
Mineral oil can also be used to relieve aches in the ear. To do so, warm the oil gently and add a few drops into the ear. Again, lie on your side and let the oil pool in the ear for close to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse with water.
Time
While many people want relief immediately from an earache, sometimes the most natural way to get relief is to simply wait it out. Unless the earache is a symptom of something serious, many times your body will simply heal itself. A temporary remedy is also simply swallowing, especially if the earache is not that bad. However, any earache that lasts for more than a few days or is extremely painful should be seen by a doctor. This is especially true for children and babies.
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