12 Home Remedies For Earache

Medically reviewed by G. Liakeas, MD FACT CHECKED

If you are suffering from an earache, you are not alone. Earache is a very common condition that could be caused by a number of things, such as an infection, an injury, or even allergies.

The good news is that several home remedies could help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with an earache.

In this article, we will look at some of the most effective home remedies for earache. We will also provide some tips on how to prevent earache in the future. So, if you want relief from your earache, read on.

The following are the home remedies for earache:

  1. Ice-Pack

    Applying an ice pack to your ear could help to numb the pain and reduce inflammation. It’s important to wrap the ice pack in a towel or cloth before applying it to your ear, as direct contact with ice could damage delicate skin.

    To use an ice pack, simply apply it to the affected ear for 15-20 minutes at a time. You could do this several times a day as needed.

    If you don’t have an ice pack, you could also try a cold compress. To make a cold compress, simply wet a clean cloth with cold water and apply it to your ear.

  2. Garlic

    Garlic is a common home remedy for earache. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of garlic could help to reduce ear pain and infection.

    To use this remedy, finely chop one or two cloves of garlic and mix them with olive oil. Place a few drops of the mixture into the affected ear and allow it to sit for five to ten minutes.

    You could then remove the garlic and olive oil with a warm, damp cloth. To use garlic for earache, you could either place a garlic clove in your ear or make garlic ear oil.

  3. Heating Pad

    To use a heating pad for an earache, simply place the pad on your ear and leave it there for a few minutes. The heat could help to soothe the pain and reduce inflammation.

    You could also try placing the heating pad on your cheek or jaw if your earache is accompanied by pain in those areas.

    If you don’t have a heating pad, you could also use a warm, wet cloth. Simply wet a cloth with warm water and apply it to your ear. You could leave the cloth in place for a few minutes or until it cools off.

  4. Ear Drops

    One popular home remedy for earache is the use of ear drops. Various concoctions could be used, but the most common are those made with garlic or onion.

    These ingredients may have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which could help to ease the pain and discomfort of an earache.

    To use ear drops, simply tilt your head to the side and pull your earlobe down. This will help to open up the ear canal. Next, use a dropper to place a few drops of the solution into your ear.

    You may feel a little bit of relief immediately, but it is important to keep the drops in for at least five minutes to ensure that they have time to work.

  5. Sleep With Your Head Up

    This position allows gravity to drain any fluid that may be causing your earache, and it also prevents pressure from building up in your ear.

    You could prop yourself up with pillows or a foam wedge to make sure you’re comfortable and stay in this position throughout the night.

  6. Chew Gum

    Chewing gum could be an effective home remedy for earache. The act of chewing gum could help to stimulate the production of saliva, which could help to clear ear wax and relieve pain.

    Additionally, chewing gum could help to reduce tension in the jaw, which could also contribute to earache relief.

  7. Distraction

    If you’re looking for a way to cope with an earache, one option is to distract yourself from the pain. There are numerous ways to accomplish this, including:

    • Listening to music
    • Watching TV
    • Reading
    • Playing a game

    Of course, you’ll want to choose an activity that you could enjoy for a few minutes or more so that you could take your mind off of the pain.

    But if you could find a way to distract yourself, it could help you get through the earache until it passes.

  8. Chiropractic

    A chiropractor could help to realign your spine and neck, which could relieve pressure on your ears.

    They could also massage your neck and shoulders, which could help to loosen any knots that may be causing pain.

    If you don’t have access to a chiropractor, you could also try massaging your own neck and shoulders.

    You could also try applying a warm compress to your ear, which could help to reduce pain and inflammation.

  9. Tea Tree Oil

    This essential oil has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it an effective home remedy for ear infections.

    To use tea tree oil for your earache, add a few drops of the oil to a cotton ball. Then, apply the cotton ball to the affected ear and leave it in place for 10 minutes.

    Repeat this process two to three times per day until your earache goes away.

  10. Hydrogen Peroxide

    Hydrogen peroxide is a natural antibiotic that could kill the bacteria that’s causing your earache because it might have antibacterial properties.

    To use hydrogen peroxide for an earache, fill a small cup with equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. Then, tilt your head to the side and pour the solution into your affected ear.

    Before emptying it out, allow it to sit for a few minutes. You could do this a few times a day until your earache goes away.

  11. Ginger

    According to a study, ginger has a long history of being used for medicinal purposes, it could be used as an effective home remedy for strep throat and several others. Also, ginger is known to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

    To use ginger for earache, you could either make ginger tea or apply freshly grated ginger to the affected area. If you decide to make ginger tea, you’ll need to simmer fresh ginger root in water for about 10 minutes.

    Once the tea is ready, strain it and let it cool before applying it to the affected ear with a cotton ball. You could also add a bit of honey to the tea to help soothe the pain.

    To apply grated ginger directly to the ear, you’ll need to wrap it in a clean cloth first. Once it’s secure, apply it to the ear and leave it for 5 minutes.

  12. Neck Exercises

    These exercises are designed to loosen the muscles and improve blood circulation in the neck, which could in turn help to reduce ear pain.

    To perform the exercises, first, sit up straight in a chair with your head level. Then, slowly tilt your head to the right and hold it in that position for 30 seconds.

    Next, tilt your head to the left and hold it for another 30 seconds. Finally, tilt your head back as far as you could and hold it for 30 seconds. Repeat the entire process three times.

Final Remark

There are many home remedies for earache that could be used to provide relief. Some of the most effective include using a warm compress, taking over-the-counter medications, and using a humidifier.

If home remedies do not provide relief, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible as ear pain could be a sign of a more serious condition.

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