When the pain from an earache strikes, instant relief through household homeopathic remedies is just an arm's length away. Rather than spending time and money at the doctor's office or with over-the-counter medications, try using a common household remedy instead.
Homeopathic Remedies
Bill Gottlieb, author of "Alternative Cures," recommends trying to treat minor earache pain with home remedies. Garlic oil, in capsule form, contains bacteria-killing agents that can be helpful in eliminating earaches. After using a pin to pierce the capsule, squeeze a few drops of the garlic oil onto a cotton ball and place the cotton gently in the ear. This can be left in for an hour during the day or during the entire course of the night. Orally consuming two 500 mg capsules a day for 7 days is recommended to help heal the earache as well. A good addition to the cotton ball is called mullein flower oil, which can help with the inflammation.
Consuming echinacea and goldenseal together in liquid form can also help clear up an ear infection. Echinacea has antibacterial properties, and goldenseal has the effect of drying. Dosage recommendations can be found on the bottle.
Another home remedy includes inhaling lavender essential oil. Lavender is touted to promote relaxation and help support the immune system. Gottlieb recommends taking a bowl of boiling water and adding a few drops of lavender oil to it. Place a towel over the head, lean into the bowl and inhale the steam for five to 10 minutes. This process can cause burns, so care is required.
A massage technique known as a qigong massage can sometimes relieve earache pain as well. Create a V shape with the pointer and middle finger. Place the two fingers on either side of the earlobe, with the earlobe in-between the V shape. Move the fingers in an up and down movement, pressing firmly on the way up and releasing the pressure on the way down. Gottlieb recommends doing this procedure 36 times.
When to See a Doctor
While the above recommendations are not approved nor endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration, they can provide relief in certain situations. However, Gottlieb recommends that a doctor's visit is warranted in certain situations. When the pain is extreme, discharge comes from the ear or a fever of 100 degrees or higher is present then the pain may be caused by an outer or middle ear infection. In the case of persistent earaches due to food allergies, certain doctors may be able to help eliminate these causes.
Tags: Gottlieb recommends, certain situations, cotton ball, earache pain, When pain