Herbal Remedies for an Ear Infection

Dealing with ear infections is never any fun. Mild infections can be treated at home. Even more serious infections can be treated while you wait to get in to see a doctor. Most of these herbal remedies are inexpensive, and you may be able to find the items necessary right in your kitchen cabinet.

Ear infections can be painful and just overall make a person miserable. They often cause pain quickly with no other symptoms. Knowing how to treat the symptoms at home can provide you relief until you get in to the doctor.

Olive Oil

Olive oil has been used as an antiseptic for centuries. It works well with ear infections as well. The oil will absorb some of the infectious material while providing soothing relief. Just use a small drop in the affected ear, wait a few minutes, and use a soft cotton ball to swab it out.

Mullein Oil

Mullein is an inexpensive herb found at any health food store for very little money. Some stores will also carry mullein in oil form. If you can't find it in oil form you can drop some mullein in an olive oil base and allow it to sit overnight. The mullein will reduce the swelling that occurs with an infection. Apply it with a cotton ball inserted into the ear for a few minutes at a time.

Garlic

Garlic is another herbal remedy that has been used to help many conditions over the years. Cut a small piece of garlic and wrap it in cotton. Place the cotton in the ear for no more than 20 minutes. It's important to keep the garlic wrapped so the raw juices won't come in to direct contact with the ear canal. The garlic will help draw out the infection and provide pain relief.