Home Remedies for Ear Infections

1. Salt

Salt is probably the most readily available home remedy.

• Heat up one cup of salt on a pan over low heat for a few minutes. You can also heat it in a microwave or double-boiler.
• Place the hot salt on a cloth and seal the open end with rubber band (or tie a knot).
• When it is bearably hot, lay down and put the cloth on the affected ear for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Repeat this remedy daily as many times as needed. The heat generated from the sock will help draw out fluid from the ear and relieve swelling and pain.

As an alternative, you can use one cup of rice in the same manner described above.

2. Garlic

Garlic has antimicrobial properties and natural pain relieving qualities, making it highly effective in the treatment of ear infections. There are a few ways to use garlic as a home treatment.

• Make garlic oil by cooking two garlic cloves in two tablespoons of sesame oil or mustard oil until it turns blackish. Strain the solution. When it is bearably hot, use two to four drops of this oil in the infected ear as ear drops.
• Alternatively, you can also boil two or three fresh garlic cloves in water for five minutes, then crush them and add some salt. Put the mixture in a clean cloth and place it against the affected ear.
• Consuming two to three cloves of raw garlic daily also helps speed up the healing process