7 Home Remedies for Ear Infections

Medically reviewed by Benjamin F. Asher, MD

Home remedies for ear infections can range from doctor-recommended home treatments like over-the-counter pain medication and cold compress to unproven remedies like olive oil and garlic. Some home remedy recommendations—often passed from one person to another through word of mouth—may even be harmful.

Because some minor or early ear infections often clear up on their own, healthcare professionals are hesitant to prescribe antibiotics as a first course of treatment unless the infection is severe, the person is very young, or there are other mitigating circumstances.

This is one reason why you may want to try a home remedy. Still, it's important to make sure a remedy is safe and effective before trying it out. As always, when in doubt, ask your healthcare provider.

This article discusses seven of the most popular home remedies for ear infections, and the evidence supporting their safety and effectiveness.

Over-the-Counter Options

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are the most recommended treatment for ear pain and for the fever that sometimes accompanies ear infections. They won't cure an ear infection fast, but they can help manage any pain while the body fights the infection.

For infants over 2 months, acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be given if the baby's healthcare provider gives the okay. For children aged 6 months or older, acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) are options.

Fever In Young Infants

If a baby younger than 3 months old has a rectal temperature or forehead (temporal artery) temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, they need to go to the emergency room, even if there are no other symptoms.

Takeaway

Never give children aspirin, as it puts them at risk of a rare but serious condition known as Reye's syndrome.

Adults can try the following:

• Acetaminophen

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen (Aleve)
  

Cold Compress

Commercial pre-made ice packs can be used, or a cold compress can be made at home by freezing a wet towel or placing ice cubes in a sealable bag (with a damp towel covering it).

For best results, apply the compress to the affected ear for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Some people find it helpful to alternate between cold and warm compresses. Cold compresses won't cure an ear infection, but they can numb the area and help reduce inflammation.

Naturopathic Drops

Naturopathic drops, which are made from herbal extracts, may help with symptoms of an ear infection. One older study found that children with an ear infection who were treated with naturopathic drops had the same reduction in symptoms as children who used medicated drops.

These drops can be found over-the-counter in drug stores or online.

Neck Exercises

Neck rotations may help relieve pressure on the ear canal caused by an ear infection.

One exercise involves sitting up straight and keeping both feet flat. Rotate your neck to one shoulder, and then move it to the other shoulder. You can also raise your shoulders as high as possible and count to five. Repeat throughout the day.

Change Sleep Positions

Although it might seem unnatural, propping your head up a bit while you sleep may help reduce ear pain. That's because it can allow the eustachian tubes to drain, which they can't do properly when you're not in an upright position. Clogged eustachian tubes can cause pain.

Ginger

Ginger is a root commonly used as a spice in foods. It is considered to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger has been used for generations as a health remedy and appears to have health benefits, but those are mostly observational and anecdotal. Studies have been performed, particularly animal studies, but without strong, conclusive results.

Ginger juice or ginger-infused oil can be applied to the outer ear. Do not put ginger in the ear.

Garlic

Some studies suggest that garlic supplements can reduce the occurrence and/or duration of colds, a common cause of ear infections. But these studies are small, and more research needs to be done.

Warning

Do not put garlic, or any foreign objects, into your ear.

Freshly crushed raw garlic has shown promising results as an antimicrobial in part because of a defense molecule contained within it called allicin. Allicin has been shown, at least in vitro (outside of a living organism), to have strong antimicrobial properties. Animal studies suggest it may also help fight infection inside the body. But more research, particularly on humans, is needed.

Garlic May Interact With Some Medications

Garlic supplements should not be taken with medications that are transported by P-gp. This includes:

• Colchicine

• Digoxin

• Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)

• Quinidine

• Rosuvastatin (Crestor)

• Tacrolimus (Prograf)

• Verapamil

Because of the increased risk of bleeding associated with garlic supplements, talk to your healthcare provider about their use if you take an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin) or if you need surgery.

Garlic supplements may interfere with the effectiveness of saquinavir (a drug used to treat HIV infection) and other medications, dietary herbs, or supplements.

Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplements, including garlic.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

See a healthcare provider if:

• A child younger than 6 months has a fever (even as the only symptom) or shows signs of an ear infection.

• Symptoms do not improve within two to three days.

• Symptoms get worse.

• Symptoms are severe.

• There is hearing loss.

• There is a fever of 102.2 F (39 C) or higher.

• There is pus, discharge, or fluid coming from the ear.

• Severe pain suddenly stops (this may mean a ruptured eardrum).

• There is swelling behind the ear.

• New symptoms appear (especially severe headache, dizziness, swelling around the ear, or twitching of the face muscles).

• You think medical attention is necessary.

See a healthcare provider immediately if:

• An infant under 3 months has a temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher.

• There is a fever over 104 F (40 C) in an older child or adult.

• There is a stiff neck.

• A child acts sluggish, looks or acts very sick, or does not stop crying despite all efforts.

• The child’s walk is not steady/they are physically very weak.

• There are signs of weakness in the face (like a crooked smile).

• There is bloody or pus-filled fluid draining from the ear.

• The ear pain is severe.

• You think immediate medical attention is necessary.

Summary

While antibiotics are sometimes necessary for an ear infection, especially in children less than 2 years old, ear infections usually go away on their own within a few days.

To help with symptom management while your ears heal, some home remedies, such as over-the-counter medications and a cold compress, can be helpful. That said, others are unproven or possibly harmful.

Always check with your healthcare provider before starting a treatment for yourself or for your child, and never put anything in your ear or your child's ear without the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.