Written By: Anusuya Suresh | Published : June 22, 2015 9:07 AM IST
Although they play such a major role in helping us communicate, most of us pay hardly any attention to our ears. That is, till we suffer from earache, which can be one of the most debilitating pains ever experienced. In some cases, earache is a result of infection and will require treatment with antibiotics. However, in most situations, pain may be a result of inflammation that is either due to cold and congestion or due to improper drainage of wax and fluids from the ear. In such situations, simple natural remedies for healthy ears are all you need to ease the pain.
Warm or cold compress
Like any other pain caused by inflammation, ear pain also responds well to the application of either heat or ice. Dip a cotton cloth in hot water, squeeze out the excess water, ensure it is comfortable to touch and place it to cover the ear and surrounding skin. If you want to use a cold compress, use an ice pack on the outside of the ear, but make sure the water condensing on the pack does not trickle into the ear.
Essential oil massage
Massaging the area outside the ear with essential oil helps to improve the circulation of blood to that area. This is thought to facilitate drainage of substances that may have accumulated in that region due to inflammation. Make sure the essential oil you use lavender, eucalyptus, thyme or chamomile is diluted with some carrier oil and rub it on the neck, jaw or cheeks in a downward direction.
Steaming with essential oil
In many people, earache is triggered by congestion within the Eustachian tubes that connect the nasal cavity with the ear. Inhaling plain steam or steam into which a few drops of an essential oil have been added helps to decongest these tubes and this remedy provides relief from ear pain. Pour boiling water into a large bowl, add 3-5 drops of eucalyptus or lavender oil in it and lean over the bowl to inhale the vapors. For best results, use a towel to make a tent around your head so that the steam is directed to your nose.
Garlic poultice
Garlic has strong anti-inflammatory properties and works wonders as a preventive as well as a cure for earache. Lightly crush a clove of garlic, then wrap it in a little cotton, make a ball out of the wrapped garlic and insert lightly into the ear. Make sure the ball does not penetrate deeper into the ear canal.
Onion poultice
Cut a small onion into two and bake the two pieces in an oven until they just start to smell and shrink. Touch to make sure the onion pieces are comfortably warm and then place both over the two ears like ear muffs. Wrap a towel around your head passing over the two ears to hold the onions in place. The warmth and natural ingredients of the onion provide rapid relief from the ear pain.
Valsalva maneuver
In situations when the earache is the result of blockage of the Eustachian tubes due to congestion, a technique called Valsalva Maneuver can help provide quick relief by unplugging the ears. Take a deep breath, close the mouth, pinch the nose firmly shut simultaneously try to blow air out of the nose. Do not blow too hard to avoid damage to the eardrum. Also, this maneuver must not be used if there are signs of an ear infection.
You may have noticed that these remedies do not include the use of herbal oil in the ear. Although it was recommended as a remedy for healthy ears in olden times, studies have shown that putting oil inside the ear could introduce infections where none existed in the first place. Using these natural remedies for healthy ears is, therefore, a much healthier way of tiding over the discomfort and stinging pain of an earache.
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References
1 Elnima EI, Ahmed SA, Mekkawi AG, Mossa JS.The antimicrobial activity of
garlic and onion extracts. Pharmazie. 1983 Nov;38(11):747-8. PubMed PMID:
2 Silva J, Abebe W, Sousa SM, Duarte VG, Machado MI, Matos FJ.Analgesic and
anti-inflammatory effects of essential oils of Eucalyptus.J Ethnopharmacol. 2003 Dec;89(2-3):277-83. PubMed PMID: 14611892.
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