Resolved Question

What is a good home remedy for an ear infection?

Please help if you can. My poor husband has had an ear ache for about a week now. It was just a little irritated until last night and tonight it's gotten even worse. He's tried the over the counter ear drops but says they aren't working. We've tried hydrogen peroxide and placing warm washcloths on his ear, but that's not really working, either. It's 2:30am and he doesn't want to go to the ER. What can I do? It's so frustrating to see him hurting and to have no idea what to do or how to help. He can't sleep because of it - he's been tossing and turning all night so far. Any suggestions would be so greatly appreciated.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

It is important to know what is causing an ear ache, as different causes should be treated differently.

An ear infection is a fungal infection, and almost any type of fungus is quickly and effectively treated with vinegar.

The Remedy:

Mix white vinegar 50/50 with clean water. Drop into ear, and wiggle ear to ensure it goes all the way in.

This provides almost instant results, especially if the infection is caught early. My son woke with an ear infection one night, and after a quick vinegar treatment and about fifteen minutes for the pain to subside somewhat, went back to sleep and by morning his ear was completely well.

You may mix vinegar with rubbing alcohol instead of water, but the alcohol will sting and is not necessary. The vinegar does a fine job of creating a pH environment that is completely unfriendly to fungus, and the little bit of extra water will run out and not cause further problems as long as you dry your ear carefully.

Side note: Vinegar of various sorts and in various concentrations is wonderful for other fungal infections as well. I rub it on my scalp for dandruff, for instant results. I pour apple cider vinegar in the bath for vaginal yeast infections, for instant relief and quick recovery. For fungus, vinegar works better and faster than any store-bought or prescription remedy. But only for fungus--for bacterial infections, vinegar can actually make the problem worse. So be sure you know what you're dealing with!

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Other Answers (5)

• When I have ear ache (this happens alot) I take paracetamol (a painkiller) then lie on a very hot water bottle with the hurting ear pressed down on the hot water bottle firmly. You can either do this in bed or on the couch and make sure he is facing the TV or reading a book then hopefully he will get back some of his lost sleep. I really hope i helped i know how bad ear ache can be so please tell me if this worked :D

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• "With a ear infection that has lingered that long and become that painfull, it might be best to see a qualified medical professional."
  
  Do this. The rest is complete rubbish, just do this bit.
  
  If it's infected, delaying treatment like you have done already could lead to a serious condition.
• mullein and garlic oil a few drops in the infected ear and follow with a cotton ball to hold solution in place
• about it you can get information from here http://nurse8.notlong.com/4AABAYF
• With a ear infection that has lingered that long and become that painfull, it might be best to see a qualified medical professional. Certainly you do not want to risk the ear drum becoming infected and bursting - though repairable to a large degree, that is not a pleasant experience and could result in some permanent hearing loss.
  
  Having said that, here is a remedy that works almost every time:
  
  Colloidal silver, garlic, tea tree oil, olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Mix together three drops of tea tree oil with a two tablespoons of olive oil, a teaspoon of colloidal silver and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Warm slightly and then lie on your side with your head on a towel (or paper towels) with the infected or aching ear facing up. Use an eyedropper to draw up the mixture and then slowly fill your ear to near the top. Continue to lie on your side for several minutes and the take the towel and hold it to your ear and lie on your other side and let the mixture drain out of your ear onto the towel or paper towels. Repeat two to four times daily. You should experience immediate relief and complete resolution within 24-48 hours. Note: If you do not have all of the ingredients, any combination will probably work. Also, oil of oregano can be substituted for the tea tree oil.
  
  A couple of other suggestions, though I greatly prefer the one above, are:
  
  * Ease the pain and pressure of an ear infection with a store-bought blend of mullein (Verbascum densiflorum) and garlic (Allium sativum) infused oils. These oils kill pain and fight bacteria. Before bed, warm the drops. One way to do that is by placing the bottle in your armpit for 45 seconds. Tilt your head and squeeze 5 drops into the infected ear and then place a cotton ball in your ear for a few minutes to keep the drops from running out. You should experience immediate relief.
  
  * Garlic, Apple Cider Vinegar, Honey, Eye Dropper, Warm Towel or Pad. Cut two to three cloves of garlic(fresh)into a bowl. Slice it very well so the juice comes out. Pour in about a teaspoon and a half of vinegar and melt in a little honey, not a lot (can heat it up warm if you prefer). Make sure you stir the substance up really well and then take take the eye dropper and draw up a little solution at a time and put it in the ear. Let it sit for about a few seconds and drain it out. After draining it a few times the ear should draw out and reduce the pain. Add a warm to mildly hot pad or towel.
  
  If you suspect a ruptured ear drum, do not attempt any remedies but instead seek professional medical help.

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