Children are usually the most at risk for earaches, but people of all ages can be affected. Earaches can result from swimming, getting water in the ear during a shower, pollen in the air getting trapped in the Eustachian tubes of the ear or even excessive wax buildup. As garlic is a natural antibiotic, there are some garlic-based remedies that can be administered at home.
Signs of an Earache
A dull ache within the ear or a sudden sharp pain is usually a sign of an earache and possibly an infection. Other symptoms may or may not include fever, having a stopped-up feeling in the ear, difficulty in hearing, drainage in the form of pus or blood and itching.
Garlic Drops
One home remedy is to try making garlic-based oil to put in the ear. Crush a clove of garlic, and put it in a small jar with olive oil completely enveloping the garlic. Let it sit for 2-3 days for the ingredients to emulsify or blend together. Heat a teaspoon of the oil slightly and pour into the painful ear with a spoon. Keep the head tilted up for five minutes, then place a cotton ball in the ear. This can be done up to four times a day. This home remedy is best made before an earache develops and then stored until needed.
Garlic Herbs
Take one herbal garlic tablet daily to boost the immune system. This will help the immune system fight off infection.
Garlic Clove
Fresh garlic cloves can be used in several ways. Place a peeled clove of garlic at the opening of the ear canal, and hold it there for a few minutes to allow the juice from the garlic to trickle into the ear. This will fight infection and reduce pain. Eating a whole clove of garlic several times a day will aid earaches as well. Ingesting whole cloves is easier for adults than children. Children will do better with the garlic drops or by placing the fresh garlic at the ear canal.
Caution
It is important to keep the ears clean and dry. Do not poke any objects down into the ear as this might puncture the ear drum, leading to an even more serious problem. Extreme sharp pain, blood coming out of the ears or a loss of hearing need to be addressed by a physician.
Tags: clove garlic, fight infection, home remedy, immune system, sharp pain, This will