10 Home Remedies for Earache

Olive oil has been used medicinally for thousands of years, and it remains a popular home remedy for earaches. Warm a few drops to body temperature and carefully place them in the affected ear. Scientific evidence is limited, but anecdotal reports are plentiful. Note that this method is not recommended for children.

Place a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in the affected ear and leave them for a few minutes. Then tilt your head to let the drops drain out, and rinse thoroughly with distilled water.

Garlic has been used as a natural remedy since ancient times, and it still has something to offer. Crush a clove, soak it in olive oil for a few minutes, strain out the garlic, and place a few drops of the oil in the painful ear.

Ginger is a well-known anti-inflammatory that can help soothe earache pain — but don't put raw ginger directly in your ear. Instead, extract some ginger juice and place a few drops in the ear, or warm and strain ginger-infused oil and use that instead.

Tea tree oil's anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities make it useful for earaches. Dilute a few drops in olive oil to make a gentle ear drop solution. One caution: pregnant women should avoid tea tree oil products, as the compound can be harmful to a developing embryo.

Both hot and cold compresses can ease earache pain. For a cold compress, wrap ice in a cloth. For a warm one, heat a cloth in hot water or the microwave — test the temperature carefully before applying. Hold the compress against the affected ear for about ten minutes. You can use either type or alternate between them. Compresses are safe for children.

Chiropractors are best known for treating back problems, but some people find chiropractic care helpful for earaches as well. Chiropractic associations suggest that spinal adjustments can support the body's natural healing, though conventional medicine hasn't validated these claims. Anecdotal evidence is more positive.

Sleeping with a sore ear pressed against the pillow is a reliable way to make the pain worse. Try sleeping on the opposite side or flat on your back to reduce fluid movement in the ear. Adding an extra pillow to elevate your head can help too.

Acupuncture has become widely accepted for a range of conditions, and some people find it helpful for earaches — possibly by reducing congestion and pressure. Research remains inconclusive, but it's worth asking your doctor whether it might be a good option for chronic ear pain.

Many earaches resolve on their own, given enough time. Focusing on work, a hobby, or exercise can shift your attention away from the discomfort, making the wait more bearable. Children respond especially well to distraction — games, toys, or an outing can do wonders when an earache is making them miserable.