How to cure an ear infection

Ears are composed of three different anatomical sections: outer, middle and inner ear. Ear infection can affect any of ear parts and when that happens, the infection usually transfers to other ear sections. These infections are common condition, and in some cases, they can be linked to the flu or common cold, especially in cold weather. Usually, ear infections can cure without any medical assistance, but visiting your doctor is recommended. Doctor may prescribe antibiotic drugs, which will speed up the recovery process.

Types of Ear Infections

External otitis is the medical term for infection of the outer ear, usually associated with common cold, flu and fever. When the infection affects the area inside the eardrum and all small bones, this infection is known as otitis media, and is usually provoked by bacteria and viruses. Chronic ear infections behind the eardrum can sometimes be caused by low humidity, leading to increased mucus in the ear and causing pain.

Home Preparations for Ear Infections

Many different home remedies can be used as ear drops, to relieve the pain and fasten up ear infection recovery. Tea tree oil, garlic juice (diluted with some boiled and cooled water), warm olive oil, lobelia extract and mango leaf juice can be used for this purpose. Just put couple of drops of any of these remedies in the infected ear and it should work against the infection and the pain you are experiencing.

Mixture made of 1 tablespoon of almond oil, 2 drops of chamomile oil, 3 drops of tea tree essential oil and 2 drops of lavender oil is also believed to be helpful for ear infections. The mixture should be warmed and used as ear drops, given 2 drops at the time, 3 times a day.

Warm a cup of salt in the microwave for 2 minutes, and place it in the cotton sock or cotton bag. Keeping the remedy close to the ear is said to decrease the pain caused by ear infection.

Changing the pH in the ear is also believed to help in ear infections. Some suggest using diluted white vinegar (1 part white vinegar and 1 part water) or squeezed lemon juice. Pour one or the other in the infected ear and then drain out of the ear into the towel. These remedies should change the pH in your ear and prevent further bacteria growth and infection.

Some also believe that a warm onion, fasten to the painful ear with some natural-fiber hat or scarf is able to heal infected ear.