Otitis: how to treat it naturally?
Written by: Loris Vitry (holistic coach)
Validated by: Cathy Maillot (Osteopath)
Caution: If you have any medical questions or concerns, please speak to your doctor. Even if the articles on this site are based on scientific studies, they do not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Otitis is a chronic or acute inflammation of the ear and is a widespread condition.
It often affects the cavities and ducts of this organ.
Several factors can cause otitis in a person.
It usually has an infectious origin and is manifested by severe pain in the ear.
It is possible to relieve this ear condition using natural means.
In this article, we suggest some natural remedies for treating otitis.
Using onion to calm inflammation
The onion is used as a natural remedy to treat many infections and diseases.
Indeed, this food has many benefits like antibacterial and antiseptic properties and allows us to fight better bacteria and inflammation caused by otitis.
Rich in mineral salts and active components, onions are a great way to treat otitis externa.
Using the onion remedy to treat otitis is not complicated.
You have to cut a fresh onion and wrap it with a cloth.
Next, lay the cloth containing the onion on the affected ear so that the onion juice can pour into the ear.
The operation should last 5 to 10 minutes, and you should prefer an organic onion.
Using hot or lukewarm water
Another effective natural remedy for treating ear infections is the use of hot water.
Indeed, hot water has an analgesic power, which might calm the pains linked to inflammation.
The treatment with hot water also helps to fight against infections and eczema in the ear.
However, not to harm the eardrums, it is recommended to use lukewarm water.
Pour 2 to 3 drops of lukewarm water into the infected ear, taking care to tilt your head to the side.
The application should last approximately 5 minutes, after which you can remove the earwax that the heat has softened.
After this, use a clean towel to dry the ear.
Also, you can use hydrogen peroxide following the same instructions for treating otitis.
Hydrogen peroxide is a disinfectant, and it helps get rid of viruses and microorganisms that develop in the ear ducts.
Use garlic to reduce the infection
To relieve ear infections, you can also use garlic.
This food is a natural antibiotic and is very useful in fighting infections.
It is also a stress-fighting substance.
Indeed, garlic has several virtues, which make it an ideal remedy to relieve various ailments.
When choosing garlic, it is advisable to prefer garlic grown without pesticides or chemicals.
This type of garlic contains more sulfur, which is the main compound that ensures the antiseptic properties.
For this remedy, you will only have to prepare garlic juice.
It will be necessary to cook cloves of garlic using steam cooking, as this method makes it easier to extract the juice.
Once the cloves are cooked, extract the juice and let it cool down.
Then pour it into the suffering ear.
Also, you have the option of using pure garlic oil instead of garlic juice.
Pour some drops of the oil to penetrate the sore ear for a few minutes to get all the benefits.
The use of olive oil to fight skin irritation
Olive oil is very well known for its healing properties.
It is used to relieve many symptoms from several diseases.
In the case of otitis media, olive oil helps reduce the infection by softening earwax and diminishing the irritation.
Using olive oil to relieve otitis is not at all complicated.
First, you will take two spoons of the olive oil and heat it.
Once heated, remove the oil from the heat and let it cool down a bit to become lukewarm.
Finally, apply two to three drops of olive oil in the infected ear.
In addition to olive oil, you can also use sweet almond oil for otitis media.
This oil also has healing properties that are similar to olive oil.
Lavender essential oil
Another natural remedy that helps treat otitis is the use of lavender essential oil.
Lavender is a plant whose oil has anti-viral and anti-stress properties.
To use this remedy, you will first place two drops of lavender essential oil on the index finger.
Then, you will have to massage around the affected ear, specifically the lobe and the back of the ear.
This treatment should be done two to three times a day for five days.
This dosage should not be used in children.
Instead, you will need to apply a drop of the oil and massage it only once or twice a day.
Propolis
Propolis is an excellent antioxidant and antiseptic.
This hive product is also an excellent remedy for helping in the treatment of otitis in general.
The treatment involves pouring a few drops of pure propolis into a little water and drinking.
As every product has different dosages, please refer to the recommended advice on the propolis product you will use.
This treatment should be repeated two to three times a day.
However, it is essential to know that propolis cannot be used in children or for pregnant women since propolis extraction might require alcohol in the mixture.
Failure to take precautions for otitis media can worsen to the point of possibly causing hearing loss.
To conclude, there is no need to stress, but just follow our recommendations so that the condition does not become severe.
We also recommend consulting your doctor to find out the nature of otitis.
Also, avoid using cotton swabs, needles, pens, or any other sharp object to try to unclog your ears.
These methods are ineffective and involve many risks.
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