4 home remedies for otitis

Home remedies for otitis, such as garlic and olive oil compress or apple cider vinegar solution, have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, helping to combat ear inflammation and relieving otitis symptoms, such as ear pain or feeling of pressure in the ear, for example.

To avoid complications, it is recommended that home remedies are not placed directly in the ear, as they may worsen symptoms. Therefore, the best way to carry out the home treatment is to use a cotton pad wet with the home remedy and place it over the ear. See other ways to relieve ear pain caused by otitis.

It is important to highlight that, although they have benefits, home remedies for otitis do not replace treatment recommended by a doctor. Therefore, if otitis symptoms appear, you should consult an otorhinolaryngologist to diagnose the cause of otitis and carry out the most appropriate treatment.

Some home remedy options for otitis are:

1. Garlic and olive oil compress

The garlic and olive oil compress has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties due to allicin, present in garlic, which helps reduce ear inflammation, helping to alleviate otitis symptoms, such as pain or discomfort in the ear.

Additionally, olive oil helps lubricate the ear and reduce discomfort from inflammation.

Ingredients

• 1 clove of garlic;
• 1 drizzle of olive oil.

Preparation mode

In a tablespoon, add 1 clove of crushed garlic and a drizzle of olive oil and heat until warm. When it is warm, dip a piece of cotton in the oil, squeeze it to remove the excess and place it in the affected ear. Leave this remedy to act for about 20 minutes. Repeat the procedure 3 times a day.

2. Mullein essential oil

Mullein is a medicinal plant of the Verbascum densiflorum species, rich in substances with anti-inflammatory, moisturizing and healing properties, which help reduce inflammation in the ear, relieving the symptoms of otitis.

This medicinal plant must be used in the form of an essential oil purchased from pharmacies or health food stores, but it can also be prepared at home with natural ingredients.

Ingredients

• Fresh mullein flowers;
• Half a cup of olive oil.

Preparation mode

Mix the ingredients and place in a clean, dry glass jar. Cover and let rest for about 3 to 4 weeks, shaking daily. After this period, filter with a paper filter, and store the oil in a dark, clean and dry container. Apply 2 to 3 drops to a clean, dry cotton pad and place in the affected ear, 2 or 3 times a day, until symptoms improve.

Mullein oil should not be used by children under 12 years of age, pregnant or breastfeeding women.

3. Echinacea tea

Echinacea tea is rich in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulant substances, such as flavonoids, chicoric and rosmarinic acids, which help reduce the production of substances that can cause the pain and discomfort of otitis, in addition to strengthening the immune system.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of echinacea root or leaves;
• 1 cup of boiling water.

Preparation mode

To use echinacea leaves, add them to a cup of boiling water and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. As for the echinacea root, you must boil the root together with water for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and drink twice a day.

Echinacea tea should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women

4. Apple cider vinegar solution

The apple cider vinegar solution contains acetic acid in its composition, with antibacterial and antifungal properties, which help fight bacteria and fungi that cause ear infections, and thus relieve ear pain caused by otitis.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar;
• 1 teaspoon of warm water.

Preparation mode

Mix warm water and apple cider vinegar, and apply 5 drops of this solution to a piece of cotton and apply it to the affected ear. Leave to act for about 5 minutes and remove the cotton