Top 8 Home Remedies for Ear Pain You Need to Know

Why Do You Get Ear Pain?

Most of the time, ear pain is related to any underlying illness, probably an ear infection. However, there are other reasons that usually go unnoticed. 

Let us quickly slice through the common causes of ear pain. 

• Excessive Ear wax - Naturally wax accumulates in the ear. However, when it is too much that it clogs the ears, then it can create a painful sensation. This is called impacted wax. Regular dewaxing of the ear can help. 
• Air Pressure - Ears are a pro at balancing air pressure. Ears not only help in hearing, they are involved in balance in motion too. However, in case of extreme fluctuation and frequent changing of air pressure, your ears may stumble causing pain. 
• Water Trap - If you are a swimmer, you might have faced this. At times when water gets trapped in the outer ear, it might lead to development of microbes or germs. Though this doesn't spread, it may lead to ear pain. 
• Ear Injury - Injury due to frequent buds usage or due to poking while cleaning the ear can cause ear pain. However, major injuries can also cause ear pain. 
• Teeth Trouble - Ear pain is common due to dental issues especially if you have any impacted tooth. This can also cause headache and nausea. 

This being the case, here are a few remedies that can help to handle ear pain. Let us check them out. 

The Best Home Remedies for Ear-Pain

Home remedies aim at helping you to get along with your ear pain. Usually mild ear pain is short lived and disappears upon simple remedies. If you have an infection, getting it treated relieves you of the ear pain. 

Let us now check out the top 8 ear pain remedies. 

1. Air Travel Tips

If you are a frequent air traveller, then you are bound to experience ear pain at some point or the other. You might want to do these to avoid ear pain. 

• Use chewing gum or suck on a lollipop to expand the mandible and the maxilla providing more room for the ear bones to handle pressure.
• Yawn more frequently; this definitely helps earbones to balance pressure better. 
• Take a deep breath and blow out via mouth with nostrils closed while on the plane. 
• While descending, ensure you are not asleep. 

2. Regular Dewaxing of the Ears

Ear wax drops regularly can evaporate the extra wax of your ears and keep it necessary. This can help avoid ear pain due to wax accumulations. Adding further, accumulated wax can also cause consequent infections that can increase complications. 

Ayurvedic experts recommend the usage of alkali medicated oil (Kshara tailam) for ear health on a regular basis, weekly once or twice. 

3. Ear Fomentation 

This is simple and very much relieving. Use a clean cloth folded into a handy bundle and use it for applying heat from a source, ideally a hot pan. This makes the ears sweat and relieve vata dosha and reduces pain. 

If your work involves listening to a lot of sound and constant use of earphones, then consider ear fomentation every night for a few minutes before sleep.

Ayurvedic Tip: Ayurvedic experts recommend ear fomentation on a regular basis to ensure that ears get an outlet to release any toxins. 

4. Cold Compress 

In case of pain with inflammation, then using an ice pack for cold compress can help. It relieves pain and helps to sleep well. In fact, alternating with a hot pack for ten minutes and cold compress for another 10 minutes is very effective in handling ear pain. 

5. Garlic 

Both modern science and ancient medicine encourage the use of garlic for ear pain and ear infections. Garlic contains allicin, a powerful compound that can fight bacterial infections. 

As per Ayurveda, garlic can balance vata dosha. Ear bones are considered to be a seat of vata dosha. An imbalance of vata can cause ear pain. Garlic can be used both externally and internally for alleviating ear pain.  Here are a few ways in which garlic can be used:

• You could burn garlic and allow the smoke into your ears - this relieves pain and fights microbes. 
• Garlic juice can be mixed with olive oil and smeared over the inside of the ears. This works to reduce infections and helps balance ear pain. 
• Warm oil filling - Add a few crushed garlic pieces into olive oil and allow it to boil for some time. The oil changes colour and flavour. Filter and allow the oil to cool down. While it is bearably warm, fill 6 to 7 drops into each ear. This reduces pain and strengthens the ear bones. 
• Garlic can be added liberally to your diet if you are prone to ear pain; this also regulates body pain and works from within to mitigate ear pain. 

6. Benzoin Resin 

This is the dried resin of a tree that is available in blocks, coarse or fine powder. This when sprinkled or poured over hot coal, generates a lot of smoke that has high therapeutic properties. 

• It fumigates the scalp, skin and ears and acts like a natural detox. 
• In case of pus or infection, it arrests oozing. 
• It reduces ear pain and improves immunity. 
• It provides a sterilisation effect and keeps the body clean. 

This can be done even on a daily basis. However, weekly once is also good. 

7. Ayurvedic Body Analysis 

Not all those who travel get ear pain. The way your ears get affected also depends on the build, your individual body type, genetic composition. For instance, if your body type is naturally vata, then you are more prone to ear pain compared to others. Here are some unique remedies for different types of body;

Vata Type 

• Medicated ghee drops
• Sesame oil massage

Pitta Type

• Coconut oil drops
• Aloe vera gel

Kapha Type

• Mustard/Olive oil drops
• Steam inhalation

Getting a complete ayurvedic body analysis done can help you understand the underlying cause and dosha imabalance. This can help you make mindful decisions regarding ear care. 

8. Oil Bath 

Regular oil baths using gingelly oil or any other natural oil help a lot to balance the entire skeletal system, including ear bone balance. 

Ayurvedic experts also recommend oil baths on a regular basis. 

Applying warm oil over the head, ears, and soles of the feet and giving a mild massage can stimulate nerves and blood vessels. After retaining for some time, taking a bath in hot water gives an entire therapeutic effect. 

All these top remedies give better results when coupled with personalised advice based on Ayurvedic consultation. The Ayurvedic system believes in 'understanding the self as the first step towards the treatment of any disorder or for general health care. 

Wrapping Up

Ears play an important role in balancing body metabolism on a day to day basis. Erratic and continuous exposure to sound, it can be music or related to the workplace, affects ear bones greatly. Hence ear care is very essential to protect hearing and body balance. 

Get your detailed consultation with our Nirva health experts today.