# Home Remedies for Ear Infections

- Link: https://stayathomemum.com.au/wellbeing/body/home-remedies-for-ear-infections/
- Published: 2013-10-12T05:00:57+11:00
- Author: Clare Whitfield

## _Ear infections are a painful thing to deal with and one of the main reasons for your child’s screams. _

They can be incredibly common especially in young children. Ear infections can occur
in the middle ear and the outer ear and while you may need antibiotics, it is possible
to manage the infection at home and at least alleviate some of the pain until you
can see a doctor. We have some home remedies for treating the plugged, aching, hot
and burning sensation that an ear infection can cause.

## **Heat **

One of the reasons why ear infections hurt so much is because they block your ear.
You may feel like your ear is heavy and have trouble hearing out of it. Adding some
heat to the area can help bring down the swelling and hopefully unblock the ear.
You can apply heat in a number of different ways. You may want to use a hairdryer
and blow the hot air directly into the ear (low heat only) or you can heat up a 
towel in the dryer and place it on your ear. You can also make your own heat bag
by filling up a sock with rice and heating in the microwave. This can provide relief
from some of the painful symptoms of ear infections.

## **Lemon Juice **

You can make your own natural ear drops using lemon juice. Warm the lemon juice 
for around 10 seconds in the microwave. Check that it is not too hot before adding
to an ear dropper and dropping into your ear. Leave the mixture in your ear for 
a minute and then let it drain out.⌊Fresh garlic bulbs and cloves natural remedy
for ear infections⌉

## **Garlic**

Garlic is a go-to remedy for a number of infections. You can try to add garlic to
your food but for instant relief from an ear infection, the best bet is to actually
add garlic to the infected ear. Place the garlic clove into your ear and let it 
sit for five minutes. Another option is to mince the garlic up with a tablespoon
of olive oil over low heat. Strain the liquid out and place into an ear dropper.
Then drop the mixture into the ear and let it sit before draining it out.

## **Onion**

Another stinky food that can help with your ear infection is onion. Slice an onion,
lay on your side and let the onion rest in your ear for around 45 minutes, if you
can stand the smell. This one may be difficult to administer to kids because they
might not want to lie still for that long!

**Note:** Often ear infections are caused by a serious bacterial infection and will
require antibiotics to cure the infection. If you or your child is developing a 
high fever, chills and other signs of infection, you may need to give in and head
to the doctor for a prescription. Always complete the entire batch of antibiotics
to be sure to kill the infection and prevent it from growing again.

**If you become concerned about any symptoms please seek immediate medical attention
we have some hotlines and suggested websites for further information and advice 
[https://stayathomemum.com.au/my-kids/babies/important-hotlines-websites/](https://stayathomemum.com.au/my-kids/babies/important-hotlines-websites/)**

**SAHM takes no responsibility for any illness, injury or death caused by misuse
of this information.  All information provided is correct at time of publication.**

**References:  **

The Mayo Foundation of Medical Education and Research. _Ear Infection (Middle Ear)_.
2013.  [http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ear-infections/DS00303/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies](http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ear-infections/DS00303/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies)

![author avatar](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/
12/clare_whitfield_profile.webp?quality=80&ssl=1)

 Clare Whitfield Chief Editor

 Clare Whitfield is the Editor of Stay at Home Mum and a recognised voice in practical
home management for Australian families. Based in the northern suburbs of Sydney,
she balances editorial leadership with life as a stay at home mum to two school 
age children. Her background in home economics and more than a decade of experience
in recipe development, family budgeting, and household systems inform her work.

 [See Full Bio](https://stayathomemum.com.au/author/clare_whitfield/) [  ](https://stayathomemum.com.au/author/clare_whitfield/)