What Are the Best Natural Remedies for Children’s Ear Infections?

Ear infections are nothing to laugh at, particularly when they affect your children. Ordinarily, when ear infections are concerned, the first thing to do is take a trip to the doctor.  However, with your doctor’s permission, there are natural remedies for ear infections that can work just as well, and cost a fraction of the price.

One of the most common remedies for ear infections in children is to place two to three drops of warm onion juice in their ear.  One or two drops of warm olive oil can also help alleviate the pain from the infection. 

An age-honored remedy is a cup of rice or flaxseeds placed in a sock with the top securely tied or stitched shut and then microwaved until it is warm.  This can help alleviate the pain and pressure caused by ear infections.  Hold the makeshift ‘heating pad’ gently over the affected ear to open up the tissues and with any luck drain the ear.  Be sure to test the pad on yourself first and make sure it is not too hot.

If you have one, a hot water bottle (warm, not hot) placed on the side of your child’s head can help to reduce the swelling and ease the pain caused by the infection, as well.  Place it on a pillow and have your child lie on it for twenty minutes, and see if that helps.

You can also add two to three drops of hydrogen peroxide to your child’s ear.  This is one of the better ways to combat an ear infection, as the peroxide can help kill bacteria.  However, be careful here, as it can also dry out the inside of your child’s ear, making it more susceptible to ear infections. 

If none of these home remedies seems to help alleviate the pain that your child is suffering, the best thing to do is pay a visit to the doctor.  Often, a round of antibiotics is all that is required to end your child’s misery.