Winter brings the joy of hot tea, sunbathing, and comforting soups, but it also ushers in the season of common cold and flu. Amidst this, earaches can be an unwelcome guest, causing shooting pain and hindering daily tasks.
While pain-relieving pills are looked at as a quick relief, experts say that they should be the last resort and taken only after the doctor’s prescription. However, there are gentle ways that can help manage ear pain from the comfort of your home.
In the spirit of ayurveda, discover home remedies to ease ear pain without resorting to medications.
Understanding earache
Before we dive into the remedies, let us grasp the source of the earache. The common cold can lead to sinus congestion, causing pressure imbalances in the ears. This, in turn, triggers pain and discomfort. Let us unveil the crescendo of relief with some home remedies.
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Warm compress
A warm compress is the universal remedy for any inflammation. It works wonders at any part of the body. Hence, this can be adopted as the first thing in case of ear pain.
“This gentle heat can help alleviate pain and promote blood circulation, harmonizing your earache away,” says Dr Ved Prakash, an ayurveda specialist based in Kanpur.
Begin with a warm compress to ease the tension in your ear. Soak a clean cloth in warm water, squeeze out excess water, and place it against the affected ear.
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Olive oil
For all health freaks, olive oil is the go-to oil in their diet. A few drops of warm olive oil can be a soothing melody for your ears.
“Massaging the ear canal area from outside may help alleviate the ear pain,” says Dr Prakash. He also advises not to put oil into the ear before consulting a doctor.
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Tea tree
From skincare routine to making soothing tea, tea tree oil is used widely nowadays. Due to its unique properties, it may also help in managing ear pain.
“Tea tree oil possesses anti-inflammatory properties that may provide relief from ear pain, turning it into a healing harmony,” says Sarvesh Singh, a naturopath expert based in Rishikesh.
He suggests mixing a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil. Apply the mixture around the ear, avoiding direct contact with the ear canal.
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Garlic groove
Garlic not only enhances the taste of any dish but also helps body to fight infections.
“Garlic’s antibacterial properties may help combat infection and bring a pungent remedy to your earache blues,” says Singh.
Crush a garlic clove and mix it with warm olive oil. Strain the mixture and massage with a couple of drops around the ear, avoiding direct contact with the ear canal.
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Hydration
While having a cold, we usually do not feel thirsty. However, proper hydration keeps the mucous membranes in the ear from drying out, contributing to the overall relief of ear pain. Staying hydrated to maintain optimal fluid balance in the body is crucial.
“Plain water is the best way to hydrate the body. Warm liquids like herbal teas can be particularly soothing both for cold and pain,” says Dr Prakash.
Conclusion
The journey through ear pain due to cold can feel like navigating a complex musical composition, but these home remedies can help alleviate discomfort and offer a soothing resolution.
However, if the pain does not get resolved in a day or two, get yourself checked by the doctor for proper diagnosis and management.
