11 Natural Remedies for Blocked Eustachian Tubes

The eustachian tubes are narrow passageways from the inner ear to the upper back of the throat. They help to regulate pressure in the middle ear.

Sometimes yawning or simply chewing gum will help to open the tubes and allow them to do their work of pressure adjustment. However, if the tubes actually have fluid in them or are inflamed, these first efforts at relieving ear pressure or discomfort usually do not bring complete relief.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Raw and organic apple cider vinegar, taken as a tonic internally can help to relieve blocked eustachian tubes, especially if the tubes are blocked due to allergies. Add 2 teaspoons of raw apple cider vinegar to a tall glass of water and consume the tonic on a daily basis.

2. Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is helpful to a variety of infections or inflammatory responses within the head. Use 2-3 teaspoons of virgin coconut oil or sesame oil. Swish it around in the mouth for 10-20 minutes once or twice a day. Spit the oil into the trash can (not the sink!) Do not swallow the oil.

3. Garlic Oil

Garlic oil kills infection and reduces inflammation. Several drops can be used inside the ear, or the garlic oil can be massaged behind the ear. Garlic oil is easy to make yourself and has many applications.

4. Mullein

The herb mullein is famous for it ability to thin fluids so that the body can expel them. Mullein leaf tincture or tea can be used internally. Mullein oil can be used in the ear or massaged behind the ear.

5. Hydrotherapy

Using warm compresses behind the ears can help to break up congestion and allow the tubes to drain. Soak a washcloth in hot water. Wring it out. Hold against the ear or behind it for 5 – 10 minutes. Repeat the procedure every few hours.

6. Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint oil can reduce inflammation and help to open things up. Use on drop of peppermint essential  oil in a teaspoon of olive oil or coconut oil and massage the area behind the ear and down the neck three times a day.

7. Menthol Vapor Rub

Vapor rubs that are created to relieve chest congestion can also relieve ear congestion. Massage vapor rub behind (not in!) the ears several times a day.

8. Cayenne Gargle

Cayenne pepper helps to promote fluids in the body to flow and open up blockages. Gargling cayenne pepper may help the tubes (and the nose!) to drain. Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper to 3 ounces of warm water and gargle. Use lip balm before gargling to avoid getting spicy cayenne pepper on the lips.

9. Steam Tent

Boil 2 cups of water. Add 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Carefully make a tent with a towel and slowly breathe in the steam through the mouth. This can help to thin fluids and encourage drainage.

10. Dietary Changes

Staying well hydrated with quality liquids can help keep mucous thin and easier to drain. This can allow fluid in the eustachian tubes to drain. Water and herbal teas are ideal.

Dairy tends to promote mucous production. A temporary fast from dairy products may be helpful. Butter, hard cheeses and raw milk products are less likely to cause difficulty than pasteurized, homogenized milk and ice cream.

11. Heal Other Infections

Often eustachian tubes are blocked because of an ear infection, sinus infection, sore throat or upper respiratory infection. Treating the primary infection will often bring relief to the eustachian tubes as well.

Do you have a natural remedy for blocked eustachian tubes or eustachian tube dysfunction? Please send us some feedback!