The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Steaming Washcloth in Mug
Posted by Fanciullag (Buffalo, Ny, Usa) on 05/16/2011
★★★★★
A friend taught me this trick and it helps. Take two washcloths, wetting them both with warm to hot water. Then stick them in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Place a washcloth in the bottom of a coffee mug, then put a mug over each ear. The steam in the ear seems to help alot!
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Elaine (Edmond, Oklahoma, Usa) on 03/03/2011
You need to irrigate your ears with warm water and maybe a little liquid soap and peroxide after you use hydrogen peroxide in your ears. The Peroxide caused the ear wax to dislodge and swell. You can buy a ball syringe at any pharmacy. I use my water pic and it seems to wash all the "trash" out of my ears pretty well. If you wait too long this will turn into an infection and you'll have to see your doctor. Judging by the date I imagine you already have. Many years ago my doctor told me it is quite alright to irrigate your own ears. In fact he gave me a syringe to do it with.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Kevin (Canada) on 01/28/2023
I call BS on this post. Looks like robo-posting is all over the internet trying to dis-credit natural remedies.
Cigarette Smoke
Posted by Margalit (Buena Park, Ca.) on 03/18/2010
★★★★★
Yes, I've tried the newspaper rolled up and burned it at the end when i was pregnant and it took away my ear pain kind of scary but it worked for me.
Cigarette or Newspaper
Posted by Leah (Friendswood, Tx) on 08/31/2009
★★★★★
Hi, well I dont know about cigarettes blown in the ear, but I do know for a FACT, that if you roll up a newspaper and place it in your ear like a torch, all the smoke that goes into your ear will place pressure and pop whatever it is in there. Its usually good for air in the ears or ear infection to relieve the pressure. I wouldnt call it a cure, but it does help alot, my mother did this to me when I was like 3 on up and its not painful, just dont make the point on the end that goes in your ear to pointy.
Rubbing Alcohol and White Vinegar
Posted by Eva (Prinsenbeek, The Netherlands) on 08/04/2009
★★★★★
A slightly different earache recipe (more diluted) is widely used among divers (you can't dive with bad ears). Too much alcohol in the solution dissolves earwax, this can leave the ear canal prone to infections.
Thus one-third distilled water, one-third white vinegar and one-third isopropyl alcohol could be a more effective mixture.
Even if there is water in the mixture, your ear will dry out and right after application you will feel your ear canal to become warm. Some people even warm the solution between their hands before using it. I would not use a Q-tip, but apply a few droplets the solution with a medicine dropper (taking care not to let the dropper touch the ear or anything else).
Tilt the head to one side add two to three droplets, then gently massage the ear in a circular motion to ensure penetration, and allow the medication to sit for some minutes before lifting the head upright. I am not sure this recipe helps when you have a very bad infection, but it DOES work when you have some irritation and/or water in your ear.
After your ear feels normal again you can stop with the treatment (usually,after one to several days). It is a cheap recipe, so to keep it potent you can make a new batch of it monthly if you need to use it often.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by dadude99 (Cottonwood, AZ,) on 07/05/2009
Right now i have a realy bad ear ache that has ben going on for 2 days. yesterday it was the 4th of July, so the bangs made it worse. i tryed pain killer, and it worked pretty well. this morning i started to hear ringing, so i tryed proxide, and now it is stuck in my ear bubbling. so DONT USE PROXIDE!
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Melanie (Phoenix, AZ) on 12/15/2024 1 posts
It's supposed to bubble, crackle, pop. That means your ear had germs that the Hydrogen Peroxide was killing.
Vinegar
Posted by Mom2_3 (Balitmore, Maryland) on 06/05/2009
★★★★★
my family friends son had an ear infection for nearly a year. They did everything imaginable to cure it and nothing worked. He had oozing green nasty stuff coming from his ear constantly. After many different painful and risky treatments, including thinking of taking out parts of his ear (10 hour surgery), they were referred to their last resort at John's Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore City. The doctor was stumped and gave them one last idea...he said this may or may not work but let's give it a try....use vinegar to irrigate the ear twice a day. After 2 months of that and then 1 month of once a day it was gone and has NEVER returned! VINEGAR!
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by PayItForward (PNW) on 01/30/2025 65 posts
Yes, putting cold fluid in your ear can cause discomfort or even trigger a reflex that leads to nausea or fainting. This is related to the Vestibular System, which helps control balance. The inner ear contains structures that play a role in balance, and when cold water is introduced into the ear, it can disrupt the normal balance signals to the brain, potentially causing dizziness, nausea, or even fainting in some individuals. I found this...
Why Cold Fluid in the Ear Might Cause Fainting or Nausea:
- The vestibular system is directly connected to the brainstem, which controls many involuntary functions like heart rate and blood pressure. When the brain receives confusing signals (e.g., from cold water in the ear), it might misinterpret these as a real change in head position.
- This can trigger a dizziness or nausea response, especially if the brain struggles to process the conflicting information.
- In rare cases, extreme stimulation of the vestibular system can cause fainting (known as vasovagal syncope), where the body's reaction to the perceived imbalance lowers blood pressure and heart rate.
Nausea/vomiting can occur because the brain interprets the disorienting sensation from the vestibular system as a possible sign of illness, triggering the body's response to clear out the "poison" (vomiting) even when there's no actual toxin.
This reaction is most commonly associated with a test called the caloric test, which is used to assess inner ear function. However, generally speaking, it's advised to avoid putting cold fluids in your ear unless it's under medical supervision or for specific treatments, like ear irrigation, as it can lead to discomfort.
If you need to put a liquid in your ear it's generally recommended to use liquids that are at body temperature, or slightly warmer. This is because liquids that are too cold or too hot can cause discomfort and might disrupt the balance system in your inner ear. Lukewarm water (about 98.6°F or 37°C) is typically safe and won't cause these adverse reactions. If you're using a liquid for ear irrigation or cleaning, ensure it's the right temperature to avoid any discomfort or risk of dizziness.
Garlic
Posted by Eb22 (Hilo, Hawaii) on 02/28/2009
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Warning! Do NOT PUT GARLIC INTO YOUR EAR! I placed a peeled garlic clove in my ear for 2 hours to relieve a 5 week long ear infection which had made me me desperate. 1 hour later my face went numb on that side. 7 hours later I woke up with vertigo and ringing in my ear. It is now 3 weeks later and I still feel vertigo and the ringing makes it difficult to sleep. I hope this goes away!
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Navae (Portland, OR) on 12/22/2008
★★★★★
I use this site as a reference library for all the ailments our family encounters! It has been a lifesaver.
Yesterday i woke up with a horrific earache - it just came out of nowhere. It was making me dizzy and nauseous.
I am a stay at home mom of 3 little boys - i don't have time to be out of commission.
So - i came here as usual and found the Hydrogen peroxide remedy. i poured about a eighth of a cap-full (3 ml), tilted my head and poured it in. It was rather uncomfortable, mainly because of the liquid being in my sensitive ear, and the bubbling.... LOTS of bubbling :) But i don't think it was so bad that i couldn't do it on the kids.
anyway - i did it about once every 2-3 hours totaling 3 times. The last time was right before i went to bed.
I woke up this morning feeling 100%!
**other things i was also doing: GSE and Oregano oil in water to kill it from the inside, and immune boosting herbs. (if you use gse/oregano oil, please look up dosage info first!!!)****
Garlic
Posted by Johnny (Portland, Or) on 11/01/2010
LOL!!! Thanks for the good laugh :D I think you cured me. The juice of 7 cloves of garlic! Why such extremes? I can't imagine the pain that much alicin caused. Hope you got better quick. Alicin is very powerful indeed and obviously a strong irritant. As such, only a small amount is needed, 1 clove peeled only at the tip and carefully scored there is enough (as instructions given above). You CAREFULLY insert clove (big enough to fit but not enter fully) into the ear for a few hours (max 3) and it will kill anything with little pain (think fumigating more than pouring liquid alicin onto your ear drum). Fresh garlic is also important, as the alicin vapors quickly dissipate after a few hours of contact with air. Hope this helps you! It helped me a great deal.
Garlic
Posted by Pad (Possum Trot) on 01/09/2022
You are not supposed to place pure undiluted garlic juice in your ear. It is supposed to be diluted with olive oil. Don't blame your experience on not reading the directions correctly.
Coconut Oil and Garlic
Posted by Shabbir (Bangalore, India) on 05/30/2008
★★★★★
Ear Ache can be relieved almost instantly. Just warm a very small amount of coconut oil with a clove of Garlic cut into two in it. Do not over heat as the oil & the Garlic would be burnt.
Allow the oil to cool down to a warm level. Use a dropper to pour a drop or two into the ear while lying down. Lie down for a few minutes to allow the oil to go down deep into the painful ear.
Caution: Allow oil to cool to bearable level - use your cleaned finger to test. Do not use more than a drop or two of the warmed oil.
Do not worry this is a routine home remedy here in India.
Oregano Oil
Posted by Michelle (West Palm Beach, Florida) on 03/05/2008
★★★★★
I couldn't find this one so here goes. Best for kids, as it helps whatever is causing the fever, especially virus. Two drops of Oreganol Oil, on each foot rub it in and fever will break in a matter of five (5) minutes. I have four kids and have used this on ALL of them. It has absolutely always worked.
You can rub a few drops on chest for congestion or sinus trouble too. I have used two drops behind ear (rub all around area) for curing ear infections, ear pain, etc.
You can't beat it for cuts, they will never get infected! Best for little finger cuts as they are hard to keep clean! Also cures toenail fungus, especially seriously infected ones, drop several drops around nail bed, under nail, and around affected toe, with in hours, the pain is gone! Three times a day and the toe infection will be gone in a few days. My friend 6'11" male, was about to go to the ER when I told him to try this, he could barely walk! It was easy to walk in a matter of hours and completely cured in a few days! Three times a day several drops. Epsom salt soaks help to draw out infection and help pain too.
Earth Clinic is my Favorite for everything!
Olive Oil
Posted by Beth (Conway, AR) on 02/08/2008
★★★★★
I have always used sweet oil for all my ear trouble and my mom used it when I was little girl. I am now 26 and use it to this day I will not buy any OTC stuff it is a waste of money. they say you should heat it up but as long as it is at room temp. and at ___ it is $3.84 I cant go to the doctor
Garlic
Posted by Bitten (Largo, Florida) on 07/27/2011
I would like to thank all who have added their stories, I have greatly benefitted, and I thnk this is a SUPER site! Thanks again :D
Onions
Posted by JJ (Dortmund, Germany) on 03/25/2007
★★★★★
Chop onions and stuff them into socks. Fasten one to each ear (pulling a hat over the head and socks works well) and keep there for the duration of the pain. This is particularly effective against ear infections. If pain persists longer than a day, go to a doctor (esp. with children). But with this method I have never had the pain persist that long.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Linda (miramichi n.b. canada) on 05/21/2006
★★★★★
I had a severe chest infection and plugged left ear. After 2 rounds of antibiotics I got better but was left with dizziness and deafness and a ticking noise in left ear. I had lost 50% hearing. That was 2 years ago. I started using h202 in both ears about 1 year ago and noticed right away it cured the ticking and in time no more dizziness. I noticed about 2 months ago. I can hear perfectly in both ears. I am a great believer in hydrogen peroxide.Also my husband and I don't get sick much anymore. Thanks for the great site. linda c. canada
Cayenne Pepper
Posted by Missy (Sherwood, Arkansas) on 09/07/2008
★★★★★
I've had an ear infection for almost four weeks...and I've been to the doctor three times. I have had trouble keeping the auditory tubes open. I tried the cayenne pepper treatment listed on this site. I don't know how long it will keep the auditory tubes open, but it'll definitely drain the sinuses!
Cayenne Pepper
Posted by Paul (Bloomington, In) on 02/22/2010
★★★★☆
Had an ear infection due to clogged up sinus'. I got the ear infection to go away but not the mucus. I tried this cayenne cure and it somewhat worked. It did relieve a bit of the pressure and after a long nap did seem better but not completely gone.
Word to the wise, make sure you have some padding in your stomach like crackers, chips, bread as this cure burns both mouth and stomach. I had a hard time swishing the water as I was too concerned about the burning in my mouth. I did not follow this cure to the T so it might work better next time with practice.
Cayenne Pepper
Posted by Sara (West Allis, Wi) on 02/08/2011
★★★★★
I tried this a year or two back when I had an inner ear infection with fluid in my ear due to a sinus infection. The doctor put me on antibiotics to clear up the infections, but I also did this cayenne pepper remedy. I felt it working on the first try, but I noticed more relief as I did it a couple more times. I would say after the 2nd or 3rd treatment, the fluid was almost completely gone and I could hear normally again. I have since bought stronger cayenne (the other stuff was old). It may not take as many treatments if you have some good quality cayenne.
Cayenne Pepper
Posted by Stan (Las Vegas,nv, Usa) on 02/26/2011
I just did that pepper thing. The guy who said it makes you feel like you just puked was right. But, most of the pain is gone with my sinuses drained. I'll do it a couple of more times later and see what happens. I will update.
Garlic
Posted by Anonymous (USA) on 11/16/2005
★★★★★
Garlic for ear ache: one garlic tooth. heat not too hot. cut a piece from garlic. wrap in a cotton ball with vick 's vapor rub then insert in ear. Not both ears. in no time you'll feel better.
Tiger Balm
Posted by Rob (Kentucky) on 02/08/2021
★★★★★
Tiger Balm “Red”
I have chronic earaches.
I have learned that putting Tiger Balm on the outside of the ear canal with a Q-tip and on my neck just below the ear eases the pain and I don't need to take as much pain medication as I have in the past. I also put a warm, moist compress on the offending ear and go right back to sleep
