The most effective at-home treatment is placing oil drops into the ear. Many household oils, such as mineral oil, baby oil and even olive oil can work to soften the hard, impacted earwax.

Tea tree and basil oils both have medicinal properties that may be useful in treating ear infections. A 2006 review of tea tree oil’s properties explains that tea tree oil has a lot of terpinen-4-ol. This chemical compound kills off bacteria that it comes into contact with.

Tea tree oil, oregano oil, basil oil, and garlic oil, in particular, are known to alleviate ear pain. Try mixing a couple drops of essential oil with a couple drops of olive oil and placing them directly inside the ear.

Try olive oil Olive oil can also help prevent infection in your ear, as well as repel water out. Warm some olive oil in a small bowl. Place a few drops on your inner wrist to test the temperature. Using a clean dropper, place a few drops of the oil into the affected ear.

Most ear infections clear up within 3 days, although sometimes symptoms can last up to a week.

Inner ear infections will usually clear up by themselves within a few weeks, although some can last for six weeks or more. If the symptoms are severe or they don’t start to improve within a few days, then you should see a doctor. The doctor might prescribe antibiotics if the infection appears to be caused by bacteria.

Ear Infection Home Treatments and Remedies

1. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol)
2. Applying a warm compress on the infected ear.
3. Applying naturopathic ear drops with ginger, tea tree, or olive oil may help with pain and inflammation.

What you can do to soothe a cold or ear infection:

1. Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and head pressure.
2. Try a cool-mist humidifier or shower steam to loosen congestion.
3. Try over-the-counter saline drops to clear the nose.
4. Consider sinus rinses or devices to remove mucus from young children’s noses.