Many factors can cause clogged ears or ear congestion. Fluid in the Eustachian tubes in children usually occurs due to allergies or viral infections causing pressure and pain in the ear. Many swimmers also experience clogged ears after water enters the ear canal. Blocked ear after a cold or sinus infection is also a common condition. Wax formation or hardening of the ear wax can also lead to ear clogging. So today we will study some home remedies for clearing ear congestion.
1. Try over the counter decongestants
The middle ear is connected to the back of the throat via the Eustachian tubes. As explained above, these tubes can get clogged with water, phlegm or wax. Adding a few drops of nasal decongestant can help relieve pressure in the tubes and allow the patient to breathe normally. Use Flonase, Afrin or Neilmed Sinus Rinse in the nostrils. People suffering from allergies can use these nasal sprays all throughout the allergy season. However, you must discontinue Afrin within 2-3 days as it can lead to chemical dependency and cause the nostrils to become very dry.
2. Use ear plugs when swimming/bathing
Ear plugs are the best remedy to prevent water from entering the middle ear. If you suffer from clogged ears, use ear plugs and swim caps. Also use a shower cap or plugs while showering or washing your hair. Do not allow children to submerge their head under water in the bathtub.
3. Use warm compress
Applying a warm compress to the ear can help clear ear congestion. If you are suffering from blocked ears due to a cold, this remedy is greatly beneficial. Gently press a warm bottle of water on the ear. The heat will draw out fluid and relieve pain.
4. Apply tea tree oil
A few drops of tea tree oil inside the ear is the best remedy to unclog ears from wax and fluid buildup. You can also heat up some coconut oil and add a few drops of tea tree oil to it. Using a dropper, drop the mixture into the aching ears. Lie on your side so that the treated ear is on the top. Let the medicinal oil mixture seep into the ear. This will relieve pain and help you get prevent bacterial infections as well.
5. Drink mullein leaf tea
Drink an infusion of mullein leaves, mullein flowers or chrysanthemum flowers. This remedy is known to unclog the ears easily.
6. Warm olive oil
Heat up a few teaspoons of olive oil. Using a dropper, add the warm oil inside the ear canal. Leave it in the ears for a few minutes. This remedy dissolves hardened wax and also unclogs water or fluid buildup.
7. Cajuput oil
Soak a sterile cotton wool in cajuput oil. Place the cotton in the ear canal and leave it in overnight. This will help unclog ear after cold or swimming.
8. Phenol/glycerin
Make a thin wick of cotton. Soak it in phenol, glycerin or entrops and place it gently in the ear canal to remove blockage and congestion.
9. Garlic or onion juice
Cut a clove of garlic and place it in the ear. Cover the ear with a bandage. The pungent vapors of garlic will remove fluid from the ear and also prevent infections. You can also mix together equal quantities of garlic juice (or onion juice) and olive oil and add a few drops of the mixture in the ear. Place a cotton ball in the ear to let the medicinal oil work its way inside the ear canal. This remedy is very effective in unclogging ears from wax and water.
10. Echinacea and Goldenseal
Both these herbs boost immunity so do take 2-3 pills three times a day. You can even take extracts or tinctures of Goldenseal and Echinacea. Adding a few drops of the diluted tinctures in the ear can resolve clogged ears and waxy buildup.
11. Steam inhalation
Boil water in a steamer and add a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oils to it. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the vapors for 10-15 minutes. This simple remedy will unclog the ears quickly.
12. Basil and coconut oil
Warm up some coconut oil and add a few drops of basil essential oil to it. Using a clean cotton wool, wipe the inside of the ear and the ear canal with the mixture. You can even gently squeeze the cotton wool and add a few drops of the oil mixture inside the ear. Lie on your side so that the treated ear is on top. Basil essential oil has many medicinal properties to unclog hardened wax and remove fluids from the ear canal.
13. Apple cider vinegar
Mix a teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar with some distilled water and add the solution inside the affected ear. Let the solution work its way inside the ear canal to remove the clog. Repeat this remedy until all of the wax or water is out.
14. Lemon balm
If you are wondering how to unclog ears, lemon balm is the solution. Add a bit of it inside the ear and leave it in. This gentle remedy treats ear infections and facilitates faster healing. It also relieves pain.
Try these 14 natural remedies to remove clogs and clear ear congestion.