Dealing with an earache can be very painful, especially when it affects a baby or small child. An earache typically begins when the tube which runs from the back of the throat to the eardrum becomes congested. Therefore, the eardrum cannot regulate pressure or fluids to the ear. Mucus or pus builds up behind the eardrum, which in turn causes an earache. The more fluid that builds up, the worse the pain becomes. Because it is not always possible to get immediate medical attention, you may have to tolerate the pain or find an alternative way of treating it yourself.

Bael (Aegle marmelos) The root of the bael tree is used in a unique manner to treat ear problems. A stiff root of the tree is dipped in neem oil and it is lighted. The oil dripping from this root is allowed to fall into the ear. This brings about tremendous relief in ear aches and infections.

Bishop’s Weed (Trachyspermum ammi) Bishop’s weed is very effective in treating ear congestions. About a teaspoonful quantity of it is heated in 30 milliliters of milk. The juice of the weed is allowed to permeate into the milk. This is then used as ear drops.

Obtain natural sweet oil and cotton balls. Drop an ample amount of the sweet oil inside the ear. To ensure that the oil remains in the ear, in order to alleviate the pain, gently, though securely, place a cotton ball inside the ear. The afflicted individual should lie down on the opposite side of the affected ear for best results.

Ajwain oil - as a natural eardrop - as a measure in relieving earaches.

Peel 2 cloves of garlic and mix them with two teaspoons of mustard oil. Heat the mixture until the garlic turns black and then turn the heat off. Strain and cool until lukewarm. Apply 2 to 4 drops into the ear using a cotton swab. This is said to help alleviate ear pain.

In boiling water, steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of chamomile flowers for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain the water and place the hot flowers in a cloth and place on the ear. This is a great home remedy for earache.

Tea Tree Oil -- You will need to use warm tea tree oil and olive oil. Put five to ten drops of tea tree oil into a tablespoon of olive oil and mix. Using a dropper put 2 to 3 drops in the infected ear twice a day.

Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) -- Buy grapefruit seed extract in liquid form. Put 3-5 drops of GSE in 1 oz. of glycerin or alcohol or both and stir well. Put 1-2 drops in the infected ear 1-2 times daily. Absolutely do not use GSE full strength in the ears as it is too strong.

Put some seeds of the fenugreek in any kind of oil; mustard and linseed oils are the finest. Then warm this to some extent. After that, cool and then filter the oil and put it in each ear. About four to five drops of the oil in each ear will helps in eliminating the pain completely.

Another fine home remedy for earache is to put few drops of hydrogen peroxide in the aching ear.

Eating upright. Milk can cause irritation to the Eustachian tube in the inner ear while lying down. This can cause more severe ear infections. When the child has a cold or flu, try to eliminate all dairy products (provided you have stopped nursing). If the baby is on formula and your health care provider approves, switch to soy formula during the 10-15 days the child is sick to reduce mucus production. Dairy increases mucus in the system and bacteria grow more heavily when mucus is present.