Natural Remedy for Swimmer’s Ear

Most of us have been in this situation at one time:  it’s 3 AM, you are away on vacation, and your child wakes you because of sudden, severe ear pain.  You have been swimming for days, and you know what is wrong; swimmer’s ear, but you have no viable options for treatment.

Thankfully, if you can find a 24 hour drug store nearby, (and if the infected ear is otherwise healthy – no ruptured or perforated eardrums), you should be able to find all that you need to cure swimmer’s ear.  In a very small cup, mix equal parts of garlic oil (may be obtained from garlic oil capsules), vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide.  You may warm it slightly, if so desired, but be VERY careful as it is easy to overheat, and a burn on an already irritated ear canal is the last thing you want.

Very carefully, pour the mixture into the infected ear, gently tugging on the ear lobe to help the solution seep down into the ear.  Let it sit there for around five minutes, if possible.  Depending upon the severity of the infection, this may sting somewhat, but if if does, simply allow the solution to flow out of the ear.  It will be still be effective.  Repeat this procedure as needed and be sure to keep water out of the ear until the infection is completely gone.  A warm compress is often soothing between treatments.  It has been my experience that this works within a day or two, and is so inexpensive. 

To prevent the reoccurence of swimmer’s ear, mix equal parts of vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and alcohol and put in the ears after swimming to keep them dry and free of fungus.  Happy swimming!