Earwax

Home remedies for Earwax

Earwax or cerumen is a common problem, but if not treated at the right time, it can cause complications. It is a natural substance produced as part of the body’s defense mechanism against bacteria and other foreign particles. Ear canal traps the dirt while reducing the growth of bacteria. Earwax removal should not be done on a regular basis but only as and when required. This wax acts as a natural protection for the inner ear and eardrum.

Many times, since the earwax hardens, it becomes difficult to fall off on its own. Softer wax tends to come off easily. Hence, most remedies for the removal of earwax will try to soften it to bring it out towards the exterior portion of the ear. The home remedies mentioned below helps to remove wax from the ear.

1) Coconut oil

Coconut oil is very useful to get rid of earwax. It contains medium-chain fatty acids similar to sebum and hence can be used without any worry. As it is also natural and effective against microbes, it lowers the risk of any infection. It works by killing a wide range of harmful bacteria that accumulate due to the wax build-up.

How to use-

1. Lightly warm up the oil and using the dropper, pour a few drops slowly in the affected ear.
2. Let it sit for 10 minutes. And then tilt your head a little to remove the melted ear wax.
3. Repeat this process if required.

2) Alcohol

A mixture of vinegar and rubbing alcohol helps to dissolve the earwax. Alcohol serves as a drying agent and evaporates when the temperatures lower down. Vinegar has astringent properties and fights microbial infections.

How to use-

First Mix properly two ingredients and flush your ear with this solution to get rid of earwax build-up. Use this every few weeks to keep your ears clean and infection-free.

3) Almond oil

Almond oil is another lubricant that assists in the elimination of earwax. The almond oil softens the wax and makes it easy to remove.

HOW TO USE-

Fill a dropper with almond oil at room temperature. Use it in the same way as the coconut oil. Repeat this as and when required.

4) Baking soda

Baking soda is a very effective natural therapy for earwax. It is an antiseptic that will also soften the earwax and prevents its future build-up.

How to use-

1. Mix the baking soda properly in the water.
2. Pour a few drops into the affected ear with the dropper. Let it stay in there for a few minutes. Slightly tilt your head to remove the melted earwax.
3. Clean thoroughly with a soft cloth.

5) Apple cider vinegar

The antibacterial and antifungal properties of apple cider vinegar come into use to deal with any harmful microbes that may be residing in your ear canal. The mild acidity of this solution will dissolve the earwax and remove it.

How to use-

1. Mix Apple cider vinegar with water and then flush out the earwax with this solution.
2. Repeat this process the next day if any irritation persists.

6) Olive oil

Olive oil is very helpful in softening hardened wax in the ears. This herbal oil acts on the hardened wax make it pliable and easy to remove.

How to use-

1. Warm up the oil for a few seconds in the microwave.
2. Pour warm olive oil with a dropper or a cotton ball as described earlier for coconut oil.
3. Use for a few days regularly so that the hardened wax gets ultimately dislodged.

7) Garlic  oil

If the ear blockage is accompanied by a lot of pain, using garlic oil is an effective & good therapy. Garlic contains allicin, which makes it a natural antibiotic. Allicin fights off any inner or middle ear infections and deals with pain. Garlic oil will work on the stiff wax & eliminate any infection. In this way, you will be able to combat the pain as well.

How to use-

1. In a small pan, add the oil, a few peeled, and crushed garlic cloves.
2. Heat the oil till the cloves turn black. And then allow it to cool.
3. When the oil is at about the room temperature, remove the cloves and use this oil in your ears.
4. Soak a cotton ball, tilt your head sideways and pour a few drops of the oil in the affected ear.
5. Rub a little oil around the ear that is paining.
6. Wait for a few minutes. Now, tilt your head in the opposite direction and drain.
7. For best results, do this at night before going to bed. Repeat the next day if required.

Use the above one to two home remedies for removing your earwax easily at home.