An earache is caused by ear inflammation or infection. The irritation or infection can occur in the outer ear canal (otitis externa, also known as swimmer's ear), the middle ear behind the eardrum (otitis media), or the inner ear (otitis interna) (otitis interna). Vomiting, vertigo, and loss of balance are all symptoms of an inner ear infection.

Earaches are more common in children than in adults. Children are more prone to ear infections because their ear passages are so small that an amount of fluid/mucous that would not cause a problem in an adult can cause severe problems in a child.

There is evidence that ear infections are frequently caused by allergies. The allergy is typically to cow's milk or formula, but wheat is also a common allergen. The allergy irritates the mucous membranes, resulting in swelling. This constricts the eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the throat. This tube allows for pressure equalization on both sides of the eardrum as well as drainage of fluid from the inner ear. When this tube swells, pressure in the inner ear builds up, causing pain.

Antibiotics are commonly used to treat ear infections, but they are ineffective and contribute to intestinal problems, which cause more lymphatic stagnation and perpetuate the tendency to earaches. Parents are frequently hesitant to treat earaches naturally for fear that the infection will result in permanent hearing loss. This is simply not true. Antibiotics have no scientific evidence that they do anything other than shorten the duration of pain and infection. However, the trade-off is more frequent earaches.

There are numerous natural remedies for earaches and infections. Garlic oil is extremely effective against ear infections. Warm the oil to body temperature before putting a few drops in each ear. To improve lymphatic drainage, rub some of the oil down the side of your neck. Cut a raw garlic clove, apply olive oil to it, and place it on the outside of the ear for adults or older children (sort of like a hearing aid). This will eliminate the infection quickly, stimulate lymphatic drainage, and relieve pain. High Effectiveness Garlic, either raw or cooked, can also be consumed internally.

Another highly effective treatment is to bake or steam an onion and then insert a few drops of onion juice into the ear. (First, ensure that it has cooled to body temperature.) While the cooked onion is still warm, cut it in half and place it over the ear. In most cases, the onion or onion juice relieves pain and reduces inflammation and infection almost immediately.

Other effective ear drops include lobelia, Silver Shield, and essential oils diluted in olive oil such as lavender, tea tree, or thyme (1 part essential oil to 10 parts olive oil). Warm all of these substances to body temperature before inserting them into the ear. Garlic, mullein, and/or St. John's wort can be combined to make an excellent ear oil.

Eliminate the possibility of food allergies and yeast infections in children who have frequent ear infections. Eyebright is very effective at either preventing or opening the eustachian tubes after they have swollen. It is the herbal equivalent of ear tubes. The herb works best as a fresh plant tincture, but large doses of dried powder or the EW formula can also be effective. ALJ, when taken on a regular basis, can also help reduce allergic reactions that cause earaches.

CBG Extract is also widely used to treat ear congestion in both children and adults. It is used to make ear drops.

Echinacea can help fight infection and reduce inflammation in earaches when taken internally. Lymphatic drainage herbs, such as Lymphatic Drainage, can also be beneficial.