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Last updated: Apr 12, 2024

10 best herbal teas for ear infection

Certain herbal teas have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate symptoms of ear infections.

Echinacea tea is a popular choice, as it boosts the immune system and reduces inflammation. Peppermint tea cools and soothes the ear, reducing discomfort and itching. Ginger tea has natural antibacterial properties that combat infection-causing bacteria, while chamomile tea calms and relaxes, reducing anxiety associated with ear infections.

These herbal teas, when consumed in conjunction with medical treatment, provide a holistic approach to healing and relief from ear infection symptoms.

1. Chamomile

Chamomile tea provides relief from ear infections due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

The hot tea, when used as a compress, helps to alleviate pain by reducing inflammation in the Eustachian tubes and outer ear. Chamomile's antimicrobial properties combat bacterial and viral infections causing the discomfort. Moreover, its soothing effects promote relaxation, which aids in managing the stress and discomfort associated with ear infections.

As a natural remedy, chamomile tea serves as a gentle and accessible alternative to over-the-counter medications.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in chamomile tea that help with ear infection.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in chamomile tea that aid with ear infection.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile tea for ear infection.

  1. Boil 1 cup of water for 3-5 minutes until it reaches a rolling boil.
  2. Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers to a tea infuser or teapot.
  3. Pour the boiling water over the chamomile flowers and let it steep for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Strain the tea to remove the chamomile flowers.
  5. Allow the tea to cool down to a warm temperature before using it as a warm compress for the affected ear.

2. Calendula

Calendula tea contains flavonoids and essential oils, which possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

These compounds inhibit the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation in the ear canal. Moreover, calendula teas antioxidants promote healing by fighting off infected cells and reducing pain. As a result, calendula tea aids in alleviating ear infections, fostering a quicker recovery.

Lastly, consumed orally, calendula tea can boost the immune system, further assisting the body in combating ear infections.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in calendula tea that help with ear infection.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in calendula tea that aid with ear infection.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic calendula tea for ear infection.

  1. Pick 1-2 tablespoons of fresh calendula flower petals.
  2. Rinse the petals under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities.
  3. Place the petals in a teapot and add 2 cups of boiling water.
  4. Let the tea steep for 10-15 minutes to extract the beneficial compounds.
  5. Strain the tea and allow it to cool down before using it as a warm compress for the ear infection.

3. Echinacea

Echinacea tea contains powerful compounds, specifically echinacosides and polysaccharides, which exhibit strong anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

These components act on the body by reducing inflammation in the inner ear and strengthening the immune system to combat the infection. Moreover, echinacea tea has antimicrobial qualities that directly target the bacteria or virus causing the ear infection. By alleviating inflammation and bolstering the immune system, echinacea tea creates an environment in the body less conducive to ear infections.

Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Therapeutics and Research reported that echinacea extract effectively treats ear infections as efficiently as conventional medications.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in echinacea tea that help with ear infection.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in echinacea tea that aid with ear infection.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic echinacea tea for ear infection.

  1. In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of dried echinacea flowers or 4 echinacea tea bags.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the tea cool down for a few minutes.
  4. Strain the tea to remove the echinacea flowers or tea bags.
  5. Drink the tea while still warm, up to three times a day for relief from ear infection.

4. Goldenseal

Goldenseal tea contains berberine, a powerful alkaloid known for its antimicrobial properties.

This substance aids in fighting bacterial infections, making it helpful for addressing ear infections. Moreover, goldenseal's anti-inflammatory effects help reduce inflammation in the ear, providing relief from discomfort and pain. Its antioxidant properties support overall ear health and strengthen the immune system, promoting faster recovery.

Ultimately, goldenseal tea's unique combination of medicinal properties makes it an effective tool in treating ear infections.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in goldenseal tea that help with ear infection.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in goldenseal tea that aid with ear infection.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic goldenseal tea for ear infection.

  1. In a sterilized pot, combine 1 cup of distilled water and 2 teaspoons of dried goldenseal root.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Strain the tea to remove goldenseal root pieces.
  4. Allow the tea to cool down to a safe temperature.
  5. Using a dropper, administer 2-3 drops of goldenseal tea into the affected ear, twice daily, for 3-5 days.

5. Lavender

Lavender tea derives its infection-fighting properties from its essential oil, which possesses antibacterial and antimicrobial qualities.

This infusion impedes the growth of bacteria and microbes responsible for ear infections. Moreover, lavender tea's anti-inflammatory agents alleviate inflammation and discomfort in the ears, providing relief to the individual.

The soothing qualities of this tea also assist in reducing stress and promoting relaxation, contributing to an overall feeling of well-being. Furthermore, lavender tea's antioxidants bolster the immune system, aiding the body in combating and preventing infections.

Ultimately, the combined properties of lavender tea address both the symptoms and root causes of ear infections, making it an effective natural remedy.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in lavender tea that help with ear infection.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in lavender tea that aid with ear infection.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lavender tea for ear infection.

  1. In a teapot, combine 1 teaspoon of dried culinary lavender flowers with 8 ounces of boiling water.
  2. Steep the lavender in the water for 5-10 minutes to release the herb's oils and achieve a strong tea.
  3. Strain the lavender tea to remove the flowers, leaving only the liquid.
  4. Allow the lavender tea to cool to a comfortable drinking temperature.
  5. Sip the lavender tea slowly, aiming to consume 1-2 cups per day, to potentially alleviate ear infection symptoms.

6. Ginger

Ginger tea provides anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate pressure and discomfort in the ear due to its active compound, gingerol.

This compound also exhibits strong antibacterial characteristics, helping combat bacterial infections causing ear problems. Moreover, ginger tea's warming effect enhances blood circulation, facilitating the delivery of immune cells to the ear and bolstering the body's natural defense mechanisms. Additionally, ginger tea's ability to reduce inflammation aids in opening up blocked Eustachian tubes, which often contributes to ear infections.

Ultimately, ginger tea's antioxidant qualities help strengthen the immune system, increasing the body's capacity to fight off and prevent ear infections.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in ginger tea that help with ear infection.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in ginger tea that aid with ear infection.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger tea for ear infection.

  1. Peel and finely chop 1-2 inches of fresh ginger root (adjust based on taste preference).
  2. In a saucepan, combine 4 cups of water and chopped ginger, bringing it to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the ginger to release its healing properties.
  4. Strain the tea into a mug, discarding the ginger pieces, and add honey and lemon to taste (optional).
  5. Sip the warm ginger tea throughout the day, up to three times daily, to help alleviate ear infection symptoms.

7. Mullein

Mullein tea aids ear infections due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, derived from the mullein plant's leaves and flowers.

These properties, when consumed as a tea, help reduce inflammation in the inner ear, providing relief from discomfort and pain. The soothing effect of mullein tea on the ear canal reduces swelling, facilitating ear drainage. Furthermore, mullein tea contains compounds with antimicrobial qualities that combat bacteria causing ear infections.

As a result, mullein tea helps alleviate ear infection symptoms, promoting overall ear health.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in mullein tea that help with ear infection.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in mullein tea that aid with ear infection.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic mullein tea for ear infection.

  1. Harvest or acquire one tablespoon of dried mullein leaves.
  2. Place the leaves in a tea infuser or loose in a teapot.
  3. Pour 8 ounces of boiling water over the leaves and let steep for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Remove the tea infuser or strain the tea.
  5. Enjoy the warm tea, but do not drink more than two cups per day.

8. Garlic

Garlic tea aids ear infections due to its antimicrobial and analgesic properties.

Allicin, a compound in garlic, fights bacteria and viruses causing ear infections. Additionally, garlic's anti-inflammatory effects reduce swelling and pain in the ear canal. Garlic tea also enhances the immune system, helping the body combat and recover from ear infections.

Furthermore, this remedy is a natural and milder alternative to traditional treatments, reducing potential side effects.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in garlic tea that help with ear infection.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in garlic tea that aid with ear infection.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic garlic tea for ear infection.

  1. Peel and mince 3 cloves of garlic, then let it sit for 10 minutes to activate allicin.
  2. In a small pot, boil 2 cups of water, then add the minced garlic.
  3. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Strain the garlic tea into a cup, then add honey to taste.
  5. Sip the garlic tea while warm, aiming for a total consumption of 1 cup per day.

9. Yarrow

Yarrow tea provides relief from ear infections due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

This herbal tea, made from the Achillea millefolium plant, contains flavonoids and alkaloids that combat infection-causing bacteria. Furthermore, yarrow tea's ability to reduce inflammation soothes irritated ear tissues, while its antioxidants help strengthen the immune system to fight off infections. Additionally, yarrow tea promotes perspiration, which helps the body eliminate toxins and speeds up the healing process.

These properties make yarrow tea an effective remedy for treating ear infections.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in yarrow tea that help with ear infection.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in yarrow tea that aid with ear infection.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic yarrow tea for ear infection.

  1. Harvest dried yarrow flowers and leaves, or use 2 tablespoons of store-bought dried yarrow per 8 ounces of water.
  2. Steep the yarrow in boiling water for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Strain the tea to remove plant material.
  4. Allow the tea to cool until it is warm but not hot.
  5. Use a dropper to apply the yarrow tea directly into the affected ear, or soak a compress in the tea and place it over the ear.

10. Olive

Olive tea contains antimicrobial compounds, such as oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, which combat bacteria causing ear infections.

These compounds disrupt the bacteria's membrane, leading to their destruction. Furthermore, olive tea boasts anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate inflammation in the ear, promoting faster healing. Its soothing warmth also helps unclog the Eustachian tubes, improving drainage and providing ear infection relief.

Drinking olive tea fortifies the immune system, making the body more resilient against future ear infections.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in olive tea that help with ear infection.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in olive tea that aid with ear infection.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic olive tea for ear infection.

  1. In a pot, boil 2 cups of water for 5 minutes.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon of dried olive leaves to the boiling water, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Turn off heat, mix in 1 teaspoon of honey, and let the tea cool to a warm temperature.
  4. Strain the tea to remove the olive leaves and honey.
  5. Sip the olive tea slowly, allowing it to reach the ears and alleviate any discomfort or infection.

What is ear infection and how can it affect your life?

An ear infection, medically known as otitis media or otitis externa, is a bacterial or viral inflammation of the inner or outer ear.

This condition often causes symptoms such as ear pain, hearing loss, and difficulty balancing, leading to discomfort and impaired communication.

Prolonged or frequent ear infections can result in temporary or permanent hearing damage, negatively affecting individuals' cognitive development, learning, and overall quality of life.

What other natural remedies help with ear infection?

One of the most common and effective natural remedies for ear infections is warmth therapy.

Applying a warm compress to the affected ear promotes blood flow, helps soothe pain, and alleviates inflammation. Another popular natural solution is onion ear drops. Onions possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that aid in fighting infection and reducing swelling.

To prepare onion ear drops, finely chop an onion and steep it in two tablespoons of olive oil for a few hours. Strain the mixture, and gently instill a few drops of the solution into the aching ear. Lastly, ear garlic oil, which is made by infusing crushed garlic cloves in olive oil, is another potent home remedy. Garlic's antimicrobial qualities combat infection-causing bacteria while the oil's warmth soothes discomfort.

Warm the garlic oil before using and place a few drops in the affected ear, allowing it to sit for several minutes for optimal benefits.