Dip a clean cloth in warm (not hot) water and wring out excess liquid. Place the warm cloth against the affected ear for soothing relief. The heat can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Garlic has natural antimicrobial properties. Crush a clove of garlic and mix it with a small amount of olive oil or coconut oil. Warm the mixture slightly and strain out the solids. Use a dropper to apply a few drops of the infused oil into the ear canal (avoid doing this if you suspect a perforated eardrum).
Onions have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Heat a chopped onion in the microwave for a few seconds, wrap it in a cloth, and place it against the affected ear for relief from pain and inflammation.
Fill a clean sock with coarse salt (rice or regular salt works too), tie it closed, and heat it in the microwave for a short time until warm (not too hot). Apply the warm salt sock against the ear for soothing heat.
Crush a few basil leaves to extract the juice. Apply a few drops of the juice around the outer ear, avoiding direct contact with the ear canal. Basil has antibacterial properties that may help ease discomfort.
Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and gently place it in the outer ear for a few minutes. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar may help alleviate pain and fight infection.
Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil in a carrier oil (such as olive oil) and apply a small amount around the outer ear. Tea tree oil possesses antibacterial properties that can aid in reducing discomfort.
Slightly warm olive oil (or any vegetable oil) and use a dropper to put a few drops into the affected ear. This method can help soften earwax and alleviate earache caused by blockages.