Home remedies for toenail fungus

Toenail fungus. The mere term is enough to evoke shudders of horror. To people who don't have it, it's a source of fear. For those who do, it's an embarrassment. With summertime fast approaching, something needs to be done if you don't want to be forced to keep your feet hidden from sight. Here are some ideas to try at home if you'd rather avoid seeing a doctor.

1. Vicks VapoRub

WebMD reports that VapoRub, which is known for its many useful properties, has been found to improve onychomycosis (another word for the ailment). Apply some of the ointment daily with a cotton swab.

2. Baking soda

Everyday Roots explains that baking soda's alkaline properties counteract the acidic properties of fungus and while it cannot fight it, it will absolutely help limit and contain it. Do a daily soak in a bowl with 4 or 5 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar mixed into water.

3. Apple cider vinegar

ACV never ceases to impress with its multitude of hidden uses. Its acidity can help kill bacteria and growths, Top 10 Home Remedies suggests. Like the above concoction but with a much higher amount of vinegar (a 1:1 ratio of vinegar and water), an apple cider vinegar soak can do wonders for your toes. Mixing a few spoons of ACV with coarsely ground rice flour can provide a paste that will be equally useful if rubbed onto the affected area, the website says.

4. Listerine mouthwash

Mouthwash has a similar effect on toes as it does on the inside of your mouth — it's there to kill bacteria and freshen things up, Top 10 Home Remedies explains. The alcohol included in mouthwash can help drive fungus away. A daily 30-minute soak of Listerine mouthwash, or of a 1:1 ratio of mouthwash and white vinegar, might work.

5. Even more natural options

Top 10 Home Remedies recommends two more ideas for curing, or at least managing, toenail fungus. Garlic, thanks to the allicin and ajoene compounds found within, is one of them. Apply a mixture of garlic oil and vinegar to the area and keep it in place with a bandage. Eating garlic helps as well. Lemon juice is another option: Like with the garlic, apply it to the infected area and leave it for a while. Combining it with olive oil can also help soften the skin.

Do you know of any other home remedies for toenail fungus? Let us know in the comments and share these tips on Facebook.

Dates: A sweet way to pack a healthy punch

Dates are an often overlooked fruit in most Western cultures. We pay a lot of attention to healthy fruits like oranges, apples and lemons, but dates are also some of the most valuable natural foods you'll find as far as health benefits are concerned. Indeed, natural-remedy advocates say dates can help many of your body functions run more smoothly. Below are a few examples of how regular consumption of dates might make your life just a tad sweeter.

1. Give your liver a helping hand

Healthy and Natural World reports that dates — and date seed extract — can help reduce liver fibrosis, which occurs when the liver heals improperly from dealing with toxins, causing excess collagen. Dates can help you shape a healthier organ that will recover better from everyday wear and tear.

2. Keep your heart pumping

Dates are excellent for your heart: Organic Facts explains that the fruit can help monitor your heart rate thanks to potassium, which is excellent at fighting off heart disease. Not only that, but dates can reduce LDL cholesterol — the harmful variety of the molecule.

3. Get rid of artery clutter

According to Healthy and Natural World, dates are also excellent at keeping atherosclerosis at bay. The disease is characterized by plaque forming in your arteries, which not only makes them thinner, but also poses the risk of said plaque breaking off and creating clots, which can often be deadly. The high amounts of antioxidants and phenolic acids contained in dates can help reduce the clogging of arteries and the issues that stem from said clogging.

4. See no evil

Dates are loaded with vitamin A, according to Mercola, which will help defend your corneas from all kinds of harm. They are also rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, two little-known nutrients which allow your eyes to filter harmful exposure to light and prevent macular degeneration, which causes a loss of sight. 

5. Add a spring to your step

SFGate suggests combining dates with almonds or cashews for a delicious, high-energy snack. Organic Facts says this is because the natural sugar in dates will give you a good energy boost. Not only that, but the vitamins and potassium within help promote brain activity and reactivity in the nervous system, which can keep your body from getting slow with age.

Did you know about these benefits? Make sure to add dates to your diet ASAP — and share this article so your friends can do the same!

Attach a pad to your feet overnight for a health reason you probably don't know

 you've had a tough time shaking your New Year's Eve hangover, a popular articlesuggests perhaps you haven't been paying enough attention to your feet.  

Eastern medicine places significant emphasis on foot health, and that's because many Eastern cultures believe that the body releases toxins through the feet.  Foot reflexologists say toxins travel south through the body, accumulating in our feet and toes.  This can lead to degenerative diseases like rheumatism and arthritis, they say

One way to remove toxins from the body is via the use of detoxifying foot pads. Originally developed in Japan, they're commonly referred to as kinoki foot pads. According to the blog MyiLifestyle, "The foot pads are worn on feet because they help circulate blood and lymph into the torso. Our inactive lifestyle causes circulation to bog down around the ankles, lower legs and feet.  The positive results of using foot detox pads are less fatigue, joint pain, and fewer headaches."  The article advocates boiling together a combination of onion, garlic and water, and then soaking two self-stick gauze pads in the resulting mixture.  The pads are then worn overnight on the soles of the feet, usually underneath a pair of socks.

  

As the body detoxifies, "the patches will absorb your toxins after using all night," claimsanother kinoki pad aficionado on YouTube.  "You can see that from the changing of the color after using it.  The more dirty you see the foot pad, the more toxins it has absorbed."  And you can also use these pads on other parts of your body to similar effect.

So does detoxifying the body through the feet actually work?  If you believe the many YouTubers who rave about the benefits of foot detoxification — such as increased energy levels, reduced aches, stress relief, and improved metabolism — it seems like it's at least worth a try.

Peripheral artery disease and how to get back healthy circulation 

Tiredness when walking and cramping or pain in your lower extremities could mean you have peripheral artery disease, or PAD. The American Heart Association (AHA) says the disease often goes untreated by health-care professionals because they can mistake it for something else. It's important to understand the signs and symptoms so you can have an educated discussion with your doctor.

The AHA says PAD is the narrowing of the peripheral arteries to the legs, stomach, arms and head. It is most common in the arteries of the legs. PAD is caused by atherosclerosis that narrows and blocks arteries in these critical regions of the body. People who have PAD are at a much higher risk for a heart attack or stroke. 

               Causes

According to WebMD, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, being overweight and not being active are the main causes. Diabetes can make it much worse.

Signs and Symptoms

According to WebMD, symptoms of PAD include:

- Leg pain that usually comes with the onset of exercise, then stops when you rest
- Burning
- Numbness
- Wounds that heal poorly
- Area of the body affected is cooler than the rest
- Shiny skin (over legs or arms if this area is affected)
- Loss of hair on the legs
- Fainter pulse in feet

Some people, though, do not experience any pain or symptoms. This can happen when the body makes new blood vessels grow around the blockages.

Diagnosis

PAD is often misdiagnosed, but there are ways your doctor can check to see if you're affected by the disease, according to the AHA. Your doctor can test your ankle-brachial index, which compares the blood pressure at your feet with the blood pressure in your upper arm. Doctors can also perform imaging tests, such as an MRI, CT scan or angiography, especially for someone whose case is severe. This helps doctors identify where the blockage is.

Treatment and Prevention

The AHA says treating PAD often focuses on reducing symptoms and finding ways to prevent further progression of the disease. Your doctor will likely have you focus on lifestyle changes like:

- Increasing physical activity
- Eating a healthy diet
- Quitting smoking
- Taking medication to reduce high blood pressure and/or lower cholesterol

It's important to note that treating PAD and preventing PAD are very similar. To avoid getting PAD, you should exercise, eat well, not smoke and keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check. 

Finally, there is a small number of patients who need a procedure like an angioplasty to open up the artery that's clogged or a stent insertion to keep the artery open. These are minimally invasive procedures.

Three common types of arthritis and what to know about them

Arthritis is a disease that generally refers to joint pain or stiffness, and while it's pretty common it's not understood all that well. The Arthritis Foundation explains that arthritis isn't a single disease either -- there's more than 100 types of it and it affects people all ages, sexes, and races. In fact, the Arthritis Foundation says it's the leading cause of disability in America with more than 50 million adults and 300,000 children affected.

But it is important to note that arthritis is most common among women, and occurs more frequently as people get older. Arthritis can cause permanent joint changes according to the Arthritis Foundation, and these changes can be visible like in finger joints, but often times the damage is only visible under x-ray. While there are dozens of types of arthritis, there are 3 types that are most common:

1. Osteoarthritis

This is the most common type of arthritis, according to WebMD, and it has to do with the 'wear and tear" that happens to your joints over time. Usually this type of arthritis happens with age, but it's also been found in those with obesity because the weight puts extra stress on the joints. Osteoarthritis is most common in the knees, hips, feet, and spine.

Symptoms

- Deep, aching pain
- Trouble dressing, combing hair, gripping things, bending over, squatting, or climbing stairs. depending on which joints are involved
- Morning stiffness for less than an hour
- Pain when walking
- Stiffness after resting

And our joint may be:
- Warm to the touch
- Swollen and harder to move
- Unable to move through a full range of motion

Treatment

The Arthritis Foundation says treatment for Osteoarthritis are:

- Managing symptoms, such as pain, stiffness and swelling
-Improving joint mobility and flexibility which can be done with therapy
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Getting enough of exercise 

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis 

Rheumatoid Arthritis, also known as RA, is an autoimmune disease according to WebMD. RA attacks certain parts of the body, but especially the joints, which leads to inflammation and can cause severe damage to the joints if left untreated. RA usually affects multiple joints at once, and the symptoms can be gradual or appear suddenly. 

Symptoms

- Rheumatoid nodules. These form in about 1 in 5 people, and they usually form over joint areas that have a lot of pressure like knuckles, elbows, or heels.
- Pain and stiffness
- Swelling in your hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, ankles, feet, jaw, and neck.
 - Fatigue
- Loss of appetite or weight

Treatment

- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to help ease arthritis pain and inflammation Arthritis Foundation.
-  Corticosteroid medications are quick-acting medications to reduce inflammation.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, or DMARDs, are drugs that work to modify the course of the disease.
- Surgery is an option for people with RA whose mobility has been severely limited. 

3. Psoriatic Arthritis

You've probably heard of psoriasis before: the red, raised, and patchy skin condition that's inflamed and scaly. Well the Arthritis Foundation explains that about 30% of people have this skin condition first, and then develop psoriatic arthritis. PsA is actually an autoimmune disease that attacks the body's healthy tissue, and joints causing inflammation, joint pain, and stiffness. This can affect people of all ages.

Symptoms

- Painful swollen joints
- Pitted or discolored fingernails
- Sausage-like fingers or toes
- Stiffness
- Tendon or ligament pain
- Skin rashes ( like those associated with psoriasis)
- Fatigue
- Reduced range of motion
- Eye problems like redness, or irritation
- Flares
- Psoriatic Arthritis is also closely linked with Crohn's Disease

Treatment

- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to help ease arthritis pain and inflammation Arthritis Foundation.
-  Corticosteroid medications are quick-acting medications to reduce inflammation.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, or DMARDs, are drugs that work to modify the course of the disease. 

What to do if you recognize any of these signs or symptoms

If you recognize any of these signs or symptoms it's important to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to determine if you have arthritis, and what to do next. You can also check out the Arthritis Foundation for a full list of the different kinds of arthritis, as well as theirtools and resources page which goes into treatments, drugs, and tips for dealing with arthritis. 

Understanding Chron's disease

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes parts of the digestive system to swell, and develop ulcers. Crohn's is a lifelong disease, and doctors still aren't totally sure what causes it. According to WebMD, they do know it runs in families - often, those with Eastern European and Jewish backgrounds tend to develop it more - and that it might be caused by an abnormal reaction to bacteria.

The disease is often found in the small intestine or colon, but it can also can be found in the large intestine up to the esophagus. It's a serious disease that requires a lot of attention, so it's important to know the signs and symptoms so you can get the help you need if diagnosed.

Signs and symptoms

According to the Mayo Clinic, the frequent signs and symptoms associated with Crohn's disease are: 

- Frequent Diarrhea often multiple times a day
- Fever and fatigue which is often caused by inflammation or infection in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Abdominal pain and cramping. Having inflammation in your gastrointestinal tract can affect how your body normally moves food through this area of your body - leading to pain that is everything from intense to light cramping or nausea.
- Blood in your stool
- Mouth sores
- Reduced appetite and weight loss
- Perianal disease 

Someone with severe Crohn's disease might also experience the following symptoms:

- Inflammation of skin, eyes and joints
- Inflammation of the liver or bile ducts
- And for children, delayed growth or sexual development

It's important to speak to your doctor right away if you experience any of the signs or symptoms above. 

Causes

There is still a lot to learn about Crohn's disease, and that includes what causes it. Doctors do know that you're more likely to develop the disease if members of your family have it, and they also know it's often linked to Eastern European Jewish descent. 

Crohn's disease is also thought to be caused by your body fighting off bacteria, or even an abnormal reaction to your body's own cells in the digestive tract. 

Treating Crohn's

Right now there is no cure for Crohn's disease - so doctors are limited to treatment via drug therapy or surgery. The Mayo Clinic explains that everyone's body deals with the disease differently, so each treatment is personalized. Some people might be recommended to have diet changes, while others might have to undergo medical treatment or even surgery.

Sometimes doctors might start drug therapy that attacks the inflammation strongly, then wean the patient down to less aggressive drugs. Other times the opposite might be the case and the doctor might want to start with milder drugs and work up to stronger treatment. The goal of the medical treatment is to help with symptom relief, and ideally get the patient into remission. That isn't always the case though, and it's important to speak to your doctor about your treatment plan.

Surgery doesn't cure Crohn's - instead it removes the damaged part of your digestive tract and connects it back to sections that are healthy, and functioning well. The Mayo Clinic also says you might also have to undergo surgery to close fistulas or frain abscesses. 

If you experience any of the signs and symptoms of Crohn's, it's important to make an appointment with your doctor to talk about diagnosis and a possible treatment plan.

1

Causes and risk factors of heartburn 

A deliciously indulgent meal can be ruined by the onset of burning in your chest, chest pain and even coughing. But while occasional heartburn is normal and no cause for concern, frequent heartburn that interferes with your daily life could be a sign of a much more serious underlying condition. 

Heartburn is something almost everyone has experienced, and you can usually manage it by avoiding triggers like spicy or fatty foods and taking over-the-counter medicine. But if your heartburn is frequent, very painful, not responsive to over-the-counter medicine and a regular interference with your life, then it's time to learn more and speak to your doctor.

What causes heartburn?

Heartburn is caused by stomach acid getting into your esophagus — the digestive tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. TheMayo Clinic explains that this can happen when the bottom band of muscle in the esophagus weakens or relaxes abnormally, letting stomach acid flow back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation. This is why many people experience worsened heartburn when they are bent over or lying down. 

But WebMD notes this isn't always the case. A hiatal hernia — a stomach condition that causes the upper stomach and esophageal sphincter to move higher — can also cause stomach acid to leak into the esophagus. Certain foods and lifestyle habits can also trigger heartburn:

- Eating large meals
- Lying down after eating or bending over at the waist
- Being overweight or obese
- Eating right before going to sleep
- Consuming foods such as citrus, tomato, chocolate, mint, garlic, onions or spicy or fatty foods
- Drinking alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee or tea
- Smoking
- Being pregnant
- Taking aspirin, ibuprofen, muscle relaxers or blood pressure medications

What are the symptoms of heartburn?
Heartburn is described by WebMD as being a burning pain or discomfort that might move from your stomach up into your chest area or throat. Other symptoms of heartburn, according to WebMD, include:

- Regurgitation: acid that backs up into your throat or mouth, leaving a sour taste
- Bloating
- Bloody or black stools
- Bloody vomiting
- Burping
- Dysphagia — a narrowing of your esophagus, which feels like food is stuck in your throat
- Hiccups that you can't get rid of
- Nausea
- Unexplainable weight loss
- Wheezing, dry cough, hoarseness or constant sore throat

The Mayo Clinic says you need to see a doctor if:

- Your heartburn becomes frequent, occurring more than twice a week.
- The use of over-the-counter drugs isn't stopping your symptoms.
- You have difficulty swallowing.
- You experience frequent nausea or vomiting.
- You experience weight loss because of difficulty eating or a poor appetite.

Treating and preventing heartburn

Many times, heartburn can be treated with over-the-counter medications, such as:

- Antacids, which neutralize stomach acid and generally provide quick relief
- H-2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs), which can reduce stomach acid. These don't work as quickly as antacids, but they can provide relief for longer.
- Proton pump inhibitors,  which also also reduce stomach acid (like Prevacid 24HR and Prilosec OTC)

But if you find yourself taking over-the-counter medications frequently to reduce your symptoms, it's important to speak to your doctor so she can determine if your condition is more serious.

You can often prevent heartburn by avoiding:

- Lying down, sleeping or bending over right after a meal
- Eating within 2 to 3 hours before bed
- Smoking
- Spicy foods
- Onions
- Citrus products
- Tomato products, like pasta sauce or ketchup
- Fatty or fried foods
- Peppermint
- Chocolate
- Alcohol, carbonated beverages, coffee or other caffeinated beverages
- Large or fatty meals

It's important to figure out what triggers your heartburn so you know what to avoid. However, if you notice that taking aspirin, ibuprofen, muscle relaxers, blood pressure medications or other prescriptions gives you heartburn, don't stop taking it before speaking with your doctor first. 

If you find yourself suffering from heartburn often, even when you avoid your triggers, you should make an appointment with your doctor so she can determine what the problem really is. It could be a weak esophagus, or even a hiatal hernia. If your doctor determines your heartburn is more serious, she may prescribe a prescription medication, a lifestyle change regimen or, in extreme cases, surgery.

How to treat and prevent plantar fasciitis at home

Plantar fascia may not be a term you hear every day, but it is important when it comes to foot health. According to Healthline, more than 50 percent of Americans suffer from foot pain, and that pain is most commonly associated with damage to the plantar fascia, a thin ligament that connects the heel to the front of your foot. This condition is called plantar fasciitis. 

Repetitive motion and weight gain are usually the leading culprits when a person develops plantar fasciitis. The condition is common among athletes, pregnant women and those whose work requires long periods of time on their feet, because the constant movement and pressure from added weight leads to inflammation and pain. However, you can take a few actions to prevent and treat plantar fasciitis.  

TREATMENTS
The overall best thing you can do if you suffer from plantar fasciitis is to incorporate effective stretching to help loosen the tight muscles that aggravate the condition.  

Seated Exercises
Seated exercises are both helpful and achievable by most people.Heathline offers the following exercises for seated stretching:

1. Roll your foot over a water bottle or similarly shaped object for one minute per foot. 

Natural ways to deal with smelly feet

Most of us have at some time or another been embarrassed (or knocked out!) by our own foot odor. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, foot odor is common in both adults and children. The odor is often caused by bacteria or fungus that grows in a person's shoes and attaches to his or her skin. This is why hygiene is most important to preventing stinky feet. 

However, it sometimes seems that no matter how clean we keep our feet, they still smell. In addition to washing your feet with soap and water daily and wearing clean, dry socks, there are a number of miraculous home remedies that can prevent and treat foot odor. Many of these life hacks also target sweaty feet, which usually accompanies foot odor. 

1. Tea soak. Some of the most effective home remedies for foot odor include foot soaks or baths. The acid in black tea will close your pores and reduce the amount of sweat, preventing foot odor. Black tea is also a powerful antioxidant, meaning it is effective in killing the odor-causing bacteria. Men's Health recommends pour a pint of boiling water over two black tea bags and letting the tea simmer for 15 minutes. Add two quarts of cool water and pour the solution into a foot bath. Let your feet relax in the bacteria-killing bath for 30 minutes.

2. Saltwater soak. According to Men's Health, salt pulls moisture out of the skin, making it a toxic environment for bacteria. Al D'Angelantonio III, DPM, podiatrist and assistant professor of surgery at the University of Pennsylvania recommends dissolving a cup of kosher salt in a large bowl of warm warm water and soaking your feet in the solution for twenty minutes every day for two weeks.

3. Vinegar soak. Vinegar dries out your feet and starves bacteria, reportsMen's Health. To make a bacteria-killing foot bath, mix one part vinegar with two parts water in a foot bath. Soak your feet for thirty minutes to attack foot odor.

4. Baking soda and lemon soak. Baking soda is known to kill bacteria, control odor, and soften feet, while lemon tackles excessive sweating. Enki Village recommends making a refreshing foot bath from 1/4 cup baking soda, one lemon, and eight cups of water.

5. Sage and rosemary soak. This savory smelling soak is antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal. Everyday Roots recommends mixing one teaspoon of dried rosemary and one to two teaspoons of dried sage in a foot bath filled with boiling water. Once the water has cooled but is still hot, soak your feet for thirty minutes. 

6. Ginger root massage. Ginger root can stop bacteria from growing and remove stinky toxins, says Enki Village. To give yourself a ginger massage, puree a medium sized piece of ginger. Steep the puree in hot water for 15 minutes and then strain the solution using a coffee filter. Massage your feet with the compound every single night before bed for two weeks to treat recurrent foot odor.

7. Corn starch. Surprisingly, corn starch is a miracle worker when it comes to absorbing moisture. Simple sprinkle some in your shoes, put on your shoes, and go about your day odor-free, says Men's Health.

8. Lysol. Men's Health recommends spraying the inside of your shoes with Lysol Disinfectant Spray to kill odor-causing bacteria living in your shoes. The best course of treatment is to spray Lysol in your shoes and then to spray the disinfectant spray on clean socks. Stuff the socks in your shoes and leave them overnight. This will allow the Lysol to completely soak into the shoe and prevent bacteria from growing. 

Don't let stinky feet ruin your day! Spray your shoes with Lysol and line them with corn starch. Before bed tonight, try one of these soothing foot baths. Not only will you attack bacteria and treat foot odor at the source, but you will also give yourself time to chill out and relax. 

Incredible benefits and uses of dandelions

If you have a green thumb, you may hate those pesky yellow flowers sprouting roots in your front yard, but dandelions may actually be of use. According to Healthline, these flowers have been used in natural medicine for years. 

The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that this flowering weed contains high levels of Vitamins A, B,C and D. In addition to those vitamins, you'll get a healthy serving of iron, potassium and zinc from dandelions. You can enjoy dandelions by eating them or boiling them to get a tea. 

Liver support:
Native American tradition and traditional Chinese medicine consumed dandelions for better liver health, heartburn and the easing of tummy troubles, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. It is also a diuretic and has been typically used when ridding the body of excess fluid can be helpful, such as with liver conditions or high blood pressure. 

Women's Health:
Its ability to aid the body's natural detoxifying mechanism as well the high magnesium and zinc content also makes dandelion a popular aid for women's health. Wellness Mama touts the benefits of dandelion for a range of health issues including urinary tract infections, mastitis, hormone imbalance and to maintain healthy skin. 

Dandelions aren't just great to ingest. Try these other uses of dandelion: 

Ease pain:
You can create a poultice, or paste, from dandelions. Apply the paste to sores, boils and abscesses to help speed the healing process and ease pain symptoms naturally. Infuse the oil by filling a jar with fresh dandelions, pouring a base oil (like olive) over the dandelions until the jar is full, and then storing the oil in a warm place for two weeks. Strain and store the infused oil in the fridge between uses, according to Viral Alternative News. 

Rub this oil on sore muscles or joints to help ease pain and reduce swelling.

Removing warts:
Viral Alternative News suggests applying sap from the root of the dandelion to warts several times per day. Regular application should help eliminate warts completely. 

Fertilize your yard
Perhaps a little ironically, the dandelion can be used to make an effective fertilizer. Place the dandelions (including roots and leaves) into a bucket. Add 8 cups of water for every pound of dandelions you have. Cover the bucket with a snug lid and allow it to sit for 2 to 4 weeks.  

After a few weeks, strain the liquid to remove the fermented weeds (it's going to smell funky), dilute with 1 part weed juice to 10 parts water. Spray this on your plants to help them grow like weeds, according to The Master Gardeners.

Natural remedies for earaches

An ear ache, whether dull or sharp, can be incredibly painful. An ear ache is typically caused by a bacterial or viral infection in the ear, explains Mayo Clinic. However, the root cause of an ear infection is usually linked to another condition like cold, flu, or an allergy. These ailments cause inflammation, congestion, and swelling in the ear, nose, and throat. This is why when you have an earache, you may also suffer from a sore throat or stuffy nose. 

Ear infections often improve on their own and do not require medical treatment. However, this does not mean you have to sit around in pain and agony, waiting until the ear ache clears on its own. Like treating a common cold, there are several steps you can take at home to help speed up recovery and relieve painful symptoms. 

1. Olive oil. Dr. William Sears of Parenting.com says a few drops of warm olive oil in the ear can soothe the inflammation that causes an earache. This home remedy is safe for both adults and babies.

2. Garlic. The antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibacterial properties of garlic make it a great home remedy that covers all possible causes of an earache, be it viral or bacterial. You can do it the old fashioned way and simply stick a clove of garlic in the infected ear. Or, you can take the advice of Wellness Mama and make a garlic-infused olive oil. To make garlic olive oil, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small pan. Add 1 clove of fresh, minced garlic to the olive oil and let it sit on low heat for twenty minutes. Once the olive oil has been infused, strain and remove the garlic. Let the mixture cool and then apply two drops of oil directly in the ear.

3. Onion. Kula Mama claims a warm onion or "onion ear muff" is one of the most effective home remedies for soothing the pain of earaches. To make an onion ear muff, slice an onion in half and take out the inner rings. Heat the outer 2 or 3 onion rings in the oven at 300ºF (150ºC). When the rings are warm and slightly steaming, remove and wrap them in a towel. Cup the towel-covered onion over the infected ear. The heat is likely to have a soothing effect on your aching ears.

4. Ginger. This punchy root can help reduce the inflammation that causes an earache. According to the Ginger Community, simply drinking ginger tea can have wonderful effects in the fight against ear infections. You can also make a soothing oil out of ginger juice. To make this home remedy, grate a piece of fresh ginger and crush it to squeeze out the juice. Warm the juice and apply four drops into the infected ear.

5. Apple cider vinegar. This cure-all has the capacity to change the pH level in the ear canal. When you do this, the environment in which the bacteria or virus has grown changes in a way that the invading microbes can no longer survive. They die and so does your ear ache. Livestrongrecommends heating apple cider vinegar and then placing a few drops in the aching ear. Cover the ear with cotton and lie down to allow the warm liquid to reach deep into the ear.

6. Honey. Modern Farmer explains a Swedish study has found that honey can be more effective than pharmaceutical antibiotics in fighting a bacteria known to be a common cause of ear infection. Warm honey and apply a few droplets to the infected ear.

7. Coconut oil. Coconut oil can help fight viral infections that cause earaches. Livestrong recommends heating 1/8 cup of coconut oil with 2 cloves of garlic in a small saucepan. Let the oil and garlic simmer together for five minutes. Strain the mixture and then while lying on your side, apply two drops of oil into your ear. Lie still for five minutes. You can use this home remedy twice a day for 7 days or until symptoms disappear.

8. Chewing gum. Sometimes something as simple as chewing gum can relieve the pain and pressure of an ear ache, says Medline Plus. 

Next time you or a loved one has an earache,  try one of these home remedies. But be careful and proceed with caution anytime you put something inside your ear. You may want to consult your doctor about these and other home treatments. 

How do you treat an earache? Tell us and SHARE this article on social media!