All you need to know
Earwax is initially produced as natural lubrication for the inner ear by the sebaceous glands, It is the shed skin and some oily sticky substance that makes it get accumulated, and that’s what needs to be removed. The wax contains antibacterial properties and is a protective layer before the inner ear, which protects the ear canal from microbial infections and dirt. It is usually removed by the natural chewing process, as the jaw moves it comes out of the passage and can be wiped off easily, in most cases it forms flakes at the outside of the ear and is shed off naturally, but in some cases, when we try to clean, we instead push it inside, and the wax gets collected inside blocks the ears and causes discomfort.
Impacted wax?
The built-up was, or the impacted wax is the hardened wax, which, if left untreated can cause various problems like
- Fullness and pain inside the ear
- Difficulty in hearing and itchiness
- Watery, sticky discharge and odor
- Tinnitus or ringing inside the ear
How the color of earwax can determine your ear health
There are different textures and colors of ear wax that can help you know the health of your ears
- Yellowish and soft ear wax mean the ears are beautiful, and they are in good health.
- Darker, tar-like color means that the wax has started to accumulate and you should
do something to remove the collected wax.
- Flaky and pale wax means there might be a lot of it that had been accumulating inside
your ears, you should first soften it and try to melt it so it can come off.
- Blood tinged earwax might be an indication of a latent infection.
- Runny and dark ear wax indicates an infection.
- Black ear wax suggests that you have had put some foreign objects inside your ear due to which the infection must have spread.
In case of the first and foremost condition, there’s no need to touch the ear internally, use a soft washcloth to clean the outer ear while in case of the buildup wax, as mentioned under other conditions one can try these natural remedies that work.
5 effective home remedies to remove ear wax safely
Saltwater
Mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water until it’s completely dissolved. Tilt your head in a direction so that the water can be dripped inside, now soak a cotton ball into that solution and squeeze a few drops inside the ear, don’t move for a few minutes. This process melts the wax inside so it can be removed easily, after a few minutes turn to the opposite side with the affected ear facing down and let the dirt come out, wipe with a soft towel.
Repeat this process twice a day; it’s safe to be used by anyone.
Oil-based treatment:
Here are a few essential oils for ear wax that can be used to soften the accumulated wax and help to remove the blockage.
- Organic coconut oil: Contains fatty acids and antimicrobial properties
- Almond oil: works as a natural lubricant
- Mineral oil or baby oil: Is a byproduct of petroleum products and can naturally soften
the hardened wax
- Olive oil: Anti-inflammatory a can help with treating infections as well as killing germs
- Garlic oil: Contains ally in, a natural antibiotic that can kill any signs of infection and
ease pain
To use these oils, warm them slightly and use a dropper. Tilt your head slightly so that the oil can go inside, keep rubbing the fleshy part at the entrance of your ear. Use this method twice a day, and slowly, the wax will come off.
Apple cider vinegar
One part cider vinegar mixed with one part of water, the solution can flush out the accumulated wax since it is mildly acidic in nature. This can even kill the residing microbes inside your ear canal and prevent them from coming back.
Mullein flowers
These have anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties can soothe the itchiness and discomfort as well as help to melt the wax. Just brew a few flowers in a cup of water, strain the solution and drip a few drops into the affected ears directly, keep it there for a few minutes then wipe off the extra.
Glycerin
It is an effective lubricant and can help manage the accumulated wax too by moistening it and helping it to come off. You need to use a dropper and put 2-3 drops in the affected ear, repeat if necessary.
As the ear is a susceptible organ, take the utmost care with all the methods that you try out.
Author Bio:
Jennifer is a wellness lifestyle writer. She loves sharing her thoughts and personal experiences related to natural remedies, Ayurvedic, yoga and fitness through her writing. She currently writes for How To Cure. She can connect with others experiencing health concerns and help them through their recovery journeys through natural remedies.
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