Ears - Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products https://www.dherbs.com/tag/ears/ Buy the best herbal supplements, natural remedies, and herbal remedies from Dherbs. We're the #1 alternative medicine store online. ✓ Visit and shop now! Wed, 18 Dec 2024 08:18:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 3 Products That May Help You Sleep Through The Night https://www.dherbs.com/articles/3-products-that-may-help-you-sleep-through-the-night/ Thu, 16 May 2024 09:15:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?p=170524

What do you need to sleep soundly through the night? No need for medications or alcohol because these three products may help.

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Do you soak in a warm bath in the evening to promote relaxation and prepare the body for bed? Perhaps you use a trusty supplement or a great sleep mask that works every night. These things signal your brain that it is time for bed and help you wind down. Hopefully, you don’t rely on alcohol or medications to get a good night’s rest, though. 

One medical expert recently shared three products that have helped her get sound sleep almost every night. For years, she has slept with earplugs, blackout curtains, and kept her room at 68 degrees Fahrenheit or cooler. When you keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool, you can promote deeper, high-quality sleep. For a guide to how you can incorporate these three products into your nighttime routine, continue reading. 

Blackout Curtains

Some people are very sensitive to light and cannot sleep if a red button on the bottom of a TV is in the room. Others can simply fall asleep no matter what, even if a giant searchlight is beaming through the window. Too much light exposure in the evening can keep the brain awake and disrupt your sleep. When you sleep in a dark bedroom, you can better regulate your circadian rhythm, which is the body’s sleep-wake cycle. It works best when you are exposed to bright light during the day and darkness at night.

Light exposure can still throw off your sleep even when your eyelids are closed. That’s why blackout curtains are a smart choice if you want to create a more restful bedroom. There are many blackout curtains that do not effectively keep light out, though. For this reason, make sure you read reviews of the blackout curtains you decide to buy. The best ones usually drape all the way down to the floor. 

Earplugs

If you are someone who prefers to use a sleep machine and find it to be effective, keep doing what you’re doing. If you are a light sleeper and find that any noise disrupts your slumber, earplugs may be a great product for you. The majority of repair and restoration occurs during the later stages of sleep, you want to minimize your exposure to things that can wake you, such as traffic or loud air conditioning. 

Foam earplugs are available at most stores. Ideally, choose ones that are extra comfy and easily stay in your ears all night. If you cannot get them to stay in your ears, though, you may want to consider a sound machine that produces rain, wind, ambient, or other noises that keep you asleep. According to experts, a pink noise setting is better than a white noise setting because white noise isn’t the best sound range for optimal sleep.

A Fan Or Some Cooling Device

Every person should have some sort of cooling device in their bedroom. The ideal temperature for an optimal sleeping environment is 68 degrees Fahrenheit or less. This temperature range assists a drop in core temperature, which helps prepare the body for sleep. You don’t need to buy an expensive fan to improve your sleep, but some people are attracted to fans that have built-in air purifiers. Not only does this device help to move air around the room, but it also works to remove potential irritants from the bedroom air. 

As you are getting ready for bed and the room is cooling down, take a hot shower. This works to get blood flowing away from the body’s core, which leads to a temperature dip that can help you fall asleep.

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7 Reasons Why Your Ear Hurts https://www.dherbs.com/articles/7-reasons-why-your-ear-hurts/ Mon, 29 Jan 2024 09:23:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?p=168843

There are many reasons why your ear could be hurting. Find out why it’s bothering you so that you can treat with the right remedy.

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Ear pain, medically known as otalgia, results from myriad reasons. It can develop because of a problem that directly affects the ear, or it happens in conjunction with another issue. This is what medical experts call “referred pain.” Ear pain can be minor or severe, and occasionally a sign of infection or underlying health issue. 

Health experts recommend that you never ignore ear pain. Figuring out the cause can help you address it with the appropriate treatment. The sooner you treat your ear pain, the sooner that dull or sharp burning sensation in one or both ears can go away. Read on to learn about seven common causes of ear pain.

Sinus Infection

A sinus infection occurs when the sinuses, which are air-filled pockets located behind the forehead and eyebrows, become inflamed. Bacteria can cause sinuses to become inflamed, but so can viruses and fungi. Fluid accumulation in the sinuses is the most common symptom of a sinus infection. This inflammation can block or inflame the Eustachian tube, which can lead to ear pain. Sinus infection may also cause headache, facial pain, runny nose, and congestion.

Ear Infection

Ear infections are most common among children, but anyone at any age can experience them. In children, the Eustachian tube clogs easily, but it should drain fluid made in the middle ear. If blockages occur, fluid builds up and a bacterial or viral infection in the middle ear can develop. Besides general ear pain, ear infection can cause congestion, ear drainage, fever, and other symptoms. Although mild ear infections tend to clear up on their own with home remedies, certain infections require antibiotic treatment. 

Wax Buildup

Believe it or not, the body produces earwax to help keep the ears clean and protected from debris. Too much earwax can lead to buildup that partially or fully blocks the ear canal, which can cause ear pain. In most cases, you can resolve wax buildup at home or with expert-backed methods to flush out excess wax. If you have too much wax or you have difficulty removing it on your own, consult your healthcare provider for more help.

The Common Cold

The common cold can affect the way the Eustachian tube functions. This tube links the back of the nose to the middle ear and it protects, ventilates, and drains the middle ear. If something prevents this tube from doing its job, that is classified as Eustachian tube dysfunction. This typically happens when the tube’s lining becomes inflamed, which can result from the common cold. Besides ear pain that results from a cold, Eustachian tube dysfunction can make your ear feel full, causing you to not hear as well or hear popping sounds.

Allergies

Exposure to dust, pollen, mold, or other allergens can irritate the sinuses, which causes sneezing, runny nose, or itchy eyes. In some cases, fluid may build up in the sinuses and cause inflammation of the Eustachian tube. As you know by now, swelling of the Eustachian tube can lead to ear pressure and general ear pain.

Swimmer’s Ear

Despite the name, this condition doesn’t always result from swimming or water activities. It refers to an infection, irritation, or inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal. More often than not, it’s caused by bacteria from unclean water that gets into the ear. Swimmer’s ear can cause discharge to leak from the ear, but it also can cause ear pain, itchiness, and swelling. Because the infection can spread to other parts of the ear and worsen, contact a healthcare provider to examine this issue as soon as possible. 

Air Pressure Changes

If you drive in mountainous areas, dive underwater, or fly in a plane, you know that your ears pop. Pressure inside the ear is different from the pressure outside, so the ear has to adjust, but it doesn’t always pop the way you’d hope. This is why many people recommend yawning, chewing gum, or swallowing to stabilize the pressure and resolve the pain. If these things do not resolve the issue for several hours, you may need to see a healthcare provider, especially if you develop a fever, ear drainage, or severe ear pain. Untreated cases of ear barotrauma can damage the eardrum and cause hearing loss.

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Ear Infection Destruction: How Bad Can An Ear Infection Get? https://www.dherbs.com/dhtv/street-interview/ear-infection-destruction-how-bad-can-an-ear-infection-get/ Mon, 27 Nov 2023 21:00:04 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/uncategorized/ear-infection-destruction-how-bad-can-an-ear-infection-get/

Invasive ear infections are especially common with in people with diabetes because they can't fully fight off ear infections well.

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Invasive ear infections are especially common with in people with diabetes because they can’t fully fight off ear infections well.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:43 Hearing problems make it hard for you to balance, too?
1:19 What’s the worst outcome of an invasive ear infection?
2:32 How much more common is hearing loss in people with diabetes?
4:16 Outro

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5 Places You Miss When Applying Sunscreen https://www.dherbs.com/articles/5-places-you-miss-when-applying-sunscreen/ Wed, 07 Jun 2023 09:10:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?p=161506

You may think you have a thorough SPF routine, but experts say that you probably miss these five places when applying sunscreen.

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Summer is a time for fun in the sun, and that calls for a thorough application of sunscreen. Sure, you may lather your legs, arms and face, but chances are you skip over some important areas, according to dermatologists. In fact, most adults require one ounce (a full shot glass) of sunscreen to cover exposed skin on the entire body. That said, most people only use 25 to 50% of that amount. 

Dermatologists suggest wearing sunscreen on a daily basis, regardless of the weather. If you go swimming or sweat while wearing sunscreen, make sure to reapply after drying off. The reason that you should wear sunscreen on a daily basis is to reduce the risk of wrinkles, sun spots, and the overall appearance of the skin. The Skin Cancer Foundation notes that if you experience five or more sunburns, your risk of melanoma doubles. Melanoma is potentially a deadly form of skin cancer, which is why dermatologists encourage regular sunscreen application. In fact, wearing sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher reduces your risk of skin cancer by 50%. 

Now, as mentioned earlier, you need to apply sunscreen to all areas that are exposed to the sun. Most people neglect the following areas when applying sunscreen. Make sure to get them to reduce your risk of skin cancer and advanced signs of aging. 

The Scalp

If you think that your hair protects your scalp, think again. The scalp is the highest point of the body and can burn more easily than other areas. That’s usually why your head feels itchy or hot the following day after being in the sun. To help prevent skin cancer, always apply sunscreen to your scalp and hairline. Although skin cancer on the scalp only accounts for 2-5% of all melanomas, you should still apply sunscreen as a protective measure. There are many sunscreens specifically formulated to protect the scalp without leaving behind a greasy residue. 

The Eyelids

The skin around your eyes is very thin, which makes it more susceptible to skin cancer, in addition to wrinkles and sun spots. According to available data, skin cancer on the eyelids accounts for 10% of all skin cancer cases. Many people don’t apply sunscreen around the eyes because of sensitivity issues. In order to avoid the sting, choose a mineral sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. You can also use an eye cream that contains SPF if you don’t want to use sunscreen. Lastly, don’t forget to wear sunglasses, preferably ones that have polarized lenses. 

The Ears

All the folds in the ears make them a little difficult to cover in sunscreen, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid them. Your ears get plenty of sun exposure, especially if you don’t wear a protective sun hat. Skin cancer can affect all areas of the ears, not just the tops and ear lobes. Make sure to apply sunscreen behind the ears as well because those are common areas for skin cancer development. Make sure that the sunscreen you apply is a broad-spectrum variety with an SPF of 30 or higher. 

The Feet

Obviously, you do not need to apply sunscreen to the soles of your feet. The reason for this is because a thick layer of dead skin cells offers protection. If, for whatever reason, you expose the soles of your feet to the sun, make sure to apply some sunscreen. The tops of your feet are exposed to the sun if you are not wearing full-coverage shoes. About 3-15% of melanoma skin cancer cases occur on the foot or ankle. Always self-examine your feet on a regular basis to ensure that you don’t have any irregular spots or moles. 

The Lips

As you probably know, the skin on the lips is very sensitive, which is why they are prone to dryness and chapping in the winter. Fortunately, it is easy to protect because you just need a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. Applying a lip balm with an SPF is a great step towards preventing the development of skin cancers and wrinkles on the lips.

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Can Loud Noises Cause Hearing Loss? https://www.dherbs.com/dhtv/fact-or-fiction/can-loud-noises-cause-hearing-loss/ Mon, 28 Nov 2022 17:19:10 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/uncategorized/can-loud-noises-cause-hearing-loss/

Ever wondered why your ears ring after attending a loud event? There are plenty of misconceptions when it comes to hearing loss.

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Ever wondered why your ears ring after attending a loud event? There are plenty of misconceptions when it comes to hearing loss. Continue watching to see what is truly fact and fiction.

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The Best Home Remedies For Pink Eye https://www.dherbs.com/articles/the-best-home-remedies-for-pink-eye/ Tue, 18 Oct 2022 09:14:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?p=143971

Use a cool compress, avoid contacts, switch off your screens, and follow the other home remedies in this article to get rid of pink eye.

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Pink eye is the layman’s term for the medical condition conjunctivitis. It’s an eye condition that causes the eye to become pink and irritated. It is very contagious, with about 80% of infections being viral. And despite the high rate of viral infections, they typically remain undiagnosed because the symptoms resemble allergic conjunctivitis or dry eye. Viral pink eye differs from allergic pink eye in that signs include red eyes, tearing, and irritation, staring in one eye and then spreading to the other. 

Although it is an irritating condition, pink eye tends to go away via home remedies and proper hygiene. The symptoms fade when the infection has gone or the allergic reaction comes to an end. Optometrists explain that there is no magic medicine to take that will make it go away. Pink eye is like the common cold in that regard. There are, however, a lot of things you can do to alleviate symptoms and promote faster healing. Use the following home remedies while you wait for pink eye to run its course, regardless of any underlying cause. 

Make A Cold Compress

Give your eyes a rest and apply a soothing, cold washcloth or eye mask. In addition to relieving inflammation and soreness, the cold may also reduce itchiness. One medical review of studios found that a cold compress is one of the most effective ways to feel better when you have pink eye.  Soak a clean washcloth or towel in cold water and wring out excess water. Apply it over your eyes for about five to 10 minutes. If an infection is the cause of pink eye, make sure that you do not reuse the washcloth, especially with other family members. Use a new clean washcloth when you want to apply another cold compress. If using an eye mask, make sure to properly sanitize it between uses. 

Don’t Use Contacts

If you wear contact lenses, take them out until symptoms come to an end. Ophthalmologists say that removing contacts will reduce irritation and help prevent reinfection. If you were wearing contacts when you developed symptoms, make sure that you discard those contacts, in addition to everything else involved in wearing them. That includes the case, bottle of solution, and anything else. For the same reason, stop wearing and discard any eye makeup that you used when you first noticed symptoms. 

Turn Off Your Screens

According to a 2021 study, looking at digital screens is associated with dry eye syndrome. The main thing to remember during your recovery period is to rest your eyes, which means avoiding screens. Take a break from working on a computer, scrolling through social media, or watching TV for extended periods. Entertain yourself the old fashioned way with a newspaper, a paperback book, or try painting. The main takeaway is to avoid any and all devices that irritate your eyes or cause them to dry out. 

Minimize Allergens

If your pink eye stems from allergies, meaning that it resulted from a bodily reaction to an allergen, then you need to minimize allergens in your space. Ease your symptoms by reducing your exposure to whatever triggered your pink eye. For example, maybe you started using a new detergent or face wash and the pink eye started after the new addition to your life. Find out what you changed in your routine or what recently entered your environment and remove the potential culprits. If you don’t know what the allergen is, consider talking to an optometrist to figure out the cause of your symptoms. 

Artificial Tears

A mainstay of pink eye home treatment, artificial tears are lubricating drops that work to rinse out irritants in the eye. Whether it’s a microbe, pet dander, or cosmetic ingredient, these drops aim to get it out. Ideally, choose drops that are free of preservatives and irritating chemicals because you don’t want to worsen the pain or infection. Additionally, use single-use vials to prevent reinfection and store the drops in the refrigerator before each use. This helps to refresh your eye and relieve any discomfort or burning. As a final note for these drops, make sure that you don’t use the ones that promise relief from redness. They tend to contain a small amount of a medication that constricts blood vessels in the eyes. That can actually cause further irritation to your pink eye.

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Can An Ear Infection Cause Taste Loss? https://www.dherbs.com/dhtv/fact-or-fiction/can-an-ear-infection-cause-taste-loss/ Fri, 23 Sep 2022 22:00:05 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/uncategorized/can-an-ear-infection-cause-taste-loss/

There are plenty of misconceptions when it comes to Ear Infections. Continue watching to see what is truly fact and fiction.

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Will your taste come back? There are plenty of misconceptions when it comes to ear infections. Continue watching to see what is truly fact and fiction.

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Why Does Your Beard Itch?  https://www.dherbs.com/articles/why-does-your-beard-itch/ Tue, 13 Sep 2022 09:08:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?p=142757

There are many times when a beard may itch, and it can be frustrating to say the least. Learn why this happens and what you can do about it.

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Itchiness is one of the most irritating and common side effects that accompany beard growing. No matter if you are growing a new beard or have been growing one for years, itchiness can strike at any moment. The good news is that any itchy beard doesn’t last forever. If you find yourself asking, “Why does my beard itch?” on a regular basis, there are typically hidden issues or habits that cause the problem. 

What Does An Itchy Beard Mean?

Although itchiness can indicate that your beard is growing, this isn’t always the case. If you are growing your beard out for the first time, itchiness is par for the course. The reason that new beards itch is because the hairs are used to trimming, so strands are stubby and sharp. Sharp bristles break the skin’s surface and start to grow, often tickling the face in the process. This is the itchiness you feel in the initial growing stage. If itching persists past the first month, something else is at the root of the problem. Your health or overall hygiene may be causing your beard to itch, and we’ll indicate a few problems and fixes below. 

Your Beard And Skin Are Too Dry

Men with longer beards tend to experience itchiness when beards get too dry. The roots of your facial hair don’t produce enough natural oils to sustain the ends. They are different from the hair on your head in that way. Longer beards are at a natural disadvantage when it comes to oil production, which is why dryness or itchiness is fairly common. In fact, a dry or itchy beard can indicate that breakage and split ends are coming. 

Fortunately, you can easily fix dryness issues by starting in the shower. Water that is too hot or too cold can instantly dry out your beard and cause discomfort. Additionally, using hair care products on your face can damage sensitive beard hair and the skin underneath. Opt for gentle beard shampoo and conditioner, looking for ingredients like green tea, vitamin E, jojoba oil, aloe vera, and other natural ingredients on the label. Over-washing can also lead to beard dryness. Try to condition your beard more than you shampoo it, and never forget to moisturize with a natural beard oil, especially if your beard is longer. 

Your Beard Needs Extra Attention

Some beards are more high maintenance than others. It’s not always about how short, long, grimy, or clean your beard is. Specific hair types and the tools you use to trim your beard all factor into the itchiness of your beard. Thicker beards are more prone to itchiness and ingrown hairs. If you use the wrong tools on thick or curly hair types, you can ruin the texture of your beard and experience itchiness. When you force your beard through comb teeth that are too tight, it appears fullest at the roots and becomes wiry at the ends. Switch out your combs and brushes to help your beard avoid itchiness. 

How can you find the right beard comb or brush? First off, you need to consider your beard hair type and styling needs. Combs tend to work well for wet styling and brushes are better for manicuring dry beards. Men with shorter beards can benefit from fine- or medium-toothed combs, or soft bristle brushes. These tools keep beard hair tight and secure, but don’t try to force too much beard into these tools, or else you may break your hair. Thicker or curly beards may benefit from firm bristle brushes or wide-toothed combs. 

Your Beard And Skin Are Dirty

Don’t subscribe to the belief that a bearded man has to be grimy and rugged. Even though over-washing can cause beard itch, so can poor hygiene habits. When your skin and beard are too dirty, you’ll likely experience discomfort and itchiness. You really need to listen to this itch because you’ll start to see that poor hygiene negatively affects your beard. Bacteria and debris at the roots of your beard hairs cause itchiness and poor beard health. 

Failure to wash your beard properly can result in ingrown hairs, acne, and beard dandruff. The combination of dry skin, oils, and general debris can clog pores, which increases the itchiness. Rinse your board with warm water before bed to prevent overnight build-up between showering. Make sure to apply beard oil or beard balm throughout the day if you seek relief from dryness. These products help create a protective barrier for your beard so that bacteria have a harder time clinging to your skin.

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Swimmer’s Ear: What It Is And Natural Remedies https://www.dherbs.com/articles/swimmers-ear-what-it-is-and-natural-remedies/ Thu, 11 Aug 2022 18:25:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?p=141504

What is swimmer’s ear and are there natural remedies that can fix the problem? Learn about how to handle the condition in this article.

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A classic summer activity is a day at the beach, lake, or pool. You absorb some sun, enjoy snacks, socialize, and enjoy time in the refreshing water. When you spend a lot of time in the water, you run the risk of developing swimmer’s ear, which can make your enjoyable day take a turn for the worse. 

What Is Swimmer’s Ear?

Swimmer’s ear, Otitis externa, is an acute inflammatory condition that occurs within the tissue of the outer ear canal. This canal runs from your eardrum to the outside of your head. The condition typically affects children, but adults can also develop the problem, which tends to result from swimming in lakes or oceans. It tends to affect the outer ear, but the inner ear canal can also become infected. The ears are very susceptible to infection because moisture and bacteria can get trapped inside, similar to nasal passageways. This is why long days at the lake or beach can put you at risk for swimmer’s ear. The constant wetness and moisture can lead to bacterial buildup and inflammation. 

With swimmer’s ear, the affected person commonly experiences throbbing or general pain. Swimmer’s ear tends to affect about three to 10% of the population on a recurring basis. An additional two million people experience swimmer’s ear every year, which tends to last less than six weeks. Chronic infections, however, can last more than three months, but this is very rare. The most common symptoms include:

  • Itching in the ear canal
  • Slight redness inside the ear
  • Drainage of clear, odorless fluid
  • Irritation or discomfort that worsens when you pull on the outer ear
  • Excessive fluid drainage
  • Decreased or muffled hearing
  • Increasing pain

What Causes Swimmer’s Ear?

Bacteria is typically the cause of the swimmer’s ear infection. Some people think that a fungus or virus leads to swimmer’s ear, but this is seldom the case. The infection happens because the ear’s natural defenses have been overwhelmed. You see, the ear has outer canals that keep them clean and protected. There is a thin, water-repellent layer of acidic film that lines the ear canal to discourage bacterial growth. The outer ear also helps prevent foreign things from entering the ear canal. Excess moisture in the ear, however, creates an environment for bacterial growth, which causes the infection. Contaminated water and damage to the ear canal can also cause the infection. 

Although you can see a doctor to receive prescription ear drops to get rid of swimmer’s ear, there are natural remedies that may provide equal relief. Continue reading to learn which ones may help. 

Hydrogen Peroxide

We feel the need to say that placing hydrogen peroxide in your ear is an interesting feeling, to say the least. Hydrogen peroxide does have antiseptic properties that may help to kill the bacteria in the ear. However, it can also destroy healthy bacteria, so you may want to dilute it by mixing one part hydrogen peroxide with one part water. To use, dip a cotton swab into the solution and gently clean the ear canal. Don’t penetrate the ear! You can also tilt your head to the side and drop three drops of the solution in the ear, allowing it to sit for 30 seconds before draining. 

Heat Therapy

It’s a well known fact that heat can help soothe pain and inflammation, especially in regards to swimmer’s ear. Hold a hot water bottle, which you wrap in cloth, against the infected ear for five to 10 minutes. You can also use a heating pad or therapeutic heating wrap if you have one of those items. Apply the heat a few times a day until the infection clears. 

Don’t Remove Earwax

It can be tempting to go into the ear in an attempt to remove earwax, but it serves several important functions. Earwax works to protect your ears from bad bacteria and helps to prevent moisture from accumulating. Don’t use cotton swabs inside the ear to remove wax, especially if you are prone to infection. If you feel that you produce more earwax than normal, consider talking with an expert about this to figure out the right treatment. 

Garlic Oil Drops

Garlic exhibits antibacterial properties that may be beneficial in treating swimmer’s ear. You can purchase garlic ear oil at health food stores, but you can also make garlic oil yourself. Mince a few cloves of garlic and add them to a jar with extra virgin olive oil. Allow the garlic to infuse in the oil overnight and then strain the garlic. Use a dropper to place three to five drops of garlic oil in the affected ear. Plug the ear with a clean cotton ball and lie down on your side, keeping the plugged ear facing up. Stay in this position for about 10-15 minutes and then let the oil drain. Repeat twice per day until symptoms are gone.

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Ear Seeds: What Are They And Do They Work? https://www.dherbs.com/articles/ear-seeds-what-are-they-and-do-they-work/ Thu, 23 Jun 2022 09:21:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?p=140916

Ear seeding, a traditional practice in Chinese medicine, is a form of auriculotherapy and may promote comfort and relaxation.

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The term “ear seeding” sounds as though flowering plants will sprout from your earlobes, but it is a form of acupressure. Targeting acupuncture points in the ear, ear seeding does not call for needles the same way traditional acupuncture does. This is great news for anyone who is uncomfortable with needles. It is this uneasiness around needles that makes people resistant to acupuncture. 

What Is Ear Seeding?

Ear seeding is a form of auriculotherapy that works to stimulate acupressure points in the ear to address certain health ailments. Ear seeds play an important role in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In fact, TCM teaches that the ears contain dozens of pressure points that help to calm the mind, reduce pain, and boost immunity. Applying pressure to a random spot in the ear doesn’t necessarily offer health benefits, though. This is where ear seeding comes into play. 

In the traditional practice, ear seeding used actual seeds from the Vaccaria plant, which is native to Eurasia. In present day, there are many types of ear seeds or metal beads, and each seed or bead has an adhesive side. This allows you to place the seed on the pressure points in the ear. Some ear seeds even incorporate Swarovski crystals, so they resemble stud earrings after application. The placement of the seeds or beads will depend on what you are hoping to achieve via this form of auriculotherapy. Continue reading to learn more about how it works. 

How Does Ear Seeding Work?

The stimulation of the points in the ear helps to trigger the central nervous system to release chemicals that send messages to the brain. These signals or messages initiate biological responses that help achieve the results you want from ear seeding. This is why you need to determine your health objectives before you start ear seeding. The placement of the seeds is a strategic process, so it can be beneficial to speak with a practitioner at a wellness studio before doing it by yourself. When you apply the seeds with precision, you have a higher likelihood of reaping the total benefits of ear seeding

You can apply more than one seed at once, for example, applying one in an area that calms the mind and another in an area that promotes hormonal balance. The application of two or more seeds tends to have a better result, as they work in conjunction with each other. A great combination is the Shen Men point (stress point) and Point Zero (hormones). Many practitioners and online resources tend to have charts that detail where the various points are and what they help you achieve. 

Ear Seed Application 101

Many advocates of this therapy advise people who have an interest in it to see a professional. A licensed acupressure or acupuncture practitioner knows where to apply the seeds for your health needs. Placement is paramount, so don’t DIY for your first stab at it. Once you have a professional do it and learn the ways of ear seeding, follow the steps below: 

  • Apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball or swab and clean the areas of application. 
  • Apply the seeds or beads so that the adhesive part sticks to the pressure point. 
  • Leave the seeds or beads on your ear for three to seven days. 
  • Gently massage each seed two to five times per day. The pressure should not cause pain; rather, it should feel stimulating. 

Are There Benefits?

The benefits of this therapy will depend on where you place the seeds. Practitioners say that some of the benefits include immune support, better sleep, improved focus, relief from chronic pain, and better digestion. The most common benefits that people agree on is stress reduction and relief from anxiety symptoms. One review found that acupressure is an effective treatment for relieving anxiety symptoms in patients with anxiety. Some people are very responsive to the therapy and experience results the same day. For others, it may take several applications to experience relief. 

There is no harm in trying out ear seeding and it may offer a wide range of benefits. Please see a specialist before doing it by yourself. Ask questions and explain that you would like to perform the therapy on yourself moving forward.

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The post Ear Seeds: What Are They And Do They Work? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

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