Two rounds of antibiotics, two packs of steroids, 4 steroid shots, and in six weeks my double ear infection has transformed into only a right ear infection. The right ear though, ohhhhh, it causes the most obnoxious pain. I've always had ENT issues, but my doctor is surprised that as a mid-twenties, I need to get tubes in my ears. That, however, is a different story.
I've tried several home remedies for relief at least from the pain and pressure in my ear. A dear friend knew how miserable I was and shared The Magic Salt Rock link. I was hesitant and not too fond of placing a sock full of salt on my ear. I was at my wits end when we had company over, and I could only hear them from one ear. I nonchalantly moved the single sock party in the laundry room and selected a lucky sock. (Warning- it needs to be a completely white sock. The color WILL transfer.) Back to the kitchen to fill with salt and heated to the appropriate temperature.Now for the moment of truth... I placed the sock on my ear with our company looking at my like I was a crazy person. The warmth of the sock definitely provided some relief. After some time with the sock on my ear, I could feel a difference, and I also think it did draw some of the moisture out. It was a quick fix for the obnoxious pain. Although temporary, it is a nice temporary fix.
I've now added this trick to my home remedy arsenal. When my ear troubles me, I reach for the magic salt sock. Plus, it's a great use for all those single socks. Create your own Magic Salt Sock.
1. Select a sock. All you need is a solid white, cotton sock. I suggest using a thicker sock. Salt particles slip through the stitches of a thin sock. Again, make sure it is all white- no red line, no wording, not stripes. When heating, the color will transfer to any surface. Believe me! I used a clean, single sock. The chart below references single sock to found socks ratio.
2. Fill the sock with COARSE SEA SALT. Sea salt has several natural healing properties, and table salt will not have the same effect. Coarse sea salt will limit grains from slipping through the sock. It is suggested to sue 1-1.5 cups. I just eyeballed it.
3. Secure the open end of the sock. Tie a knot. Don't forget. You WILL have a mess. (Believe me!)
4. Heat the sock. You can heat the sock in a clean skillet or by microwave. I've tried both and prefer the skillet.
Skillet heating: Keep temperature on low. Heat the sock 4-6 minutes, and then flip to heat the other side for 4-6 minutes. This has provided the best results and even heating throughout the sock.
Microwave heating: The sock will heat quickly. I suggest heating in 10 second increments and checking the sock regularly. It heats very unevenly and if not careful you will 'burn' the sock (which leaves a horrid smell).WARNING- be very, very careful when using this heating method.
5. Cover the ear and jaw area with heated sock and relax. Hopefully, this will provide some relief.
This is not a cure for ear infections. This is just to alleviate some pain temporarily. Take is from me, if you are a little one suffers from ear infections, get it checked out!! It could be something worse.
I, unfortunately, have an appointment with an ENT in the next couple of weeks. My Dr. thinks it is beyond a simple ear infection for me. I will definitely keep you posted! Now... go make your Magic Salt Socks!
Would you like more posts like this? I am all for home remedies and willing to try most. Please let me know if you would like to see what other home remedies I have. :)
Best Heated Sock
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