People tend to use q-tips and other cotton swabs to clean their ears after finishing a nice bath, but a few of them know that q-tips can actually damage the ear because it can push the earwax deeper into the ear and can cause painful ears, hearing loss, itchy ears, foul odor, ringing in the ears. With all of this in mind, consider using these next 8 safer q-tip alternatives.
1. Baby oil.
Baby oil can actually soften the earwax. Simply apply baby oil carefully using an eye dropper. Glycerin and mineral oil can also do the same job.
2. Warm water.
Tilt your head an pull your outer ear up and back to expose the ear canal, then apply warm water to the canal using a rubber-bulb syringe. Once you’re finished, tilt your head to the opposite side to let the water out.
3. Saltwater.
Sometimes, the warm water method simply won’t work out that well. Try mixing a quarter of a cup of water with a quarter teaspoon of salt, then pour the solution in an eye dropper. Apply the solution directly into your ear then dab the salt water on your ear using a cotton ball.
4. Salmon.
Sometimes, ear wax can be the result of fatty acid deficiency. If it’s your problem, then make sure to consume salmon, flaxseed and Brussels sprouts as much as possible.
5. Baking soda.
Simply mix 2 teaspoons of water with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda. Once done tilt your head and apply the solution using either a cotton ball or an eye dropper. Don’t forget to tilt your head the other way to let the solution out. Once done, use a clean piece of fabric to remove any excess wax.
6. Acupressure.
If you want to alleviate ear congestion then use your thumbs to massage the Gallbladder 20 pressure point using a circular motion for two minutes straight. The pressure point is located in two small dips on the rear part of the skull between the ear and the spine.
7. Garlic ear drops.
People used to put an entire garlic clove in their ears thinking that it can heal cold. The right and proper way to do things is to steep a minced clove of garlic in 2 tablespoons of warm coconut oil. Once done, start straining out the garlic and when you’re fully finished, apply a couple of drops of the blend using an eye dropper to your ear. Make sure to wait for 10 minutes before cleaning the ear.
8. Hydrogen peroxide.
This method is really effective, simply apply a couple of drops of hydrogen peroxide to your ear for 10 minutes before taking a shower. If your body produces excessive amounts of ear wax, then make sure to do this method at least once a month to have a nice and clean ear canal, and most importantly, a healthy ear.
