Balsamic Vinegar for Ear Infections - It Worked for Me

As one of the millions of Americans without health insurance, I live life on a wing and a prayer. I eat healthy food, take my vitamins, and try to stay physically active, but sometimes all the prevention in the world won't keep me from getting sick. This last bout with whatever the world it was lasted for a couple of weeks - it started with bad headaches, progressed to head congestion, aches and pains, chest congestion, and then topped off with the worst earaches I've ever had. I was running a fever. It spiked at 103 and I could not get it below 101 for over a day. The pain in my ears was to the point of disability. Know how it feels to be in so much pain you cannot even think?

I almost gave in and opted for more medical bills, but thought I'd look up some home remedies for ear infections and try something out before I gave in.

Balsamic vinegar. In the ears.

When you are in THAT much pain, you will try just about anything. But vinegar?

After ONE application, my right ear stopped hurting. After two applications, the pain in my left ear lessened and my fever went down. After three applications, my left ear stopped hurting and  NO MORE FEVER.

I am not suggesting that people start pouring vinegar in their ears, but if you have an ear infection, can't afford to see a doctor or get a prescription, and would simply suffer for days, anyway, I HIGHLY recommend that you try it.

1. Grab a wash cloth or paper towel before you start. Balsamic vinegar is dark and messy and some will flow out of your ears, so be ready to clean up.
2. Soak a cotton ball with balsamic vinegar and then squeeze it into your ear. Keep your head tilted for three to five minutes. Place a wash cloth on your ear and tip your head to let the excess run out. Clean up your outer ear.
3. Repeat on the other side.
4. When the pain is gone, flush your ear(s) with warm water from a syringe bulb.

I only did this once on one side and three times in 24 hours on the other side - NO more pain and my fever is gone. I've been taking ibuprofen, but it did little for the fever until I used the vinegar.

Why does it work? Well, vinegar is an antibacterial. That's the only explanation I have for it.

My friends and family may think I'm crazy, but my ears don't hurt anymore and that's all I care about.:) :) :)

Balsamic vinegar photo courtesy of Rainer Zenz at Wikimedia Commons