Any “beauty drink” worth its salt contains collagen, or at least ingredients that support collagen production. No single beverage is going to magically minimize the appearance of crow’s feet, fine lines, and wrinkles, but there are ingredients that can help. As you enter your 30s, 40s, and beyond, collagen levels start to decline, which makes skin damage more noticeable. Eating foods that aid collagen production can help improve skin elasticity, which ultimately helps reduce early signs of aging.

In order to make a beauty smoothie, you need ingredients that promote healthier skin. The good news is that this smoothie contains beets, oranges, strawberries, and mint, all of which contain beneficial antioxidant compounds, nitrates, and carotenoids. These ingredients are also considered beneficial for fighting signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Beets are also great for improving circulation and vascular health. The natural nitrates convert to nitric oxide in the body, relaxing and widening blood vessels, a process known as vasodilation. That ultimately improves blood flow, reduces blood pressure, and enhances oxygen delivery to muscles.

Strawberries are rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin A and vitamin C, which work to improve skin properties. These antioxidants facilitate sebum production, enhance hydration, improve elasticity, and reduce skin discoloration. Lastly, mint is well-known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. That makes it potentially beneficial for acne and acne scarring. It is possible for skin to unclog pores, which are contributing factors to acne.

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According to the National Library of Medicine, there are over 2,500 scientific articles published in PubMed on the effects of bentonite clay on bodily functions. Since olden times, humans have used clays, both internally and externally, to maintain overall health. While there are few scientific articles reviewing the beneficial effects of clays on the body, bentonite clay is an available exception. 

What Is Bentonite Clay?

Bentonite clay is one of the most powerful and effective clays for detoxification. It is composed primarily of montmorillonite, giving bentonite clay its remarkable molecular structure. Once you hydrate bentonite clay, it generates a strong electromagnetic charge. That allows the clay to attract and hold onto toxins, heavy metals, and other impurities. Similar to distilled water, bentonite clay has a pulling effect, drawing impurities with it as it passes through the body.

In a face mask, bentonite clay acts as a deep pore treatment, drawing out blackheads and absorbing excess sebum. Both of those actions help to calm inflammation associated with acne. After a bentonite clay mask, the skin feels tighter, cleaner, and purified. 

Bentonite clay may help improve many aspects of your health, from clearing up the skin to improving digestion and liver function. Continue reading to learn how bentonite clay benefits various aspects of your health. 

For The Skin

• Oil absorption: The clay’s absorbent powers help draw out excess oil, helping to reduce shine and make pores appear smaller. 
• Exfoliation: Bentonite clay helps to gently exfoliate the skin, promoting skin cell turnover, improving skin texture, and promoting a healthy glow.
• Detoxification: By absorbing oil and drawing debris from the skin, bentonite clay temporarily reduces the appearance of pores and refines skin texture. 
• Antibacterial: Bentonite clay’s antibacterial properties may be effective for combating acne and preventing certain skin infections. More research is necessary regarding this point, though. 
• Calming and healing: Bentonite clay may soothe irritated skin and reduce the appearance of rashes. It may also provide relief as an insecticide or ingredient in insect repellent. 

For Digestion

• Digestive relief: According to limited studies, bentonite clay may help relieve diarrhea and other minor digestive disorders. That makes bentonite clay a popular ingredient in colon cleaning products. In fact, that is why bentonite clay is in the Dherbs 10-day Colon Cleanse. A study from 2024 found that bentonite clay may help absorb and kill multidrug-resistant E. coli, due to the antibacterial properties. 
• Improved gut health: Bentonite clay’s ability to bind with and remove toxins may promote a more balanced, healthier gut environment. 
• Toxin removal: Bentonite clay binds to toxins in the digestive tract, which may potentially help the body eliminate them. Animal studies suggest that consuming bentonite clay may help detoxify the kidneys and liver, but it’s worth noting that human studies are lacking.

Other Benefits

• Weight loss: Preliminary animal studies suggest that bentonite clay can improve gut microbiota, and separate human data links gut microbiota to supporting weight loss. At this time, there is no direct evidence supporting that bentonite clay causes weight loss.
• Hair care: Bentonite clay is traditionally used to cleanse the scalp and remove buildup in Iran. By encouraging optimal scalp health, bentonite clay may promote hair growth, but there is no direct evidence that supports that claim. 
• Cancer: In laboratory studies, bentonite clay exhibited effects on cancer cells, but no evidence shows that it prevents or treats cancer in humans. For this reason, more research is needed. 
• Dental care: Bentonite clay, similar to activated charcoal, can serve as a natural tooth cleaner and whitener. 

How To Use Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay is either available in liquid or powder form. You can apply it topically on the skin or consume it by mouth. To use bentonite clay on the skin: 

• Mix the bentonite clay powder with water to form a paste. Make sure not to use a metal bowl or utensil for mixing, or else it will neutralize the clay’s negative charge, making it ineffective for attracting positively charged toxins. 
• Apply the bentonite clay paste to clean, dry skin. Do not apply the clay to sensitive areas, such as the eyes or genitals. 
• Leave the clay on the skin for 10 to 20 minutes and then rinse off with warm water. Pat the skin dry and follow up with a moisturizer to prevent the skin from drying out. 

When consumed orally, bentonite clay draws water into the intestines. That action may help relieve digestive problems, such as bloating or diarrhea. To ingest bentonite clay:

• Mix a half or full teaspoon of food-grade bentonite powder in a glass of filtered water. Stir well to combine. 
• Drink the full glass of bentonite water on an empty stomach. Follow that up with another glass of filtered water. 
• And remember that bentonite clay should be taken with lots of water to avoid intestinal obstruction or constipation.

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Think about how often your yoga mat touches the floor, especially if that floor is in a public yoga studio. Now think about all of the sweat, oils, and bacteria that accumulate on the mat during your yoga session. It’s safe to say that your yoga mat needs to be cleaned regularly, but does that happen? We are not here to judge; rather, we are here to provide a natural cleaner that helps remove all of that dirt and grime. 

What Is A DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner?

Think of this as a general cleaning spray, only without all of the harsh chemicals. This homemade solution contains vinegar or witch hazel, and essential oils, all of which help to remove sweat, germs, dirt, and oils from your yoga mat. That helps make your mat not only cleaner, but wonderfully scented. 

Using a DIY yoga mat cleaner also helps save you money and reduces waste. Not to mention, it gives you control over what touches your skin. Plus, making your own cleaner can feel both rewarding and creative, almost as if crafting your own wellness ritual. Keeping your yoga mat clean can help avoid skin irritation, in addition to the following benefits: 

• Helping prevent breakouts and skin rashes
• Removing odors caused by sweat
• Keeping the yoga mat free of bacteria and germs
• Extending the yoga mat’s life
• Enhancing the overall yoga experience 

Why Use Vinegar?

Vinegar is a staple household ingredient that is highly useful when it comes to cleaning certain items and surfaces. Regarding cleaning, vinegar’s most useful asset is its acidity. It is mild enough not to damage fabrics and surfaces, while being strong enough to get rid of stubborn stains and deposits. It can have a pH as low as 2.2 to 10 times as acidic as the average soft drink. 

One of the advantages of vinegar is that it exhibits antimicrobial activity. Some highly evolved bacteria can survive in acidic environments, but most find it difficult to thrive and replicate in these conditions. According to research, cleaning with vinegar can kill a range of pathogens, including E. coli. It has also proven to be an effective cleaning agent for dentures or a disinfectant for fruits and vegetables. 

What About Witch Hazel?

Yet another medicine cabinet hero! Witch hazel is typically for beauty applications, but it can be a powerful addition to your natural cleaning arsenal. Witch hazel is typically used as an astringent to help clean minor cuts or soothe bug bites. The astringent and antibacterial properties make it a fantastic cleaning agent. It is great for light cleaning tasks, especially when you want to avoid harsh chemicals. 

Not only can witch hazel improve your at-home cleaning game, but it can also help neutralize odors. Just keep in mind that witch hazel is not an approved disinfectant by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You should not rely on witch hazel to eliminate viruses or bacteria; rather, use it as a complementary cleaner for light tasks. 

DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 cup distilled water
• 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar or witch hazel (whichever you prefer)
• 10 drops tea tree oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Pour the distilled water into a spray bottle and then add the vinegar or witch hazel. 
• Drop in the essential oils and then screw on the top. Shake gently before each use to thoroughly mix up the ingredients. 
• To use, lightly spray on your yoga mat and wipe with a soft cloth.

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There are many fad diets that focus on cutting out entire food groups, calories, and more. Unlike those diets, the portfolio diet focuses on strategically incorporating specific cholesterol-lowering foods into your daily meals. Don’t think of this as a diet; rather, it is more akin to a plant-forward way of eating that helps you maximize health benefits, particularly for optimal cardiovascular function.

What Is The Portfolio Diet?

Any smart business person knows that it is best to diversify investments. You want to make your portfolio perform as best as it can, which is why this diet focuses on combining a specific combination of functional foods. You don’t count calories; rather, you prioritize nutrient synergy. Basically, the foods you eat work together to deliver strong cholesterol-lowering effects.  The diet is built around the following food categories:

• Viscous (soluble) fiber
• Plant-based protein
• Plant sterols
• Nuts

Many studies indicate that each of those components can independently improve cholesterol markers in humans. When you combine them, their effects are amplified and they can better support lipid profiles, reduce inflammation, and improve cardiometabolic health. Although this diet is compared to the DASH diet or Mediterranean diet, it is different in that it places more emphasis on foods clinically proven to lower cholesterol levels. 

How To Follow The Diet

The beauty of this diet is that it does not require perfection. As long as you are consistent and thoughtful with your food choices every day, you can be successful. 

Core guidelines:

• Base most of your meals around plant-based foods
• Replace saturated fats with unsaturated fats
• Include multiple portfolio components daily
• Limit or avoid consumption of ultra-processed foods and refined sugars

Daily targets:

• Viscous fiber: 10 to 25 grams (g) per day
• Plant-based protein: several servings per day
• Plant sterols: 2 g per day
• Nuts: 1 to 2 ounces (oz) per day

Viscous (Soluble) Fiber Sources:

• Oats and oat bran
• Psyllium husk
• Eggplant
• Barley
• Rye
• Chickpeas
• Beans and lentils
• Okra
• Vegetables
• Whole grains
• Apples, berries, and citrus fruits

Plant-Based Protein Sources:

• Lentils
• Chickpeas
• Black beans and other beans
• Legumes
• Split peas
• Soy foods (tempeh, tofu, soybeans)

Plant Sterol-Rich Foods:

• Fortified yogurts
• Fortified juices
• Certain fortified spreads
• Fortified plant milks

Nuts:

• Almonds
• Walnuts
• Hazelnuts
• Pecans
• Pistachios
• Nut butters
• Peanuts

Foods To Limit Or Avoid:

• Red and processed eats
• Fried foods
• Sugar-sweetened beverages (such as sodas and juices)
• Refined carbohydrates
• Butter, cream, and full-fat dairy
• Packaged snacks high in trans fats

Health Benefits Of The Portfolio Diet

The primary benefit is that this way of eating helps to lower cholesterol levels. Clinical trials found that combining portfolio foods can significantly reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. In fact, the effects were comparable to low-dose statin therapy in some individuals. That is largely attributed to the plant sterols blocking cholesterol absorption and soluble fiber binding to bile acids. A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials involving adults with hyperlipidemia found that combining the portfolio diet with a standard cholesterol-lowering background diet significantly reduced LDL cholesterol by 17%. 

It’s possible that following the portfolio diet may help reduce inflammation, as many portfolio foods contain anti-inflammatory properties. Research shows that plant-based dietary patterns, such as the portfolio diet, is associated with lower inflammatory markers linked to heart disease.

Due to the inclusion of more viscous fiber in the portfolio diet, you may experience better gut health. This soluble fiber produces short-chain fatty acids that support both digestive and metabolic health. Research found that increasing soluble fiber intake improved microbiome diversity. In fact, systematic reviews of plant-based dietary patterns in adults, such as the portfolio diet, increased beneficial bacterial groups in the gut.

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Looking to tame the beast and condition the beard in the process? Sounds like you need a quality beard oil! Although there are many beard oils on the market, the good news is that you can easily make your own with natural ingredients. No need to worry about mystery fragrances or problematic chemicals damaging your skin!

Why Use Beard Oil?

By using beard oil, you can help soften beard hair and add shine. It can also tame those scraggly hairs, so your beard can look a little neater. If you notice that your skin is flaky or dry underneath the beard, using beard oil can help moisturize the skin, keeping the beard and skin supple and healthy. Some people find that regular use of beard oil helps reduce beard itch. Plus, beard oil can make your beard smell great!

Anecdotal reports state that beard oil can help promote beard growth, but this is not scientifically proven. Some essential oils used in beard oil, however, may help encourage or support beard hair growth. Beard oil is most effective as a moisturizer for the skin under the beard. After regular use, you should notice an improvement in the condition and appearance of the skin and beard. All skin types require nourishment, even oily skin. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, consider using a beard oil with essential oils that exhibit antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Key Ingredients

If you want your beard to look well-groomed and shiny, as opposed to dusty and shaggy, you only need a few quality ingredients. The good news is that you don’t have to spend money on an expensive beard care kit! Consider the following ingredients when you make your own beard oil:

• Coconut oil is a great moisturizing carrier oil that helps to soften beard hair, which allows you to reduce itchiness. It is a common ingredient in hair and skin care products because it helps to hydrate the skin.
• Jojoba oil’s molecular structure mirrors human sebum, which the skin naturally produces. It is an emollient, which makes it effective for soothing skin and unclogging hair follicles. 
• Sweet almond oil is mild, lightweight, and great for all skin types. Due to its light texture, it is easily absorbed by the skin, helping to quickly add moisture.
• There are numerous essential oils out there, so it can be difficult to select which ones you want to use for your beard oil. Cedarwood essential oil has a woodsy aroma and may help reduce skin irritation, due to the antiseptic properties. Sandalwood is another common oil in beard care products, and its aroma may provide a sense of calmness. You can even use tea tree oil, peppermint essential oil, or eucalyptus essential oil for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. 

How To Make Beard Oil

You will need a small, ideally amber glass, bottle before you start mixing ingredients. The dark amber glass can help protect the health properties of the essential oils you use. Now, you can use your own measurements if you are brave and willing, but we have a sample recipe below for you to try.

DIY Beard Oil

Ingredients:

• 1/2 ounce jojoba oil
• 1/2 ounce sweet almond oil
• 1 tablespoon fractionated coconut oil
• 4 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 4 drops sandalwood essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and fractionated coconut oil to the glass bottle. 
• Next, add the essential oils to the bottle, place the cap on tightly, and shake well to combine. 
• To use, drop a few drops into your hands and then massage into your beard and onto your cheeks. Brush your beard for the finishing touch.

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Face masks, not to be confused with those old COVID facial coverings, should belong to anyone’s skin care regimen. Applying a face mask is an amazing self-care ritual that helps you recharge the batteries. Aim to do a face mask two times per week to make your skin look and feel great. The only problem with face masks is that they can make a dent in your bank account if you enjoy them regularly. 

That’s all going to change when you start making your own face masks, like the one in this article. Not to mention, a lot of people already have the necessary ingredients for face masks at home. Most of them contain ingredients you keep in the pantry, minus some essential oils and clays or powders. This recipe contains bentonite clay, raw honey, apple cider vinegar, avocado oil, and cedarwood, sweet orange, and frankincense essential oils. 

Powdered vs. Liquid Face Masks

Ultimately, it comes down to a matter of preference. In order to apply a powdered face mask, you need to mix it with water or another liquid. Liquid face masks don’t require any additional liquids and you can easily apply them out of the bottle. Depending on the liquid face mask, though, it may or may not contain preservatives in the formulations to combat the increased risk of bacterial growth. Some synthetic preservatives can irritate the skin, but not all liquid face masks are created equal. Continue reading to learn why we love the face masks in this article. 

Honey

Incorporating honey into your skin care regimen can help calm inflammation on the skin. Many people say that they experience notably calmer and smoother skin after using honey. Additionally, honey exhibits antibacterial and antioxidant properties that may help clean out the pores. Some studies found that honey can kill several types of bacteria, but it has not been effective at killing the type of bacteria that causes acne. It may help soothe or reduce the intensity of a breakout, as opposed to getting rid of it entirely. One study found that combining honey with cinnamon bark may offer enough antibacterial properties to fight the primary bacteria that causes acne. 

Bentonite Clay

According to researchers, bentonite clay works by adsorbing oils and bacteria from the skin. It does this by sticking to the molecules or ions in the bacteria, and as you wash clay away from the body, it removes those impurities. Bentonite clay also contains iron, magnesium, and calcium, which may provide additional benefits. The clay works to remove sebum from the skin’s surface, which may help reduce the severity of breakouts. There are many anecdotal reports that say bentonite clay helps to clear up the skin and make it appear younger, but research is needed on this matter. The important thing to remember about bentonite clay is that you should never use metal bowls or utensils to mix bentonite clay with other ingredients. Use glass bowls and wooden utensils because the clay can adsorb some of the metal’s properties over time. 

DIY Honey Clay Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons each: raw honey, avocado oil, and apple cider vinegar
• 5 drops each: sweet orange, cedarwood, and frankincense essential oil
• 1/4 cup bentonite clay

Instructions:

• In a glass bowl, combine the honey, avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, and the different essential oils with a wooden utensil. 
• While you’re stirring, pour in the bentonite clay and continue stirring until you get a smooth, thick consistency. 
• Transfer the mixture to a glass container and store in a cool, dry place. 
• Spread a thin layer of the mask on your face and leave on for 10 minutes. 
• Rinse with warm water and scrub away with a gentle exfoliant. Pat your face dry.

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There are many skin care products that promise to clear up your skin and keep it blemish-free. Seldom do these products keep their promise. In fact, many of them can cause dryness, skin irritation, or other skin complications that detract from the overall health of the skin. Instead, it is better to use more natural ingredients to make a skin care product that can help cleanse and nourish the skin. 

This homemade cinnamon and honey anti-acne mask uses powerful ingredients that can help reduce breakouts and improve overall skin health. It may seem weird or different to lather honey and cinnamon on your face, but these ingredients exhibit acne-fighting abilities. Researchers claim that the compounds in these ingredients may benefit overall skin health and combat breakouts. 

Honey’s Antimicrobial Properties

Honey exhibits natural antibacterial activity that helps inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria. The presence of bacteria on the skin can clog pores and lead to inflammation, which results in acne. Honey also acts as a humectant, which means that it helps the skin retain moisture. That enhanced hydration can help the skin from overproducing oil, which can lead to future breakouts. If you use honey regularly, it can also help minimize the appearance of acne scars, all while keeping the skin healthy. 

Cinnamon’s Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Cinnamon contains lots of antioxidant compounds and has anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe irritated skin. That is particularly beneficial for people suffering from acne, as inflammation tends to worsen the condition. When you apply cinnamon topically, it can help increase blood circulation to the skin. The increase in circulation helps bring more nutrients to the skin’s surface, which helps promote clearer complexion. Some of the compounds in cinnamon also exhibit antimicrobial effects that can target multiple strains of bacteria that contribute to acne. 

Working Together

If you want to address acne, you have to tackle the root cause, which tends to be bacteria, inflammation, excess oil, or all of the above. Together, cinnamon and honey create a powerful anti-acne face mask. It is a very easy mask to prepare and you don’t have to worry about melting shea or cocoa butter in a double boiler. Mix one teaspoon of cinnamon and two tablespoons of honey until well-combined. Before you apply the mask, make sure to. That step helps the skin better absorb the cinnamon and honey. 

DIY Cinnamon And Honey Anti-Acne Mask

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons raw honey

Instructions:

• In a small mixing bowl, add the cinnamon and honey and stir well to combine. The mixture should look like a uniform paste and should spread easily. 
• It is optional, but you can add a few drops of lemon juice for added exfoliation benefits. Just make sure the mixture isn’t too runny before you apply it. 
• Before applying the mask, wash your face and pat it dry. Use a clean brush or your fingers to spread the mask evenly on your face, ensuring you avoid the eye area. 
• Leave the mask on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing the mask off with lukewarm water. Once your face is clean, apply a hydrating moisturizer to help maintain moisture balance.

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Don’t want to make a smoothie on the raw vegan diet? There are other options, like chia pudding, that change up raw vegan breakfast game. Not to mention, chia pudding is an incredibly filling dish that is highly versatile. Given that blackberries are in season during summer, we decided to make this recipe with fresh blackberries. If you don’t have access to fresh blackberries, feel free to use frozen blackberries, so long as they are free of added sugars and preservatives. We just recommend that you thaw them prior to blending with the other ingredients.

One ingredient that will catch your palate by surprise is the freshly grated ginger. It’s a little kick that beautifully complements the sweet and tart blackberries. If you have an aversion to ginger, for some strange reason, feel free to omit it from the recipe. It is highly beneficial for the body, though, offering lots of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. All of those active compounds work to enhance immune function, but the blackberries also contain beneficial antioxidants that aid immunity. The choice is yours, regarding ginger.

One last thing to note: you do not have to use homemade almond milk if you do not enjoy almond milk. You can make your own cashew milk, pecan milk, walnut milk, or even sunflower seed milk if you prefer those varieties. Just make sure that you do not use store bought nut or seed milks for the chia pudding. Most store bought varieties contain added sugars, thickening agents, and preservatives.

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We’ve never posted a recipe for a granita before, but there’s a first time for everything. A granita is a semi-frozen dessert typically made with water, sugar, and different flavors. It originated in Sicily, but it is available in may regions throughout Italy. Think of a granita as a hybrid between sorbet and Italian ice.

Now, we are not providing a recipe that consists of sugar, water and flavors. What we are providing you is a wonderfully refreshing iced creation that you can either enjoy as a dessert or refreshing drink in the sun. Not only is it a non-alcoholic concoction that enhances your hydration efforts, but it is also highly delicious, perfectly citrusy, and loaded with an assortment of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Take ginger, for example, which exhibits preventative, healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-nausea benefits. Gingerols, which are the antibacterial compounds found in ginger root, can even prevent oral bacteria from growing.

Given that mint is in this drink, it can feel like a mojito mocktail, and who doesn’t love that? Mint can help boost immunity and get rid of bad breath. If you suffer from acid reflux, be careful to not consume too much of this drink because ginger can sometimes have adverse effects. We do recommend that you enjoy this refreshing beverage because the weather is getting warm!

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Tugging at your ear again because of muffled hearing, pressure, or general pain? Perhaps your child is going through the same thing. No matter who has an ear infection, one thing is for certain: it is one of those things that will have you searching for any type of relief. The good news is that most ear infections clear up on their own, but that isn’t always the case. Sometimes, a little intervention is necessary to relieve the discomfort.

How To Treat An Ear Infection At Home

A nagging pain in your ear can be quite uncomfortable, to say the least. Fortunately, there are several home remedies that can help relieve that pain and get you back to feeling yourself again. Continue reading to learn about a few different natural remedies that may come in handy the next time you experience an ear infection. 

Apply A Hot Or Cold Compress

A lot of people swear by heat, as it helps them manage the pain, but some people feel the same way about cold compresses. Heat works to encourage the muscles surrounding your ears canals to relax, allowing fluids to flow more easily. Cold helps numb the pain (to an extent) and reduce inflammation. If you want to experience the most relief, try alternating between cold and warm compresses every 30 minutes. Just make sure that the warm compress is not so hot that it burns you, and make sure to wrap a cold compress in a towel to keep the intensity down. 

Olive Oil

No need to dress a salad with this natural remedy! According to research, olive oil exhibits antibacterial properties that may help soothe pain within the ear canal. Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence to support this anecdotal claim. If you want to experiment with this method, consider discussing it with your healthcare professional first, especially if you are using it on children. If you do try it, make sure that the olive oil is no warmer than body temperature, as that will help you avoid burning the eardrum.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a common natural remedy to treat earaches, especially if wax buildup is the cause. In order to do this treatment correctly, place several drops of hydrogen peroxide into the affected ear. Before you do this, make sure to tilt your head to the side so that the peroxide can remain in the affected ear. Allow it to fizzle in your ear for a couple minutes before tilting your head the other way to drain into the sink. Rinse your ear with clean, distilled water. 

Treat Cold Symptoms

Earaches or ear infections tend to come at the tail end of a cold or respiratory infection. The reason for this is because contagious illnesses can irritate the ear canals, or eustachian tubes. Swelling and fluid buildup can occur in the ears, which leads to that uncomfortable pressure and pain. Managing cold and cough symptoms, then, can go a long way in relieving the pain of an ear infection. To manage your symptoms, consider the following home remedies:

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Use a humidifier
• Drink warm herbal tea
• Prioritize rest
• Irrigate the sinuses with a neti pot, or other device

Change Your Sleeping Position

First of all, rest is paramount if you want to manage any illness. An ear infection is not exempt from that rule, but how you sleep can either reduce or enhance the pain. If the pain is limited to one ear, try propping your head up on two or more pillows, ensuring that the affected ear is higher than the rest of your body. Gravity helps the fluid to drain. If both ears are in pain, sleeping on your back may be more comfortable. 

Naturopathic Drops

If over-the-counter (OTC) medicine is something you want to avoid, naturopathic drops may be right for you. Made from herbal extracts, they are just as effective (if not more) than traditional OTC ear drops. An old study from 2001 found that using naturopathic drops could improve the level of ear pain experienced during an ear infection. However, a recent study from 2019 suggests that naturopathic drops may not help relieve an ear infection. It may vary from person to person, but more research is necessary to get a better understanding. 

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