Nature's medicine

Soothe earache

A throbbing pain around the ear can be caused by anything from the congestion caused by a bad cold to a walk on a cold, windy beach. Warm olive oil on cotton wool is the traditional method for relieving the pain, but medical herbalist Trudy Norris suggests trying an onion: "Onion juice contains antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and pain-killing properties. Bake half an onion in the oven until soft. Let it cool a little, then wrap it in lint and hold it against the ear to relieve pain." If the earache is very painful, or accompanied by a high temperature or discharge, it may be infected and a visit to your GP will be necessary.