The Salt "Sock Remedy"

• 1). Measure 1 cup of salt and place in a microwave-safe bowl.
  
  
• 2). Heat the salt in the microwave for approximately three minutes on a high heat setting. The salt must be hot, not lukewarm, to provide ear-infection relief. If the salt is only lukewarm after heating for three minutes, heat for an additional two minutes.
  
  
• 3). Fill a large sock at least halfway full with the heated salt. Wrap a rubber band around the sock's open end.
  
  
• 4). Place the heated sock under the infected ear, and lie down. The salt will help draw the fluid from the ear and provide pain relief.
  
  

Gargle with Sea Salt

• 1). Measure 1 cup of water and pour it into a microwave-safe glass.
  
  
• 2). Heat the water on a medium setting for one minute; the water temperature should be warm, not hot.
  
  
• 3). Add 1 tsp. of sea salt to the warm water. Stir the contents for two minutes to dissolve the salt.
  
  
• 4). Gargle this mixture three times daily. Sea salt will help remove toxins and the mucus associated with a cold or respiratory infection, which often spreads into the ear. Removing these toxins will help speed the recovery time of an ear infection.