Ear aches and infections are a terrible thing to experience as a child. You not only have a fever that makes you weak, but you also have to confront the constant pain in your ear. With autumn slowly installing its rainy self into each day of the week, a homemade solution to counter such discomfort is very welcomed. The DIY project is quite simple, as you will only need a sock and some salt. The benefit of such a medical alternative device is proven scientifically, no doubt about it.
The salt retains the heat because of the minerals present in it, so combined with the fever (do not lower it) you can adjust the pain until the organism deals with the infection. But instead of this explanation, you can tell the young patient that the sock is magical; it will work great on their mood. A Salt Sock is basically just a white cotton sock filled with Coarse Sea Salt … and You will need a clean – ALL WHITE sock. Follow the simple instructions and make sure dealing with ear infections in the future is much simpler.
You will need about 1 – 1.5 cups of Coarse Sea Salt. It has to be coarse or it will seep out of the sock… and it has to be sea salt – regular table salt is not the same. Heat it in a clean skillet, over medium-low heat for about 4-6 minutes – pick it up and shake it around and flip it every minute or so, so it will heat evenly. Heat until it is very warm, but not burning to the touch.
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Directions:
1. Take the pan and put it on the stove to medium heat.
2. Put the Coarse Sea Salt into the sock and tie a knot at the end so it doesn’t come out.
3. Place the sock in the pan and heat it. Be careful not to overheat, you don’t want to burn yourself or anybody else. Usually, you won’t need more that 5-6 minutes for that.
4. Place the sock on the ear with problems and you will feel in a few minutes how much good it will make. If you have fever don’t try to push it down, it is the bodies natural process to kill the bacteria.
The minerals from the salt retain the heat and release the pressure from inside the ear. In a few words the salt sock will ease the pain like magic!
The Magic Salt Sock: Natural Relief for Ear Infections – Dr. Dana Clum
An u microwave
How long
Karen, read the instructions. You do NOT microwave it. You heat it in a skillet. DUH
Do you have to mean??? That was an innocent question!!!
I agree with Laura, you don’t have to b rude. Especially when,you are so cowardly you don’t even sign your real name.
Do unto others as you would want done to you. You are a bully KisS! You should really look at your incredible lack of character!
It was a stupid question, asked by someone who didn’t bother to read the story. You don’t have to be mean to people like that, but sometimes it seems appropriate.
Being mean is never an appropriate response. Literally, if you can’t be kind, just don’t respond. Not rocket science.
I read the story and thought to myself maybe this is an old one and now you can do it in the microwave and was gonna ask the same question as I have a wheat bag I heat in the microwave. Glad I didn’t ask now. But I agree no reason to be nasty.
Tracy
Everyone has a right to be angry or annoyed or frustrated. Having those feelings does NOT automatically allow you to be mean, deliberately hurtful, bullying or vindictive. Feeling pissed off (or just pissy in general) doesn’t grant you a get-out-jail free card to say whatever you want, regardless of how cruel. People make mistakes. It happens to all of us.
Dry rice in a sock heated in the microwave works great for aches and pains. I don’t know why salt heated in the same way wouldn’t work for an earache. Think I will try it. Main thing with the rice is to shake and feel to make sure it doesn’t get too hot.
Gosh. Do you have to be so frigging mean? Her question was probably CAN you microwave it instead of heating in on a skillet. Any moron could decipher her true meaning…
I think she was talking to herself ladies…it’s a reply from Karen to Karen! You are al so sweet for caring. And it is very important to address ourself first and foremost with love.
Well spotted.
Unless you’re actually Karen 🙂
Actually, it does NOT say you can’t microwave. It was a good question. Maybe YOU should re-read before stating it says you can’t when in fact it didn’t say if you could or could not. There was no need for you to be so rude and cowardly.
I have what I call a “rice bag”. Same concept. But able to microwave and believe me, it really works! Sometimes I feel like I need a BODY BAG! Lol
This is what I use also. Works wonders on period cramps!
I also make my own rice sock and yes I do warm it up in the microwave. I am certain you can do the same with the sea salt sock. The microwave question was not a stupid question at all, far from it. There was no need for rudeness or meanness.
I made a load of wheat bags for a charity to sell once and it’s just dry wheat in material with enough room to move about and be shaken or shaped around the body part needing relief. They can be microwaved up to 3 mins. My old big wheat bag used to have lavender in it and I have to heat that one for 4 ins but it doesn’t hold heat long.
Ok…first off.. you are a rude @##$%$…and for what its worth…if your child had ear pain, its so much easier to call the pediatrician and get prescription ear drops. While your waiting a warm (not hot) washcloth will work much better. Please dont take the advice listed above. I am a nurse, and I would not do this to my child!!!
That’s because you are trained in western allopathic medicine, which is all about treating symptoms with drugs instead of helping the body heal itself (which also strengthens the immune system.)
It scares me that as a nurse you are still handing out outdated advice about using (presumably) antibiotics, given most ear infections are healed within a few days, and overuse of antibiotics has contributed to the rise of MRSA and other resistant bacteria/infections. 🙁
You are a nurse… NOT a Dr. I have used rice bags for years. Grear for paon relief. My mom showed me… she is a NURSE.
Dawn; can you prove home remedies don’t work? and while, doing no harm, it is faster than calling a pediatrician, and will comfort the child. no offence intended.
Dawn, As a nurse also (having cared for peds pt’s too)…not all earaches/infections get treated with antibiotics. Having had an ear infection as an adult, heat packs really do work AND help to relieve the pain. There is nothing more soothing than to have a warm compress to the area. This can be used in conjunction with antibiotics if needed too. The only advice I disagree with is the lack of treatment of the fever. Low grade is best, but too high can have dangerous side effects. I believe ALL parents want to help their child relieve the pain of an earache. We made one of these (rice pack version) for my son when he had an ear infection and it helped so well he didn’t let it go until he finally felt better.
Mother of 5, care giver to 9. I can attest to the efficacy of using heat combined with your body’s immune system to combat earaches and illnesses. Natural immune boosters as well.
My kids get tired of hearing it, but water water water is essential to healing regardless of what is ailing you.
I must agree with Also a Nurse. It is important to note here that while a fever may be the body’s natural defense against infection and an attempt to heal itself, I can tell you with certainty that to let a fever go unchecked–even a low grade fever can be very dangerous.
When my daughter was about 9 yrs old, we found out she had a stunted kidney, and they traced it back to an episode of prolonged low grade fever (about a week) while she was in the hospital with a stomach flu as a baby. This had a cascading effect, and while they were able to perform surgery to correct some of the deformation, the damage was already done. The end result: She died at 28 years old due to kidney failure. I understand and agree with doing everything you can to comfort a child in pain, but don’t let the fever go unchecked!
Not all ear pain is from an infection in the ear. for years i use to get infections, I thought it was from water in my ears and having small inner ear. I learned it is from alergies that drain and clog. treating the alergies has helped, but i don’t get ear infections anymore because i use a high grade silver ear rings. The silver absorbs in my skin like copper bracelets. i use ear rings insted of colidal silver. and i have to agree that putting warm water near an infection would not be good for it.
The artical says to use sea salt and that it holds the warmth due to the minerals in it. that might be the reason they say to heat on a stove insted of nuking it. might not go over well .
good luck everyone
So much easier to wait till morning, call and schedule an appointment, pay a copay, go to the pharmacy, buy prescription ear drops, and force them into your child’s ear. Does this sound easier to anyone? Just because someone says they are a nurse does not make them right. Nurse Dawn bacteria thrive in warm moist environments. Salt will absorb moisture and a wet washcloth will add moisture.
I agree. The wet cloth could run water into the ear as the child moves about and that would cause more harm than good. You can dampen a cloth and microwave it 1 min at a time until it is warm enough and use it that way but never a ‘wet’ cloth.
I keep getting earache and have now been told as I’m going deaf in one ear and get vertigo I could have Meniere’s disease. I’ve always been told to put drops in my ears which I hate. Now I’ told not to get anything wet in my eat not even water from showering.
Tracy
Ouch. To answer alleged, with in fact rudeness is a bit much. As stated above she may have been answering herself. You do not have to follow the advice above, but you do not have to attack it, either.
Dawn, I noticed that you said you were a nurse. While credible to those that aren’t in the medical field, I feel as though you’re either a troll or just a doctors office nurse. You know, the nurse that comes out after you’ve been waiting for 45 mins in the waiting room, and calls your name. Just to take you back to a smaller waiting room with cool rubber gloves, an uncomfortable bed table, and a sitting stool that spins with wheels. While I admire your somewhat condescending and just as rude comment. I’m inclined to take the “advice listed above”, as the articles author Dr. Dana Clum, gave some great advice. I mean what does Dr. Dana Clum know? It might just work. And the fact that you would never do this for your child is stupid. If it does work, it currently doesn’t look like it can hurt them. Maybe you should take Dr. Dana Clum’s advice and try it.
Dawn…..
I don’t care if you’re a nurse ….. what’s that got to do with anything? I come from a whole line of medical profession and they never try to up one anyone. Salt is a known healer since biblical times!! Our grandparents gargled w it..packed a toothache w it….bathed in it…..need I go on? KJV: “You are the salt of the earth”
I am a nurse practitioner Most ear aches/infections do not need any drops Why waste Dr’s time. This self management tip is safe and effective in most cases
Dawn, as an RN you should know that the majority of ear infections are caused by viruses and therefore treatment is conservative (warm packs). I see no advantage to a sock full of salt over a hot water bottle, but either should help. Most bacterial infections will also go away without antibiotics and many MD’s believe that is the best first choice of tx.
I’m also an RN, by the way. RN, BSN, CCRN
You’re a nurse and you use THAT kind of language? Go wash your mouth out with soap! Sure, you could take your sick child into the crowded Doctor’s waiting room to pickup MORE germs and infections while you wait to purchase expensive drugs created by multi-national corporations who care only for your $$ or you could try keeping your child home in a safe, warm, comfortable environment and treat this naturally.
Also an RN here – and what harm could possibly be done by a warmed salt sock? I’ll answer that – none whatsoever. So what is meant by “I would not do this to my child?” Most earaches are caused by viruses, while some are caused by exposure to the elements, such as a cold, blowing wind. A warm sock brings quick relief. I would hate to be your child and have to suffer with a painful earache for another 18 hours before one can get to the clinic and be seen, and then have to wait in line at the pharmacy for ear drops that may or may not work!
That comment was so uncalled for.
Who gives a shit if someone is mean, the question was answered.
The question was not answered. We still don’t know if it is okay to heat in the microwave instead of a skillet.
Gina po
You don’t have to be so cruel. A lot of things can be heated in microwave that says heat on stove.
I agree, it says to use a skillet, but, to ask if it can be done in a microwave is an innocent question, it actually was one I was going to ask, as microwaves, are just easier to use then to have to heat on the stove, and there are many premade things like this at the store that you can heat in the microwave and in the oven, so to ask if it can be heated in another way is a honest question. Yes, I did read the article, and I am sure the other person did too, but asked if another way was possible. There is no shame in asking about alternatives.
Mean, mean, mean. There are no stupid questions, just stupid people who have to try to make themselves feel smarter by bagging on others. And Laura, thanks for asking the question. 🙂
Man, you must really hate yourself to have to make yourself feel better by being such a bitch to someone who’s just asking a simple question.
Sounds like too many women ain’t got jobs on here. Internet white girl fight in 3 2 1…..
Karen was asking a simple (and frankly, useful) question. “Can you microwave it and if so, for how long?” Legitimate question.
It takes nothing to be kind, supportive and compassionate. Anyone who chooses to be rude, ignorant or nasty must be a very unhappy person. Seek help.
It makes me sad to think how petty some people can be. All this lady did was misread, or maybe she just skimmed over the article, whatever the case may be she does not deserve rude comments from anyone. Its sickening to see people hurt others to try to make themselves look good…it doesn’t work.
@karen is stupid:I believe she was asking IF it would work in a microwave. Now, don’t you feel a little stupid yourself? But, in answer to your question Karen, I don’t think it would work in microwave, because there is not enough moisture in the salt.
You evil!
Great Question Karen….
NOTE ABOUT MICROWAVES: be very careful if you are going to heat it in a microwave – it will heat much faster and unevenly and will take a toll on the integrity of the sock. I do not use a microwave so I can’t give specific instructions, other than to say colored socks and repeated heating of the same sock in the microwave can lead to an increased chance of the salt melting or the sock catching fire. Use a microwave at your own risk and be careful and heat in 5 second increments, shaking up the salt as you go until it is the desired temperature.
With rice instead of salt you can put it in for a minute or two (depending how efficient your microwave is) and don’t have these worries. Rice doesn’t melt from heat.
Tira, the rice doesn’t melt in the microwave, but it can burn. I have thrown many a rice pack away after a hole was burned into the side of the container whether it be a sock or some other material in a store bought heating pad. In all fairness it was my own fault for overheating in the microwave, but the risk is real.
A bag of rice does the same exact thing mixed w Epson and pop in micro. Have used this remedy for migraines too..for over 30 yrs
I think you can use a microwave IF you put a cup of water (just an inch of water) on the other side of the microwave. The salt may have zero moisture, in which case the microwave will do bad things. ——————You really are way better to take a washcloth, put it in a baggy, add warm water.———— If you take a hot water bottle and put it on the kids pillow (I early meant heating pad covered with towel, but that is against the rules) then the kid will have to lay down to get the relief, and he will be that much closer to falling asleep.
Great Question Karen:…
NOTE ABOUT MICROWAVES: be very careful if you are going to heat it in a microwave – it will heat much faster and unevenly and will take a toll on the integrity of the sock. I do not use a microwave so I can’t give specific instructions, other than to say colored socks and repeated heating of the same sock in the microwave can lead to an increased chance of the salt melting or the sock catching fire. Use a microwave at your own risk and be careful and heat in 5 second increments, shaking up the salt as you go until it is the desired temperature.
I would definitely think that microwaving is ok…and probably safer.
Here is what the original article says about microwaves:
I can’t copy it here for some reason but click on the link above “The Magis Salt Sock: Natural Relief for Ear Infections – Dr. Dana Clum”. She says to be very careful as it will heat up too fast. Really best not to use it.
You can stuff it with dry rice or cherry pits and microwave it for like 30 seconds. Works great.
Fill with rice and add a few drops of lavender oil.. You can microwave it and the scent of lavender is calming… You can also put it in the freezer to use as an ice pack.. Forget the salt if it has to be heated in a pan..
you can microwave a full cup of course thick himalayan salt for about 2 minutes. cup will be VERY HOT use gloves. get a partner to help hold the sock open and pour it in.
then say the magic words, Sockalongadingadonga!
Will rice in the sock work the same? I made one with rice before and it seemed to help.
Salt is highly hydroscopic. I haven’t heard about ear infection but really helps for sinus infection.
Cheers
PS. Karen IsStupid – How rude.
No- you want the minerals from coarse sea salt.
Yeppers…….use mine for over 30 yrs ..its my kids fav thing when they’re sick..or achy..or croopy… just pull out of the drawer and pop in micro for 2 minutes. …
Why can’t you just heat it in the microwave already in the sock? Then it can be used again.
Patty, read the instructions. You do NOT microwave it. You heat it in a skillet. DUH!
Shut up you dumb @$$ troll
good times.
Really?? You have to be so mean??
put the rice in the pan with the sock and add water, put the salt on your chips,and do a merry dance while the warm brandy and sugar does its thing,add the salt and wait for another warm brandy add another and stick the sock in ya microwave with the rice and don’t forget the salt u boring bunch of weirdos………yes you too 😀 get a life
I see what you did there. Good one!!!
Patty… I think the reason it’s recommended that you use a skillet and not the microwave is to ensure it is heated evenly. When you heat things in the microwave there tends to be hot-spots / uneven heating and when you are going to be applying this to your little ones face, you want to make sure it’s not going to be painful.
You heat the entire sock in the pan. Look at the pictures.
Did you know that ‘table salt’ is extracted from the sea just like ‘sea salt’ is? It is just fine, being intended for salt shakers, so would pour out of the sock, of course. When I see people going on about sea salt being ‘better’ it really makes me wonder what they think this ‘table’ salt is extracted from. Tables?? idk…
Table salt is typically mined from underground salt deposits. Sea salt is produced through evaporation of ocean water or water from saltwater lakes.
Actually, table salt is mined and refined with anti-caking agents. Sea salt is made from evaporated sea water. Sea salt is healthier as it is pure. Himalayan salt is also great because it is full of trace minerals. Table salt should be avoided.
Jay: most table salt is chemically produced and NOT natural.
Salt comes from the saline (salt mine). Salt crystals can be breed, it grows! Salt to eat is never chemical 🙂
Sorry Brigita, ALL salt is chemical, NaCl, Sodium Chloride
Everything is chemical, even you Dick 🙂
Table salt come from tables Jay. Duh.
this is all too funny for me today lol
Table salt is Sodium chloride and sea salt is potassium chloride so actually quite different and sea salt is healthier because potassium is way healthier than sodium! Just an fyi 🙂
So wrong.
Sea salt is Sodium Chloride plus trace elements.
Table salt is Sodium Chloride plus added iodine.
Potassium Chloride is so healthy that barbaric countries who kill people as a punishment for killing people (dur?) use it as the lethal injection.
Potassium Chloride HAS been used as a table salt substitute, but it’s health benefits are dubious.
Thank you. sigh
Exactly Dave!!
Oh my gosh…hush up already! High School is done and gone and no more ridiculous competitive crap
Actually, they are the same. Sea salt is evaporated in salt lakes, for example, the southern end of the Dead Sea. Table salt is mined from underground salt mines that are the remains of ancient seas. Table salt is further ground and refined, while sea salt is typically just crushed.
Table salt is as far from natural salt as high fructose corn syrup is from natural corn. And just like other “enriched” products, table salt has gone through an artificial process to add in chemicals that were not naturally present, like iodine. Sea salt has many natural trace elements, which vary depending on where and when the salt is extracted from the ocean water.
Table salt has been bleached and refined to the point that it is not even recognizable by the body as “food” but is actually detrimental (when ingested.) Actual, unrefined salt (all salt is from the sea, originally) will be either multicolored, grey, or pink. Even “sea salt” if white has been refined and changed from its natural form.
Unrefined salt is much healthier for the body, for tons of reasons – all of which are easily researchable. 😉 ~Tif
Table salt is NOT the same as sea salt!! It is mined then anti clumping agents are added, then they add Iodine. Sea salt is just that, sea water evaporated to produce salt. Table salt is far higher in Sodium than sea salt.
Wonder if Epsom salt would work as well?? Hmmmm
Epsom salt technically isn’t really salt at all. It’s actually magnesium sulfate. I’d be interested to see if it has the same affect.
Um . . . No. Epsom salt is not table salt but it is a salt. There are 1000’s of different salts. I suggest looking it up in a beginning chemistry book. As for the rest of the comments regarding salt. Sodium Chloride is what is commonly referred to as table salt. It can be produced many ways. Whether it originates below ground or from the ocean it is a combination of many different salts. They remove the rest and use them for other things. Sea salt is simply the residual after evaporating the water. It contains many different salts including sodium chloride. Chemically, table salt and sea salt are not the same, at all. Table salt consists of sodium and chlorine with a small amount of potassium and iodine added, as well as a few trace elements that couldn’t be removed during processing. Sea salt is a plethora of elements and trace elements.
^^This. Tony is correct. Chemically, “salts” are not only NaCl (Sodium Chloride), or ‘table salt’. Yes, you can get ‘plain’ table salt (without iodine, but with anti-caking additives) or ‘iodized’ table salt. The iodine addition is a government construct to mitigate the detrimental effects of a low iodine diet in a society of refined foods. Other than trace minerals, ‘sea salt’ has as close an amount of ‘sodium’ in its chemical make up to make it comparable to straight sodium chloride in the amount of sodium it adds to our diets.
*effect
It technically is salt, the level of terrible chemistry here is… well… depressing. Salt is a neutral ionic compound, so yes Epsom salt (Magnesium Sulfate) is technically a salt, also the salt really plays no role in this ‘magical’ sock, so any mass that retains heat should work (if it really does do anything at all) and in theroy something with a higher heat capacity should work better (so something like water would actually stay warm 4 times as long, so really a hot water bottle is a better idea than this).
Found this – may be the original post.
Scroll to bottom to see note about heating in microwaves.
snoqualmievalley.macaronikid.com/article/636813/the-magic-salt-sock-natural-relief-for-ear-infections
NOTE ABOUT MICROWAVES: be very careful if you are going to heat it in a microwave – it will heat much faster and unevenly and will take a toll on the integrity of the sock. I do not use a microwave so I can’t give specific instructions, other than to say colored socks and repeated heating of the same sock in the microwave can lead to an increased chance of the salt melting or the sock catching fire. Use a microwave at your own risk and be careful and heat in 5 second increments, shaking up the salt as you go until it is the desired temperature.
salt melts at just over 1500 degrees Fahrenheit. It may burn the sock, start a fire in the microwave, maybe burn down the house?? But salt will not melt in the microwave.
We have a “rice sock” we keep in the freezer at all times…I have 5 kids (#6 on the way) and any time they get the slightest “owie” it’s the first thing they ask for. 🙂 It’s great not only because it’s able to be positioned perfectly anywhere from the forehead (I’ve used it for headaches myself) to ankles and everywhere in between, but it retains the coldness without being TOO cold and uncomfortable like a regular ice pack. I’ve also microwaved it a couple times and used it for my lower back pain. (I don’t think that’ll happen anymore after reading the fire hazard) This s the first time I’ve heard of using salt though! I will definitely be giving it a try.
you can microwave safely. You just need to put in a cup/mug with water and wrap the sock/fabric bag around the outside. I have a grain bag I regularly use both hot and cold. The presence of water (I can guess but don’t know for certain so won’t speculate) makes it safe. I have had both store bought and home made heat bags and have always been following the maker/designer instructions to ALWAYS use water in the heating.
I have a lilac-scented soothing stuffed animal that is microwave safe. The instructions say microwave in 10 second increments with a mug/glass/dish of water.
This trick does work. Table salt does work too because that’s what I’ve always used. This is the first time I’ve seen it in a sock. I pour a small heap in the middle of a clean washrag and tie it up with a rubber band and set it in a skillet until it’s warm. Hold it to your ear until the heat is gone and the pain will be gone also.
The microwave issue with the sock catching fire has to do with material. No synthetic materials would be best, cotton material works great.
I saw a different article about the salt sock which said to use the microwave. I tried it and the microwave takes forever. Microwaves work by interacting with water molecules. Not a lot of water in salt…
“The benefit of such a medical alternative device is proven scientifically, no doubt about it.”
Could you direct me to a reliable source that gives the scientific evidence for this statement? I have also been seeing assertions that a salt sock pulls infection out of the ear as well. I’m hard pressed to see how that happens. And there’s the matter of the ear drum.
Thanks.
You see, it can “adjust the pain until the organism deals with the infection”. You see, pain is something that can easily be adjusted with “minerals”. Presumably by “the organism” they mean the child themselves (it is often a good idea to call your child ‘the organism’ if they fall ill because then if they die you aren’t so attached), and the adjustment of pain is caused by ‘magic’, you see, the child isn’t the only one you’re fooling with this dubious solution, you yourself have to be convinced that placing something warm near you will magically adjust pain levels (all these doctors administering painkillers have been wrong all along, turns out a sock with salt in it is all it really takes, fools)
I should add – I’m not questioning the pain relief. I know from my mother’s long experience how much that helps. I’d just like to know more about the part about pulling out infection, if you have any information.
I should add – I’m not questioning the pain relief. I know from my mother’s long experience how much that helps. I’d especially like to know more about the part about pulling out infection, if you have any information.
Ellen I dunno how much this will help you, the only thing Ive personally found recently to pull it out per say was breast milk. Yeah straight on down the ear and let it sit for awhile like real ear drops then after like 5-10 minutes flip over and let it drain . And I understand thats not easy to come by, but my husband got a nasty ear infection when I was on maternity leave. You know, not working, short on money, etc. and since breast milk has so much good agents to it we gave it a try and actually it took away the pain, and cleared it up within a day. Hope that helps!
I warm up Extra Virgin Olive Oil with garlic cloves sliced in it. It can be warmed in the microwave. Similar concept; put 3-5 drops of the garlic infused EVOO down into the ear but don’t drain it out, rather cover with a cotton ball. The anti-inflammatory agents reduce the swelling and pain while letting the body fight of the infection. Both my husband and I use it as well as our small kids.
Sea Salt hasn’t been processed. It still retains all of the minerals. Once it’s processed into table salt, there are no nutrients at all…That’s why they have to ADD iodine back to it. I think if you microwave it, those nutrients are destroyed. Probably wouldn’t matter much for topical use, other than uneven heating. But even in the skillet, it can be reused 🙂
Ellen, it only helps with pain “until the organism can deal with the infection”…
AjajajajajJa. I will furloughs my grandmother she is of elderly age and a a n or comprehend the math, yes? Jamie Foxx to and from the game is decided. Is it right?
Can we boil it to heat it?
The whole heat thing is a non drug way to deal with the pain until you are seen by a Dr and until the antibotics kick in. It really shouldn’t be used on small children due to possible burns. We tell our patients (I am a nurse) to use a sock filling about 2/3 with uncooked rice, corn (nonpopping type) or white beans. Tie off the end and heat until a temp you can tolerate and won’t cause burns. If you do use on a child you should place a small cloth between the skin and heat. I have used all three types of sock fillers but never tried salt. For immediate pain relief you can blow cigarette smoke in the ear. This gets warmth inside very quickly. These were recommended by a physician I worked with for years. I kept a cigarette pack in a platic bag in the fridge just for this reason cause we all know the earaches happen at night, on weekends, holidays and while on vacation. Very rarely at a convenient time. You can use cigarette smoke on any size child and of course a wet warmed wash cloth will work but does not hold heat long. You also can by sweet oil, warm it up in a spoon with a lighter, making sure it is not too hot place a few drops in the ear and place cotton loosely in the ear after a few minutes. Hope this helps. Heating mrthods are your choice.
Naturopathy has been proved ineffective by science. Ever been prescribed “hot salt in a sock” by your doctor? I assume not. Having tried almost every remedy my mother forced upon me whilst growing up, I can strongly say this is absolute crap.
if you don not believe in these treatments why are you on this page…just to be rude and antagonize the people that do believe in home remedies?
No, I assume people will revolt if charged $100 for a “hot salt in a rock”, but for a pill they can charge anything they want and people will buy into it.
Didn’t read all the replies but I have used this method for years , I especially remember my 4 year old with and earache on Christmas Eve and it helped.
I have used a microwave and regular salt, just poured it into double socks when it was hot.
Why do people have to be so damn rude when a person is asking a sime question? They must not have any morals at all. They must not have been raised with any manners. Did their fks not teach them anything? Some people are so ignorant and have nothing better to do. Wtf?? Get a life
I can not believe some of you “ladies” and how you have acted on here. Shame, shame…can’t we just all get along. Especially with something concerning our sick babies we should help and encourage one another and share the love of The Lord. As someone with lifelong earaches which have led to multiple surgeries, I can attest that hear does help. Whether its a heating pad, a washcloth heated with the hair dryer, rice, or salt. The benefit of heating evenly and of the salt drying out some I the moisture was very well explained the first time. Semi-related, when water first gets into the ear infections can often be prevented. Mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar and add a few drops to each ear when water gets inside. I have found this most effective. Warm sweet oil and then a warm compress are best for my pain. Now, feel free to criticize away, but we would all be better off spreading a little love and helpfulness. Good luck with those nasty earaches. I hope you am your babies find fast relief. God bless.
this is exactly how I always did it with my babies. my doctor told me to many times when we were out of town and getting a prescription was a hassle. the alcohol and vinegar mixture, plus the blow dryer, even the heated sweet oil. worked for so many ear aches, and I believe cut down on some medicines. I may try the salt sock for some other aches though, it sounds very plausible.
I have done this with rice. I put it in the microwave fkr 50 seconds.
Unbelievable amount of negative energy in these posts, generated by a perfectly good and reasonable question…sheesh! Karma is a b****h, be kind!
Oh the winers… the pussification of america at it’s finest
You all are idiots.
I don’t think it’s really magic. If it were, why would you even need the sock or the salt?
Stupid Karen is my sister, and I will not put up with someone calling her stupid!
Especially without putting their real name down.
Sincerely,
Dopey’s Sister
I have been using this method for over 20 years now, my step dad did it a bit differently, but it does work in relieving the pressure you have from a ear infection. It actually took the pain from excruciating down to a bearable level where I could sleep.
Btw, you can microwave the sock, just don’t leave it too long, or you will burn the sock.
Would recommend to anyone who has chronic earaches.
Good idea.. since i was a kid ive always gotten ear infections, and have forever been using a wet/warm wash cloth. It helps relieve pain and after a few hours whatever was in there would drain.
Hi All,
I just wanted to say that when my daughter was little, she had an earache and a fever. The doctor’s office did NOT get back to me (lost the record of my phone call). I finally called back after she woke up from her nap with a bloody pillowcase. Her eardrum had ruptured. I’m not so sure it is a good idea to play around with natural remedies when a child’s hearing is concerned.
What is the importance of the sock being white? I only have dark colored socks lol.
These comments are unbelievable!!! What started out as a reasonable question taken out of context, has made for some interesting reading. Actually, I have a rice bag which I use for pain and comfort. I’m not sure how filling a sock with salt will actually help the ear drain and resolve the infection??? However, I definitely believe a lot of home remedies are effective for other ailments. On a lighter note, remember “words are a two edged sword,” so try to think before you speak or write something that is disrespectful to others…..
ok did not have time to read everything here but having been a mother of three and having A childhood filled with ear problems and a child who has suffered with chronic ear infections *requiring the insertion of tubes 3 times before the age of 3* I can only add my opinion that ear ache and ear infection are two entirely different illnesses. And in the middle of the night with a crying baby any suggestion that helps ease the pain and allows both of you to get some sleep is worth the try. yes there are homeopathic ear drops available for sale but if you don’t have them or prescription your jobs anything is appreciated with the circumstances involving pain and child. Having been through nursing school and having a registered nurse license does not make me able to diagnose an infection with out proper tools. at this point I don’t know whether it said cure the infection or help for ear problems just know that this time as a grandmother now, i plan to try this technique knowing the rules of uneven microwave heating I also know how many things I have burned in a pan or skillet so my question is how long do you estimate the salt lasts through repeated heating and cooling cycles before it deteriorates and becomes the texture of table salt causing it to leak through the White Sock. and I think the dye in material May suggest it should not be used in case there is an allergy not knowing what substances were used to make that color? just a thought. my thinking also is clean dry cotton is the best material and most of our white tube socks are heavy closely woven to prevent leakageWhite has always meant purity in so many ways….a totally different subject matter for a different discussion. feel free to correct me on grammatical errors and spelling because it really doesn’t matter to me. there are those of you enjoy correcting pointing out inconsistencies as well as imperfections in others.
Does this work? I’ve never had an ear infection and I was a competitive swimmer.
I should try it, Thanks a lot; Now all I need is an ear infection.
Good advice but WHY it has to be an all white sock???? Who has in these days white socks??
I have kept one of these around for a good long time and have used it to ease pain in ear infections ( also draws out the excess moisture ) , have also noticed since salt does draw in and retain heat that a cool salt sock has helped absorb heat from the forehead and lowered fever. Can also be warmed using cars heater vent for use when travelong to help with lumbar or other pain . Works fantastic for easing pain and drawing out infection of an absesed tooth just warm and hold against cheek, jaw.
Wow… I so love the home remedies medication is not always the answer. Comfort with a bit of prayer for all of you for anger issues and the well being of your children’s emotional welfare is being said at this moment. Be kind and caring or say nothing at all. Beliefs are to the beholder and home remedies work. God Bless
TJ…well said. Western medicine is slowly killing people with drugs that carry horrific side effects. Whole foods, spices, and herbs, etc. are the key to overall health. Also, Sea Salt has so many beneficial healing properties. P.S. what is with the potty mouths on this thread? Do unto others. Be kind people, there is really no need to call others derogatory names to make your point. Healing comes in many forms, and name calling is toxic to our emotional well being. God bless you all.
I microwave mine 30 seconds to one minute shake and flip and repeat until desired temp and mine hasn’t done me wrong yet….I don’t trust the pan, period but that’s just me
I’m surprised a actual nures would not recommend a warm sock i know my doc does anyways i’ve always put the sock in the microwave it doesn’t really matter lol…any yes ear drops ease tje comfert too.
Thank you to the person who posted that a frozen rice bag is great for boo boos and migraines. I will definitely try that!
As for the salt sock, many helpful suggestions. Personally, I always try home remedies exactly the way they are written the first time. If I think of a better way or if someone comes up with an interesting suggestion on how to improve it I will then try the improved suggestion.
I believe fevers are the bodies way to fight back against illness’s however, I do not believe that you should leave them untreated.
Above and beyond all suggestions, use your common sense to know when a herbal remedy is working and when you need to take a more aggressive step.
Thanks for all the tips, I may try a few.
Be careful in microwave is all I know, because the dry sock can catch on fire pretty fast.
No, the person who asked the question was “Karen” and the person who responded signed their name “Karen Is stupid.” Rude.
I think the sock cure is worth a try. It can’t hurt. Then instead of calling the doctor, call and make an appointment with the chiropractor. The chiropractor will open up those ear tubes so they can drain properly and the child will not have issues with ear infections again and won’t have the trauma of having major surgery so close to the brain. This is what works people. I have seen it work on many children.
OK this is about a salt sock and instead its a comment section full of insults – get a life people seriously… dont like a comment then ” if you dont have something nice to say dont say anything at all”
that being said- where is a good place to get the coarse sea salt??? like a big container – i checked hannaford and it was PRICEY – ill get it there if i have to but wanted to see where others get it
THANKS
Will coarse Himilayan salt work just as well?
I made a sea salt sock. I used it and left it on my counter and it started leaking fluid. Is this supposed to happen?
Mother of 4, always treated my kids (and myself) with a sock filled with salt (heated in microwave) always worked. Or a heating pad too
LOL!
It’s not a stupid question. There’s no such thing as a stupid question. It’s better to ask than to remain ignorant. A lot of things like this are sold that are filled with rice, or buckwheat, or artificial pellets. All of those are meant to be heated up in a microwave.
Is chicken salt made from chickens?
Actually you can you use table salt,its just easier with a larger grain salt.It can definitely be made in the microwave( my family has used this since the 80’s) and we used a rag and a rubber band.Warning- it gets very hot so please test it before giving it to a child.