How a Salt Sock Relieved Grandma's EaracheHave you ever heard of a salt sock? I hadn't either until this past week my Aunt Linda shared an article and recipe to help relieve my throbbing earache. I had considered trying some heavier methods, like those you can Click here to read more about that involve medical marijuana products, but it seemed a step too far for me personally, despite the success many have with it. Besides, I love old school methods like these; obviously it's great that we can go somewhere like this Dentist Newmarket if we have serious tooth pain for example, but it's much easier to be able to cure minor aches and pains at home. So many of you wrote in asking what a salt sock was; so, in response, I thought it would be helpful to do a video on making one. This post will describe how to use it and then I will share my personal results.

If you would like to watch the video instead of reading how to…click the link to do so. Otherwise, let's get started learning about this homeopathic earache relief thing called the Salt Sock.

FIRST, I promised I would research the information available about this concoction, the salt sock. Here is what I found. After searching medical websites like PubMed.gov and striking out I tried our dear best friend, Google. What I found was an article about a news report aired on the CBS network and the TV show, The Early Show. Author Dr. Lillian Beard put together a book of home remedies in her new book, “Salt in Your Sock and Other Tried-And-True Home Remedies.”

She states in her book that “When she examined whether or not each remedy really worked, oftentimes she would find a basis in science that gave credence to grandma's advice”.

Her findings for the health benefits of salt for earaches are as follows. “Put a cup of salt in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes. Use coarse salt and dump it into a thick sock. The sock is to prevent burns. Apply the sock to the painful ear and it draws fluid out of the ear. This relieves the discomfort of an earache until you can get to a doctor”.

I'm not a doctor with a degree; however, I've educated myself for more than twenty years by attending lectures from a health practitioner who is and does, in nutrition…not pharmaceuticals. I must disagree with two steps in her process. First of all, when any “food” or “live” plant is microwaved* the nutrients are killed, leaving it useless to our bodies. So, never microwave the sea salt, EVER. Secondly, she doesn't specify SEA SALT. Refined salt has no living value…it has been processed out. Only use coarse (chunky) sea salt for this remedy. Other than those two differences I agree with the author.

Bloggers like myself wrote most of the other articles I found. It leads me to believe it is a home remedy; but, one I was willing to try. So, now for the instructions to make one for your home health cabinet for those nasty earaches that pop up every now and then.

Instructions for making a Salt Sock

A Salt Sock is made from a basic white cotton sock filled with coarse sea salt. Once heated up and place on the affected ear you will experience relief. There is science behind the healing properties of the minerals in the sea salt. Also documented is how the salt retains heat, creating a shift in the pressure within the ear.

You will need ONE clean, ALL-WHITE sock. DO NOT use colored socks, including socks with a colored toe or colored line in the toe area. Something in the colored threads and material is flammable and will melt when you heat the sock.

ONE to ONE and A HALF CUPS of Coarse Sea Salt. It has to be coarse and sea salt.

How to Properly Heat a Salt Sock and Microwave Risks

Heating a Salt Sock on the Stove:

  1. Use a Clean Skillet: Place your salt sock in a clean skillet.
  2. Set Heat to Medium-Low: Adjust the stove to medium-low heat.
  3. Continuous Movement: Every minute or so, pick up the sock and give it a gentle shake or a flip. This ensures even heating and prevents hot spots.
  4. Timeframe: Keep it on the heat for about 4-6 minutes until it's warm to the touch but not too hot.

Risks of Using a Microwave:

  • Uneven Heating: Salt tends to heat much more quickly and unevenly in a microwave, which can compromise the sock's fabric.
  • Sock Integrity: Repeatedly microwaving a sock, especially a colored one, raises the likelihood of the salt melting or the sock catching fire.
  • Microwave Safety Tips: If you use a microwave, proceed cautiously. Heat for no more than 5 seconds at a time, shaking the sock between intervals until reaching the desired warmth. Always monitor the process closely and use this method at your own risk.

By following these guidelines, you can safely and effectively warm your salt sock while being mindful of potential hazards associated with microwaving.

Cover your ear and the area behind your jawbone with the sock. I lay on my side on the couch and allowed the sock pressure to rest on my ear and jaw. Relax for a while. You may apply this technique as often as needed for pain and pressure. If you are like me, you will be amazed by the relief.

* Found on thewhoot.com.au

How a Salt Sock Relieved Grandma's Earache

As promised, my results – after filming the Facebook Live video today, I finished heating the Salt Sock. I removed it from the skillet after it was hot, but not hot. Laying on my side on the couch, I laid the salt sock on my ear, letting the bottom part cover my jaw and upper neck. I almost dozed as the pain relief came within minutes. I relaxed for about ten minutes, then switched to the other side, repeating the procedure.

I was skeptical; however, the inner ear pangs stopped. As of 9:30 P.M. tonight, the pain has not returned, and the fluid seems to have lessened as I can again hear out of that ear. As any intelligent woman over 50 would do, I would go to the doctor immediately if an earache is severe. For minor earaches brought on by draining sinuses like mine, this is a fantastic pain-relief home remedy that I would recommend. (I am not a medical doctor and am not prescribing nor diagnosing medical conditions).

I hope you enjoyed learning something new, a new home remedy for earache pain and relief. If you found value in this, please share with other women over 50 who may pass this on to their daughters with young children, i.e. our grandchildren, too.


Carla J Gardiner, The Fiery GrandmaCarla Gardiner is a mom of 2, the fiery grandma of 8, and has been married to her husband for 38 years. She is focused and driven, a business owner who made a big move in her late 50s, which rocked her world. Transitioning from her native hometown to her new home 3 states away took guts, work, and dedication to get the job done. Now, she is focused on helping other women over 50 handle life's changes while making the transition to their retirement lifestyle, one they've been dreaming of instead of the nightmare it could become.


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