That Is Really Gross.

Lately I've noticed, my ears feel really clogged. I went to the doctor yesterday and surprise surprise, I have yet another left ear infection. I'm averaging about one every three months. What thirty three year old woman gets chronic ear infections? So aside from the constant infections, my ears just felt stuffy. I remembered about eight or nine years ago using ear candles and I just happen to be near the homeopathic-apothecary store (as it's called) yesterday and was able to pick some up. I had completely forgotten how cool they are. Hubby was a bit skeptical of my "voodoo" as he so politely called it, but in the end, I think he was more into it than I was.

Now. the candles are made of beeswax and they look like a typical candlestick except they are hollow. Both ends are open but the one is tapered to a smaller opening to fit into your ear. At this point, common sense should tell you that this is a two man operation and I really hope no one tries to do this alone. Also, don't fforget you will need something to protect your clothes in case a few hot ashes come lose. We used a large piece of aluminum foil and pushed the candle through the center.

Now for the fun part! As crazy as it sounds, you put the tapered end in your ear and then you light the other end on fire. What is does is it creates a vacuum effect which sucks out all the old debris and wax. You usually burn the candle down to about three inches. It takes about sever or eight minutes per ear depending on ow fast the beeswax melts down.

Needless to say, it is pretty gross when you cut the thing open and see all the old trapped wax that has been stuck in your ear. I remember the first time I saw what come out of my ears, I thought I was going to be sick. When you think about it, you're not supposed to stick q-tips in your ear so I would think it's good to "flush" them out once in awhile right?. As soon as I finished the first ear, I couldn't believe how much better my head felt and I actually think I can hear better. It's probably all in my head but, oh well. Hubby was even so impressed by how much better his ears felt that he wants to pick another pack this weekend and do it again. I think I am going to turn this into a monthly routine. Hey, maybe it will help me cut down on what seems like a never ending ear infection.

Anyway....I say check them out. Even Hubby is down with the "voodoo ear magic." My next adventure is to try neti-pot. That scares me a little.