The FDA is warning consumers that not all natural medicines and procedures are safe bets, including ear candling, according to American Consumer News. 

Ear candling is exactly what it sounds like: taking a 10-inch hollow cone candle to the ear to clear wax. Once the candle is lit and placed in the ear, it's supposed to create a vacuum which draws out impurities and wax from the ear. 

The procedure is dangerous because holding a candle that close to the ear has been known to cause cases of burning. Eardrums may also become perforated causing hearing loss, which then may require corrective surgery to repair the damage. 

What's the best and safest way to clear wax from your ears? It's very simple actually. Go to your nearest drug store and purchase a pack of cotton swabs (Q-tips). Because the cotton is so soft, using them to clean your ears daily doesn't cause damage. Another tip: when you take a shower, the running water also clears out the wax buildup in the ears.

Read the full article at American Consumer News by clicking here.