Essential oils are oils extracted from plants using a special method called a cold press. These oils contain essential compounds that are effective against bacteria and viruses. Beyond that, they also contain anti-inflammation properties that reduce or even prevent skin inflammation. In this article, we will review essential oil for earache and some of the popular oils used for treating ear infections.
Essential oils
Essential oils have come a long way and are some of the oldest ingredients for treating different kinds of ailments. As far back as the 1st century, when all man had were herbs, healers have always relied on essential oils sourced from plants and trees.
Today, it is almost impossible to envision an Aromatherapist practicing his or her craft without using essential oils. These oils are used to relieve stress and body pains, improve mood, improve sleep and even aid food digestion. Some of them are also effective treatment solutions for different types of ear infections. This is why it is not surprising to find essential oil for ear infections in use these days.
Types of ear infections
There are different types of ear infections, some of which include
- Middle ear infection: Also called Acute otitis media, this infection affects the middle part of the ear.
- Swimmer’s ear infections: This one affects the canal of the outer ear
- Labyrinthitis: This infection is basically an inflamed nerve in the inner ear that connects it to the brain.
Causes of Earaches
Different things may cause earaches, such as
- Earwax buildup
- The growth and spread of bacteria or viruses
While using cotton buds to remove ear wax is not the best course of action, it remains a common practice by many. But there is a better way; the use of essential oil for earaches.
How do essential oils for earaches work?
In the case of otitis media, which affects the middle ear, there are tiny cartilage bones that surround this part. If it is infected, it will cause aches that will continue until the bacteria or virus is eliminated either by your body’s defense system or an extraneous agent.
With the aid of essential oil for ear infections, you can deal with the bacteria by inhaling the fumes of the oil after it has been vaporized. Oils can also be used to reduce swelling, cure ear discharge, and reduce aches caused by bacteria. For a faster result, blending two or more oils is advisable.
Types of essential oil for earaches
Before reviewing some very good oils for earaches and infections, let us point out that not all essential oils are useful treatment solutions. So before you use any, make sure you read this article and other materials to identify the right ones. Or better still, consult your doctor for directions.
Tea Tree Oil
The first essential oil we want to review is none other than tea tree oil. Also, knowns ad Melaleuca poor, this oil is sourced from the popular Australian tea tree plant. Tea tree oil contains bacteria-fighting compounds. While research, as it relates to treating earaches, remains scanty for now, this oil has shown great promise when deployed as an antibacterial agent. Tea tree oil contains a high dose of terpinene-4-ol, which is an anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic and anti-bacterial compound. This essential ingredient is effective against viruses that cause many common human infections.
Garlic oil
Garlic is one of the oldest herbs used across cultures for several generations to treat different ailments, and the oil desired from this shrub is precious. Garlic oil is used to treat parasitic infections, cardiovascular diseases, digestive problems, and all kinds of respiratory illnesses. It is also very effective for treating ear infections and earaches if used in small doses. Allicin and S-allyl are two agents in garlic that eliminate microorganisms that cause infections in the ear.
Basil oil
Basil oil is another essential oil for earache. Basil oil has anti-inflammation, anti-bacteria, and anti-oxidant properties. In all, the Basil plant it is derived from has as many as 38 natural compounds, and two of them, methyl chavicol and methyl eugenol, fight off infections. This oil is very effective for treating earaches in children.
Oregano Oil
Origanum Vulgare is the botanical name of Oregano oil, and it contains two essential compounds, namely Carvacrol and thymol. These two compounds are very effective antibiotics in pure form. Oregano oil stimulates healing, and it also resists the growth and spread of bacteria on the eardrum. Even if you don’t suffer from earaches or infection, exposing your system to Oregano oil through diffusion will help prevent bacteria spread.
Clove oil
What about Eugenia Caryophyllata, also known as Clove oil? This potent oil is a destroyer of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. In fact, it is so potent that practitioners even deploy it against strong viruses like E.Coli and Candida Albicans. Clove Oil has many uses, including addressing earaches and infections of the middle and outer ear canals.
Essential oil combinations
While these oils may work well if used individually, they are more potent when mixed together. Mixing two or more essential oils will lead to faster results to relieve symptoms and heal infections faster.
How to use Essential Oils to treat Ear infections
Dilute the oil
If you want to use essential oils to treat an ear infection, you need to be very careful so you don’t worsen your condition. The first thing you need to do is dilute the oil with a carrier oil like almond or coconut oil. Carrier oils reduce the oil’s potency and protect your skin from irritation. Failure to dilute the essential oil before use will cause you great discomfort.
Skin test
After dilution, now is the time to test it to see if your skin will respond to it positively. Apply it to a tiny part of your skin and see how you react to it. If this action causes no discomfort, you can now apply it to your ear.
Here are some common methods to apply Essential Oils:
Cotton Bud
One method is to soak a Cotton bud into a diluted mixture of essential oil and carrier oil. Dip the soaked bud gently onto your ear and move around slowly for the oil to enter the canal. Make sure the bud covers every area it can on the outer region.
Use as droppings
Another method is to warm your diluted mixture. Soak the cotton bud with the mixture and place it over the ear with your head bent sideways so the oil can drop directly into it. Make sure you do this after the oil is cool, and you only need a few drops.
When should you use essential oils?
At what point is it advisable to use essential oil? Most people are quick to assume that because they are sourced from natural plants, they can do no harm, but they are wrong. Essential oils have side effects of their own, and some may not even be good as ear infection treatment solutions.
So before you use any, please consult your doctor for advice first and follow his instructions. A doctor is in the best position to tell which is ideal for you.
Essential oil risks
There are several risks you should be aware of as far as using essential oils. First and foremost, never place essential oils into your ear without diluting them first to reduce potency. Also, note that ingestion through the mouth may lead to poisoning, so avoid that. Ingestion may lead to
- Drowsiness
- Choking
- Gagging
- Slow breathing
- Coughing
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Or, in worse case scenarios, Coma.
Note: Never use essential oils if your eardrum is ruptured. This is why it is advisable to consult a doctor before using it. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should be careful and use sparingly for children.
How to know if you have overdosed on essential oils
If you have overdosed on essential oils, there are clear signs to look out for, which include
- Skin Inflammation
- Breathing difficulties
- Abdominal pain
- Cramps
- Shortness of breath
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Chest tightness
- Wheezing
Essential oil for earache and infections is very effective, but it should be used in moderation and only after consulting your doctor.
Essential oil for ear infection FAQ?
Are all essential oils effective for curing ear infections?
No, not all essential oils are effective as a cure. In fact, some may even complicate the issue. Only a few like Oregano, Garlic, Basil, and others are good ear treatment solutions.
How many drops do I need?
2-3 drops placed into the ears is enough.
Can I mix different oils to form a blend?
Yes, you can. Oil blends are far more effective against viruses and bacteria.
