Best Essential Oils for Ear Infection
An ear infection occurs in both adults and children. Ear infection is associated with much pain that nobody would want to live with it. If you have ever suffered from an ear infection, you know exactly what I mean. Luckily for you, there are some essential oils for the ear infection that also have been proven to be effective against an earache.
There are two common causes of ear infection. In the first case, water is trapped by wax that has buildup in the ear canal. This creates a perfect environment for the growth of microorganisms, leading to infection. In the second case, the middle ear is infected by a buildup of fluids in the ear. This is caused by allergies or upper respiratory infections. Middle ear infection is the most common, and it obstructs Eustachian tube, which connects the ear to the nose.
Ear infection is caused by bacteria and viruses. There are antibiotics that are available to treat an earache, but they are only effective against bacteria. Also, the antibiotics may be ineffective as well as having side effects. Fortunately, you can treat ear congestion by use of the following essential oils.
Best Essential Oils for Ear Infection
Garlic Essential Oil for Ear Infection
If the ear infection has been caused by a virus, use of antibiotics will be completely ineffective way to treat the ear pain. It is important to note that majority of ear infections are caused by viruses rather than bacteria. Garlic oil is an essential remedy for ear infection as it has antiviral properties. Furthermore, the use of antibiotics to treat ear infection causes allergies, especially in children. This is why it is important to use garlic oil as an alternative ear infection remedy.
To obtain best results, slightly warm the garlic oil and pour two drops of the oil into the infected ear. Use daily for fast relief. Garlic essential oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which are crucial in treating ear pain.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil is extracted from lavender flowers of the lavender plant through a steam distillation process. Lavender essential oil has a variety of health benefits such as it enhances blood circulation, pain reliever, reduces nervous tension, and is a remedy for respiratory infections. It provides a calming effect during aromatherapy session. Lavender essential oil has been proven to be effective against an earache caused by viral or bacterial infections.
The essential oil is quite easy to use. Put a few drops of the oil on your palm and rub the outer ear using the oil for about three minutes. Repeat this procedure frequently for better results.
Tea Tree Essential Oil for Middle Ear Infection
This essential oil has both antibacterial and antiviral properties. This makes it an ideal natural remedy for ear infection caused by viruses and bacteria. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is effective in treating ear pain and ear congestion caused by a buildup of wax. Tea tree essential oil helps in drying up the buildup of fluid in the ear canal and middle ear, which is the major cause of ear infection.
Internal use of tree top oil is usually not recommended due to side effects such as toxicity and inflammation of the ear canal. It is generally used externally. Mix tea tree essential oil with olive oil. Dab the mixture using the cotton ball. Apply the cotton ball to the outer ear. You can also hold it in the ear canal, although, do not push it inside. Repeat the procedure thrice a day for three days.
Olive Essential Oil
If you are having ear infections, olive oil is one of the best natural remedies that you should try out. It does not only reduce irritation on the outer and inner ear but also helps in reducing congestion in the Eustachian tubes. This will subsequently eliminate ear congestion. The essential oil also provides soothing effects when it comes into contact with the swollen eardrums. This results in the reduction of ear pain. Furthermore, the use of olive essential oil frequently helps in clearing out ear wax, thereby eliminating the possibility of pilling up of fluids in the ear canal and middle ear. Olive oil ensures that the water drains out of your ear.
Simply pour a few drops of olive oil into your ear canal. Cove it with ear ball and wait for the wax to soften and remove. Repeat this procedure severally during the day to achieve the best results.
Oregano Essential Oil
It has antibacterial and antiviral properties, which makes effective against ear infections. It also boosts immunity and reduces inflammation as a result of ear congestion. It reduces inflammation in the ear canal and respiratory tract. Oregon oil is an important pain reliever, hence used to treat ear pain.
Use of undiluted Oregon oil is dangerous to your skin as well as to the ear. Dilute five drops of Oregon oil with a carrier oil of your choice, such as coconut oil. Rub the mixture on your outer ear for a few minutes. Repeat the procedure frequently for fast pain relief.
Ensure that the mixture does not reach the ear canal. Also, avoid the Oregano essential oil if you are under blood thinning medication.
Basil Essential Oil
Are you in need of a quick remedy for an ear infection? Basil essential provides one of the best reliefs from ear pains. It has both antibacterial and antiviral compounds that are effective in treating ear infections in both children and adults. Basil essential oil has high potency, making it effective in small concentrations.
Mix five drops of basil oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil. Soak the mixture using a cotton ball. Hold the cotton ball over the infected ear to allow the aromatic compounds to diffuse into the ear. Take precautionary measures to prevent the oil from reaching your ear canal.
Thyme Essential Oil
Thyme essential oil has an active compound called thymol. Thymol has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that are essential in treating an ear infection. Using thyme oil regularly helps in unblocking Eustachian tubes, thereby reducing ear pains. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help in curbing ear congestion and inflammation.
Mix one tablespoon of almond oil, two drops of lavender oil, and two drops of thyme oil together in a glass jar. Apply the mixture topically on the outer part of the ear. Do not let the mixture reach your ear canal as it can worsen the condition.
Mustard Essential Oil
Though not as much common as the above-mentioned oils, mustard essential oil is also enriched with antiviral and antibacterial properties. This makes it one of the natural remedies for ear infection. Its anti-inflammatory properties help in opening up Eustachian tubes, hence, easing ear pain.
Blend mustard oil with a carrier oil of your choice (five drops of mustard oil with one tablespoon of coconut oil). Apply the mixture topically on the outer part of the ear. Allow the blend to soak into the skin to boost the immunity. Mustard seed is highly potent and therefore, must always be diluted with a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
This essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help in soothing and clearing Eustachian tubes. This will subsequently help in reducing ear pain as well as eliminating ear wax. This is essential in draining the buildup fluids, thereby removing viral and bacterial infections as well. Furthermore, eucalyptus essential oil is effective in treating different kinds of respiratory infections.
Massage your neck and outer ear using the undiluted eucalyptus oil. You can also infuse the oil into a diffuser to benefit from the aromatic compounds it releases. Alternatively, you can inhale eucalyptus oil directly to relieve the ear pain.
Pros and Cons of Using Essential Oils to Treat Ear Infection
In most cases, antibiotics used in treating ear infections prove to be ineffective. This is because the majority of ear infection cases are as a result of viral infection. This makes essential oil an ideal alternative to treat ear infections. In addition, they are easy to use as well as provide a natural remedy for ear infections.
However, there are some considerations that you should put in place before deciding to use essential oils to treat an earache. Essential oils are derived from plants and herbs hence, are associated with allergic reactions. Furthermore, those with delicate and sensitive skin may negatively react to essential oils. They can experience inflammation, which worsens the ear infections.
In most of the cases, the essential oil must be diluted first before topical application. Always use the oil in the outer ear and allow the skin to absorb it unless otherwise stated. Before applying the essential oil on your ear, first, apply it on a small area of your skin to ensure it is compatible with your skin type.
Always consult your doctor about the potential risks of using the essential oil before applying it on your ear. Ensure you research relevant uses of the oil before settling down on the most appropriate one.
Ear infections are painful to both children and adults. Due to the ineffectiveness and side effects of antibiotics, many people are now turning to essential oils to treat an ear infection. Research has proven essential oil to an effective remedy for ear infections. Try one of the above-mentioned oils and experience the difference it would bring in your life.
Comments are closed.