Important Oils for Ear An infection: Analysis and Suggestions

Essential oils are concentrated oils made from plant extracts. They contain the essence of the plant from which they come.

Essential oils are often used in aromatherapy and the aroma of essential oils helps with various health problems. They have been used to relieve stress, improve mood, relieve pain, improve the quality of sleep, and help with gastrointestinal problems such as nausea.

Some types of essential oils have antimicrobial or antibacterial properties, so they can also help fight infections. Ear infections are one type that can benefit from essential oil treatment.

Marc Tran / EyeEm / Getty Images

How do essential oils work for ear infections?

An ear infection, or otitis media, is an infection that occurs in the middle ear. The middle ear is the empty space behind the eardrum. It contains tiny vibrating bones and transmits vibrations to the inner ear. Although ear infections are most common in children, you can have an ear infection at any age.

You can use essential oils topically or inhale their vapors after vaping. For ear infections, essential oils can be used in the ear canal to relieve symptoms such as pain, ear discharge, and swelling. Some studies suggest that essential oils could also be used to kill the bacteria that cause ear infections.

You can treat your ear infection with just one essential oil, but some research suggests using a mixture of different types will increase its effectiveness.

When are they safe to use?

Many people believe that because essential oils are natural and plant-based, they are safe for anyone to use with any illness. However, this is not always the case. Some essential oils may not be safe or helpful for otitis media. Some may also be less tolerable for certain people and can have undesirable side effects.

Talk to your doctor before starting home treatment for an ear infection. They can help you determine whether and which essential oils are suitable for you and your disease.

Do not swallow essential oils

Essential oils should never be ingested as they can be toxic. When using essential oils, follow the directions on the bottle and do not put them in your mouth.

Types of essential oils for ear infections

Not all essential oils are suitable for treating an ear infection. Three specific essential oils can help fight off an ear infection and improve symptoms, including:

• Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil, also called melaleuca oil, is extracted from the Australian tea tree. It is believed to have antibacterial properties. Although research into using tea tree oil to treat an ear infection is rare, some older studies suggest that tea tree oil may be a helpful antibacterial agent. This is because it contains high amounts of terpinen-4-ol, a chemical compound that is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-parasitic. Recent research has shown that terpinen-4-ol may be effective in fighting a type of bacteria that causes various infections in humans, Staphylococcus aureus.
• Garlic oil: Garlic oil has been used for centuries to treat various health ailments such as parasitic infections, digestive problems, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Research has shown that garlic oil is an effective treatment that can help reduce the severity and symptoms of ear infections, even when used in low concentrations. One study found that two specific garlic derivatives, allicin and S-allyl cysteine ​​(SAC), are promising agents against microorganisms that cause infections in the middle ear and ear canal.
• Basil oil: Basil oil is also known as basil essential oil and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antihypertensive properties. The plant contains 38 compounds; two of the most important ones that can help fight off infection are methyleugenol and methylchavicol. One study found that these two compounds were effective in killing bacteria. Although recent research on the use of basil oil for ear infections is rare, an animal study published in 2005 found that the oil may be an effective cure for an ear infection.

Combinations of certain essential oils can also be a treatment option for ear infections. One such combination is carnation, lavender, and herb robert. In a study that looked at the effectiveness of this combination against ear infections, researchers found that it could relieve symptoms and cure the ear infection.

Essential oils are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To get high quality essential oils, you need to do your own research and buy them from trusted companies.

How to use

To use essential oils for ear infections, you should dilute them first. You can do this with a carrier oil or base oil. This base oil can help you avoid the irritation that would occur if the essential oil were applied directly to the skin without dilution.

You should also do a skin test to see if there is an allergic reaction before applying the diluted oil to your ear. You should only use one drop of oil for every teaspoon of the base oil.

There are other ways that essential oils can be used to treat ear infections:

• The first is to use a cotton ball dipped in the diluted mixture and gently place it in your ear. While the cotton ball sits gently in the ear, the essential oils slowly begin to drip into the ear canal.
• You can also use a cotton swab to rub the oil around the ear on the inflamed or painful areas. This only helps if the outer ear is affected.
• You can also put the diluted mixture directly in your ear. First, warm a few drops of the essential oil and base oil mixture. Once it has cooled, you can use a dropper to add the mixture to your ears. You should do this sparingly as the oil can clog the ear.

Essential oils can be used alone or together. If you plan to use more than one essential oil, it is important to mix them properly. When combining the oils, make sure they are all properly diluted.

Risks and Contraindications

You should never apply undiluted oil directly to your skin as it can cause irritation. You should never ingest the oils, even in small amounts, as they are extremely toxic and can cause poisoning.

Symptoms of poisoning may vary depending on the oil, but can include:

• Shallow or slow breathing
• Gagging or gagging
• sleepiness
• Seizures
• Coughing and wheezing
• Gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• coma

You should avoid essential oils if your eardrum has burst. Children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should be careful when using essential oils. It is always better to speak to your doctor first before starting any new natural remedy.

When to call a doctor

If you’ve used essential oils to treat an ear infection and it doesn’t cure, you should make an appointment with your doctor. You may need prescription drugs.

If you experience an allergic reaction, you should also see a doctor. Signs of a severe allergic reaction are:

• Severe itching of the eyes or face
• Swelling that goes down into the throat and can cause difficulty breathing
• shortness of breath
• Hives
• stomach pain
• cramps
• Chest tightness
• diarrhea
• Vomit
• Panting

Discussion guide for ear infection doctors

Email the guide

Send to yourself or a loved one.

Registration

This Physician Discussion Guide has been sent to {{form.email}}.

There was a mistake. Please try again.

If you do not get immediate medical attention because of a severe allergic reaction, you may experience life-threatening symptoms such as a sudden drop in blood pressure, shock, loss of consciousness and an increased heart rate.

Summary

Essential oils can be helpful in treating ear infections and relieving symptoms, but more research is needed to support their effectiveness and safety. Be sure to dilute the oils before using them on your ear. It is best to consult your doctor before using essential oils for your ear infection.

A word from Verywell

Using essential oils can be a way to treat an ear infection at home, but there are some risks associated with this remedy. If you prefer the natural route, speak to your GP before using and always follow the dilution instructions.

You will also want to make sure you are getting high quality oils, so only buy from a trusted source. Since they are not regulated by the FDA, it can be difficult to tell if the ingredients in the bottle match what is on the label. Do some research before investing your money in them.