How Can Essential Oils Treat Ear Infections?
According to research, most ear infections do not require visiting the hospital because they sometimes clear up on their own if they are not severe. So to ensure that the condition is not that which may require serious medical attention.
However, no matter how mild an ear infection may be, it is best to speak with a doctor for proper examination.
No matter how mild ear infections may be, they come with discomfort and pain and can affect both adults and children. Although, studies have shown that children are more exposed to ear infections than adults are, and most children experience an ear infection at last once before they turn 3.
An ear infection is mostly caused by bacteria or viruses in the middle ear that results in inflammation and discomfort. Sometimes allergies and colds also result in an ear infection.
Most people wonder why and how possible it is that essential oils can treat ear infections. Yes, essential oils can treat ear infections. Thus, you may not need to visit a hospital for an ear infection except in severe cases. Mild infections can be treated right away at home using essential oils. How is this possible?
Essential oils are gotten from different parts of plants and thus are packed with numerous plant properties. This is no doubt what makes them effective in treating different health conditions. Most essential oils have a wealth of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, pain relief, and immune-boosting properties.
All of which contribute to a better and healthier life. With all of these properties, the body is a no-go area for infections.
Another good thing about essential oils in terms of treating ear infections is that they stop the growth of bacterial and viral infections by putting an end to their sources of energy. Thus, when they are no longer supplied with energy, they begin to die off.
Applying essential oils to the ear for ear infection treatment is quite easy. All you ever need to do is, dilute the oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil, soak a cotton ball in the diluted oils, and put the cotton ball in your ear.
Be cautious not to push the cotton ball deeply into the ear to avoid particles of cotton getting stuck in your ear and worsening your ear infection. Also, you can put a few drops of the diluted oil directly into your ear.
Ear infections bring so much discomfort, and you may begin to experience strange feelings when you have ear infections. You may experience the following when you have an ear infection;
- Fluid dripping from your ear
- Inner ear pain
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Trouble sleeping
- Difficulty hearing
- Some people also experience difficulty getting a balance.
You can imagine how much discomfort you will feel if some or all of these things happen to you. Thus, before rushing to see the doctor, you should try using essential oils as first aid and wait for results. The oils do not only relieve pains, but they also kill the cause and source of the infection.
However, If the infection persists after using the oils for about 2 days, then you should see a doctor. If not, continue with the oil until the infection has fully gone.
Essential Oils That Can Improve Ear Infections
Basil Oil
Basil oil has plant compounds that are effective in the treatment of different infections, including ear infections. It is packed with antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help in the prevention of cell damage in the ear, reduction of inflammation, and the elimination of the bacteria causing the infection in the ear.
Studies have shown that basil oil has over 30 plant compounds, but the two most active compounds are methyl chavicol and methyl eugenol, both of which are amazing at combating bacterial infection. People who used this oil for ear infections experienced significant improvement after a few days of starting the essential oil treatment.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil, just like basil oil, is a good source of antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. All of which work hand in hand to combat infections that may gain entrance into the body.
Even though research is still ongoing as to how effective tea tree oil is for ear infections, studies carried out on children aged 5 and above who had an ear infection showed that the condition of 78% of those children improved after they were treated with only tea tree oil.
This study helped researchers conclude that the oil can help improve ear infections. However, for the 22% of children left, it was discovered that they had severe ear infections that required urgent medical attention. In other words, their conditions were beyond what essential oils could treat.
Peppermint Oil
Although this oil may contain high amounts of menthol that may cause your ear to sting when you apply the oil in your ear, however, after the painful sensation of the sting, you will begin to feel relief and an improvement in the condition of your ear.
Apart from this, peppermint oil is packed with properties that help break the cycle of the infection, thereby causing the death of the bacteria. To reduce the degree of sting in your ear when using peppermint oil for ear infections, you can soak a cotton ball in diluted essential oil and dab your outer ear with it.
You can also leave the cotton ball at the entrance of your ear for some minutes, then take it out and rinse your ear with warm water.
Lavender Oil
One amazing thing about lavender oil in terms of ear infection treatment is its soothing relief on the ear canal. This makes it one of the best oils for the reduction of different forms of ache like headache, body ache, and even earache.
Experts have recommended this oil to many people who have complained of ear infections. Lavender oil’s soothing effects on the ear are scientifically backed and have been experimented on people who had an ear infection.
Thus, if you need a natural analgesic to relieve your earache and also cure your ear infection in little or no time, turn to lavender oil. Its properties have that tendency to grant your desire.
It is important to be careful with lavender oil, as it can worsen your ear infection if misused. Thus, all you ought to do is apply the oil to your outer ear and massage it into your ear skin regularly until the infection clears off.
Oregano Oil
Oregon plant is a popular herb that has been known since time immemorial for its medicinal effects. The herbs from this plant treat different forms of health conditions, ranging from infection to mild fever.
The oil from this plant even contains a more concentrated form of the plant’s properties. This is why more people opt for the oil than the herb itself for the treatment of their different health conditions. Just like the above-mentioned essential oils, oregano oil is effective in the treatment of ear infections and can improve the condition of the ear by up to 100% after 3 to 4 days of application.
Experts have suggested that it is best to apply the oil to the outer part of the ear, such that it does not get in contact with the inflamed part of the ear, to avoid aggravating your ear condition.
Garlic Oil
Garlic oil is one of the most sought-after oils in the pharmaceutical world, especially in the production of ear drops. Most ear drops have garlic oil as one of their most active ingredients.
This is because garlic oil is packed with antifungal, antimicrobial and antiviral properties, all of which contribute to the improvement of ear infections and the elimination of the bacteria and virus that may be triggering the condition.
The best thing about garlic oil is that you can make it on your own, in your home. All you need to do is, put a few cloves of garlic in hot olive oil. Wait for the oil or fluid to cool down a bit, then apply the oil to your ear.
Conclusion
Ear infection can cause extreme pain and discomfort. In severe cases, it can even reduce the quality of your life. However, if you have any of the above-mentioned essential oils in your home, you can use them to stop the progression of the infection.
