Young or old, ear infections are no fun for anyone. Sometimes earaches can be so bad that you are unable to go about your day and end up spending your valuable time miserable in bed.
Children are more prone to ear infections due to the structure of their ears. The tubes inside the ear are short and narrow and can easily get infected. Most ear infections can be treated easily and last for a short amount of time if they are acute. Some ear infections, known as chronic ear infections, can be very harmful and cause permanent damage to the ears.
Causes of an Ear Infection
Ear infections are caused by bacteria or a virus causing inflammation or a buildup of fluid inside the ear. They often lead to severe pain inside the ear. Colds, allergies, or even throat infections can cause an ear infection.
Symptoms of an ear infection include:
- Feelings of strong pressure in the ear
- Temporary loss of complete hearing
- Earache felt inside the ear
- Ear drainage
- Nausea
Besides traditional medicine, essential oils are an effective method to treat earaches due to their natural healing properties.
5 Healing Essential Oils
Essential oils are derived from plants and can contain anti-bacterial or antimicrobial properties that can kill bacteria and viruses.
1. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree oil is one of the most popular and effective remedies to treat an ear infection. Due to its antibacterial properties, tea tree oil targets the bacteria causing the infection and relieves the patients of his or her symptoms.
Try it out:
- Add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil and 4 drops of jojoba oil to make a mixture.
- Lightly dab a round cotton ball on the mixture and place it on the opening of the ear.
- Keep it placed around the rim of the ear for about 1 minute. Remove the cotton ball and allow the oils to soak in and start healing your infection.
2. Chamomile Essential Oil
Due to it’s antibacterial and antioxidant properties, chamomile essential oils are known to destroy harmful bacteria that cause ear infections. Chamomile essential oil is especially effective for treating ear infections that occur in the external region of the ear.
Try it out:
- Add 1 drop of chamomile oil and 1 drop of tea tree oil to make a mixture.
- Lightly dab a round cotton ball on the mixture and place on the external rim of the ear for 1 minute. Make sure to keep it only on the rim and prevent the cotton ball from slipping deeper into the ear.
- Let the oils soak in and help you feel better.
3. Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary is very useful when it comes to fighting bacteria. This essential oil is very effective in treating wounds and alleviating pain.
Try it out:
- Add 2-3 drops of basil oil and 2 drops of lavender oil in a mixture.
- You can dab the mixture on the throat or on the back of the ears.
4. Lavender Essential Oil
Besides the wonderful smell, lavender oils can work wonders when it comes to treating ear pain. Lavender has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that induce relaxation and stimulate blood circulation. If the patient is having trouble sleeping or is in too much pain, lavender essential oil will be your next go to.
Try it out:
- Dab a few drops of lavender essential oil behind the aching ear. Do not try to insert the oil into the ear.
- The patient should start feeling the oil’s healing effects in a few minutes and will finally look forward to a good nights rest.
5. Basil Essential Oil
Basil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties making it an effective remedy to treat ear infections. Basil oil can also work as an antiseptic agent, while the antispasmodic properties in basil alleviate muscle tension. If you are suffering from an ear infection in the middle region of the ear, basil essential oil can come to your rescue.
Try it out:
- Dilute 2-3 drops of basil oil by adding a few drops of water.
- Lightly dab a round cotton ball in the oil and place on the outer rim of the ear, just like you would with other essential oils.
- Let it sit for 1 minute and remove the cotton ball.
Make sure to always consult your doctor if you are feeling any symptoms of an ear infection or continue to experience severe pain. Test the oil first by adding 1 tiny drop on a small patch of skin to make sure you are not allergic. Stop using oils if you develop a rash or increased redness on the skin.
The content of this Website is for is for informational purposes only, is general in nature and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and does not constitute professional advice. The information on this Website should not be considered as complete and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment. You should consult with your physician before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program and/or any of the beauty treatments.
References:
9 essential oils for ear infection: How to use them, and warnings. (2017, July 04). Retrieved March 22, 2018, from https://www.belmarrahealth.com/9-essential-oils-for-ear-infection-how-to-use-them-and-warnings/
Ear Infections: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis. (n.d.). Retrieved March 22, 2018, from https://www.healthline.com/health/ear-infections
Top 4 Essential Oils for Earache Relief | Home Remedies for Earache. (2018, March 08). Retrieved March 22, 2018, from https://essentialoilexperts.com/essential-oils-for-earache/
