Are you or do you know anyone who is suffering from ear infections?
Growing up, you’ve probably fallen sick at some point and used several treatment options. One memory that always stands out is using a holistic approach to treat a particular disease. And this memory was none other than using garlic oil to treat ear infections.
For several centuries, the healing powers of garlic have been graced by herbalists around the world. Garlic falls at the top of the list when it comes to powerhouse of natural remedies and herbs for illness. It is a flavorful culinary herb, and on top of that, it is naturally antiviral, antibacterial, and antimicrobial. Therefore, it makes it beneficial for helping your body fight several types of infections.
Types of ear infections
Ear infections hurt! It’s even worse when a child gets an ear infection. Apart from the many brands of ear drops you can get from over the counter, garlic oil is one effective natural remedy, and you can prepare it yourself. Before getting into that, let’s take a look at the types of ear infections.
- Otitis media: It is an infection that occurs in the middle of the ear. It’s as a result of virus or bacteria causing inflammation behind the eardrum.
- Otitis externa: It is an infection at the outer ear that affects the external opening of the ear canal and the ear.
What’s in garlic oil that makes it practical for ear infections?
Garlic oil has been scientifically proven to be a natural remedy for several infections. It’s because garlic has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Furthermore, it has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Besides that, when eaten, garlic can boost your immune system and help you to fight infections.
How to use garlic oil for ear infections?
First of all, you can purchase commercially made garlic oil ear drops. However, if you would like to make your garlic oil at home, then the following guide will be helpful to you.
Ingredients:
- Five fresh organic garlic cloves – peeled and then sliced into chunks
- A quarter cup of fractionated coconut oil or olive oil
- A small dropper bottle
Directions:
- Combine the garlic cloves and fractionated coconut oil or olive oil in a small saucepan
- Allow the mixture to simmer and bubble for about twenty minutes. Ensure the garlic does not burn
- Remove the saucepan from heat and allow it to cool
- Strain off the garlic cloves
- Pour the oil slowly into the dropper bottle
- Store at room temperature free from direct sunlight
How to apply:
- Tilt the head of the person with the ear infection to the side (with the sore ear facing up) and then drop two or three drops of warm garlic oil (you can warm the garlic oil in the dropper by passing warm water over it).
- Place a piece of cotton over the opening of the ear to prevent the garlic oil from seeping out
- The person being treated should stay in the same position for around fifteen minutes.
- If you don’t have a dropper, you can soak a piece of cotton in the oil and rest it inside the infected ear to allow the garlic oil to seep into the ear canal.
Risks of garlic oil
One risk of garlic oil is skin irritation. You can test and see if your ear can stand the irritation by putting the garlic oil on a small part of your skin. If you feel burning, discomfort or tingling or see redness on the part of your skin that you applied garlic oil, then garlic oil is not meant for you. Immediately after this wash the area with soap and running water.
Moreover, if you have a raptured eardrum, do not use garlic oil. A raptured eardrum is painful, and you might see fluid draining from your ear. Therefore, don’t use garlic oil in such a scenario. Visit your doctor to get another remedy for your ear.
Conclusion
Your favorite grandma’s ingredient is not only a flavorful culinary ingredient but also a powerful herb that can treat several infections. Add it in your medicine cabinet and enjoy the benefit it offers.
