BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR EAR INFECTIONS

SHARE THE LOVE!

What are the best essential oils for ear infections?

Among others:

• Tea Tree oil;
• Basil oil;
• Lavender oil;
• etc.

Read this post to learn if essential oils really work to treat painful ear aches and infections fast, and how to use them.

---

If you have ever had an ear infection, you know very well how painful it can be.

Nothing seems to give you relief from a very sharp and constant pain in the ear. Your whole body seems to be affected, and you just can’t find a comfortable position.

Moreover, when one of your children is affected, it can be a very distressful situation for you as a parent too.

Thankfully there are a few home remedies you can try as soon as the pain starts, to relieve discomfort and pain.

IMPORTANT

The content of this blog post is intended for information purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice.

I am not a doctor and I’m only sharing my personal experience here.

If you are unwell or sick, always ask your trusted doctor or medical practitioner for advice. Pay particular attention if you are allergic or intolerant to any food and/or medication, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Children and elderly people should also seek medical attention quickly if unwell or experiencing any symptom.

Even if you don’t experience any symptom, always contact your trusted medical provider if in doubt. If you feel unwell and are worried, it is safer to ask for medical advice from a professional than to wait.

Never risk it!

---

---

HOW DO YOU GET RID OF AN EAR INFECTION FAST?

In my personal experience as a parent, having one child that used to suffer from ear infections a lot in the past, the best way is to act immediately, as soon as the pain starts. I find that if I use a natural home remedy such as essential oils promptly, the pain is less severe and short lived.

However, sometimes the pain just doesn’t subside and, in those cases, it is very important to go visit your GP or healthcare provider. 

Ear infections are a very serious matter, and they can have serious health consequences, such as hearing loss. Don’t ever underestimate them, especially in children!

what is an ear infection?

From www.verywellhealth.com: ”Ear infection, or otitis media, is an infection that occurs in the middle ear. The middle ear is the empty space found behind the eardrum. It contains tiny vibrating bones and transfers vibrations to the inner ear. Although ear infections are most commonly found in children, you can have an ear infection at any age.”

Sometimes an ear infection is not an isolated event, and it can be triggered by a cold, flu or allergies. The reason behind this, is that the very same viruses and bacteria that cause the illnesses can travel up the respiratory tract and get trapped in the middle ear, behind the eardrum.

HOW WOULD I KNOW IF I HAVE AN EAR INFECTION? what are the first signs AND SYMPTOMS of an ear infection?

There are several symptoms that are indicative of an ear infection. However, no two people are the same, so you might only experience one of the below symptoms or you might have a few.

From nhs.uk : ”The symptoms of ear infections usually start quickly and include:

• pain inside the ear
• a high temperature
• being sick
• a lack of energy
• difficulty hearing
• discharge running out of the ear
• a feeling of pressure or fullness inside the ear
• itching and irritation in and around the ear
• scaly skin in and around the ear

Young children and babies with an ear infection may also:

• rub or pull their ear
• not react to some sounds
• be irritable or restless
• be off their food
• keep losing their balance”

HOW DO YOU GET AN EAR INFECTION?

Unfortunately, ear infections are very common, and as I mentioned above, often they are brought in by another illness.

According to mayoclinic.org :”An ear infection is caused by a bacterium or virus in the middle ear. This infection often results from another illness — cold, flu or allergy — that causes congestion and swelling of the nasal passages, throat and eustachian tubes.”

Sometimes, cavities, throat, sinus infections and poor ear hygiene can cause an ear infection too.

HOW LONG DOES AN EAR INFECTION LAST?

Most ear infections last around 3 days. However, sometimes it might take up to a week to get better.

In the mean time, rest if you can and avoid strenuous activities. Give your body time and energy to heal naturally.

IMPORTANT

It is very important to keep a close eye on an ear infection. If symptoms do not improve or get worse, contact your GP immediately.

CAN EAR INFECTIONS GO AWAY ON THEIR OWN?

Generally speaking, the answer is yes. Sometimes ear infections will clear by themselves and will not require antibiotics or other prescription drugs.

This will depend on many factors, such as what triggered the infection, the level of health and fitness of the patient, and also age.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR FOR AN EAR INFECTION

If you are concerned in any way, or your symptoms get worse, call a doctor immediately, as the ear infection might be serious, and can lead to permanent damage.

According to webmd.com , you should see a doctor if you:

• notice fluid (such as pus or blood) oozing out of your ear.
• have a high fever, headache, or are dizzy.
• believe an object is stuck in your ear.
• see swelling behind your ear, especially if that side of your face feels weak or you can’t move the muscles there.
• have had severe ear pain and it suddenly stops (which could mean a ruptured eardrum).

Also, contact a doctor if your symptoms don’t get better (or get worse) in 24 to 48 hours.

The message is “better safe than sorry”!

---

THE BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR EAR INFECTIONS

Thankfully, there are many essential oils that can be very helpful to relieve pain from an ear infection, and that can speed up recovery.

In fact, some essential oils can prevent viruses from replicating in your body, whereas others can kill bacteria by taking away their means of energy and so by starving them to death.

Let’s have a look at some of the best oils to help with ear infections.

---

LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL

Lavender oil is widely known for its pleasant aroma and for its calming benefits.

This very popular essential oil has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, and can help soothe pain caused by an ear infection.

TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL

Probably the most appreciated essential oil when it comes to treat an ear infection.

Tea tree (or Melaleuca) has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti fungal properties, and can help relieve pain fast.

OREGANO ESSENTIAL OIL

Very strong and effective, oregano oil has powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties. 

BASIL ESSENTIAL OIL

Basil oil is certainly not only to be used in the kitchen to flavour foods naturally. Indeed, this oil is a decongestant, anti-spasmodic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.

It works on ear infections by reducing the pain caused by inflammations.

THYME ESSENTIAL OIL

Another oil very effective at relieving pain and inflammation. Thyme oil has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. 

ROSEMARY ESSENTIAL OIL

An analgesic oil, Rosemary is very helpful when treating different kinds of pain, from headaches to earaches.

PEPPERMINT ESSENTIAL OIL

Menthol is the active compound present in this oil that make it ideal to fight fever, sore throat, congestion, headache, cough and ear infections.

Peppermint oil is an “all rounder” really when ti comes to fighting pains and aches!

CLOVE ESSENTIAL OIL

Clove is normally a staple in the kitchen. Its lovely flavour can make cakes and bakes taste divine, and envelope your kitchen in a yummy aroma.

But clove oil is widely known for its amazing properties to relieve pain (especially toothache), headaches, fight inflammation, boost immunity and kill germs. In addition to that, clove can also help in fighting free radicals.

EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL

The very strong and potent eucalyptus oil is amazing at reducing fever (hence the name “fever oil”), soothe a congested nose and chest, relieve inflammation and fight germs. Moreover, it works very well to relieve an earache.

Indeed, eucalyptus is potent analgesic, anti-inflammatory and vasodilator oil that works by increasing the size of blood vessels and therefore by allowing more blood to circulate.

DOTERRA ON GUARD BLEND

Although not strictly speaking a blend for earaches, Doterra On Guard is a blend that can support and boost your immune system, especially at a time of illness.

It comes in a liquid form as an oil blend, but also in handy soft gels you can consume daily to support your body as needed.

how to use essential oils for an ear infection

There are different ways you could apply essential oils when it comes to fight an ear infection.

I have seen some websites recommending to put a few drops of essential oils in your ears.

But, I personally would strongly discourage you from trying those methods. I never recommend placing oils straight in your ears! Essential oils are very strong and potent and they could cause damage to your ears.

In my modest experience, it is far better and safer to apply the oils topically around your ears, and not inside.

I’ve used this method many many times with my children and it has always worked well without the concern of damaging their ear canal.

how to dilute essential oils PROPERLY

Whatever way you choose to use essential oils to treat an ear infection (or any type of ailment), it is always important to properly dilute them.

Proper dilution during topical application will ensure that you use your essential oils safely and without using too much. Most importantly, an undiluted oil could possibly cause a skin irritation (especially if you have sensitive skin) or an allergic reaction.

It is not recommended to use undiluted essential oils on your skin.

In addition to that, never use more than the recommended ratio of oils and carrier oil per roller bottle. Always follow proper dilution!

When making up a roller bottle, you could use several different carrier oils, such as olive oil, avocado il, coconut oil, jojoba oil.

---

do a patch test FIRST

Essential oils are very strong and a few drops will go a long way. Most importantly, they could cause skin irritations, so it is recommended to do a patch test on your skin first, to see if any reaction develops. If, after 24 hours, you see no changes to your skin, you are good to go!

MAKE UP A ROLLER BOTTLE

Having a roller bottle ready at home for when you need it, is a really good idea.

If anyone in your family develops a pain in their ear, you could immediately help them to relieve discomfort without having to look for the right oil or blend, and without worrying about getting the dilution right.

Just make sure, whenever you make up a roller bottle, to label it correctly so you will know exactly how to use it!

HOW TO APPLY ESSENTIAL OILS FOR AN EAR INFECTIONS

When pain strikes, grab your pre made roller bottle and apply the oils on the outside of the ear, under it, and along the neck line.

Repeat every few hours and until needed.

---

USE COTTON wool TO SPEED UP RECOVERY

I find that using a small piece of cotton wool increases the chances of a speedy recovery immensely.

When one of my children develops a pain in the ears, I always use this method, especially at night, to help with a good night’s sleep.

Simply grab a tiny piece of cotton wool (small enough to fit inside the ear) and place a drop of essential oil or blend on it. Gently place the cotton inside the affected ear (make sure not to push it too far inside; just place it on the outer part of the ear) and secure it with a bandaid, so that it won’t fall off.

If using at night, remove the cotton wool the following morning.

DO ESSENTIAL OILS WORK FOR EAR INFECTIONS?

Essential oils can be extremely helpful to relieve pain and discomfort caused by ear infections.

However, to have the best chance, you should use them as soon as the pain or symptoms start.

Natural remedies work very well, but might not give you immediate and fast relief as a synthetic drug would, so be consistent.

Start by using your roller bottle and apply the oils generously on the outer ear, around the ears and along the neck. If the pain is very strong, place an oiled cotton ball in the ear, and let it sit for a few hours and overnight.

Use the roller bottle every 2-3 hours. If the symptoms get worse and you don’t see improvements after a day or two, contact your GP.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR BEGINNERS

If you are new to essential oils, you might not know where to start! 

If that is the case, I have a post that will guide you through everything you need to get started. Make sure to go check it!

---

---

BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR EAR INFECTIONS: CONCLUSIONS

When children are affected by ear infections, it can be a very stressful time for you as a parent. 

I know this very well, from personal experience.

However, I have found that essential oils can really be beneficial, and I’m extremely grateful to be able to use them if needed.

I hope you find this post helpful. Please, if you need any further in fo, feel free to contact me. I’m here to help.

IMPORTANT

When using Essential Oils, make sure to use only CPTG Certified, Pure, Tested Grade ones, like Doterra Essential Oils. The content of this blog post and any information provided here has not been evaluated by any government entity or medical practitioner. It is NOT intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, illness or condition. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for medical counselling. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffering from any medical condition or illness or injury, you SHOULD consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any product.