ByKristen Smith, Herbalist & Aromatherapist
An herbal ear oil made with mullein, garlic, and other herbs is perfect for treatingearaches and ear infections at home. This simple herbal preparation is a must-have for homes with little ones!
Two of our children have been prone to earaches. During a cold, in the middle of the night when they tend to strike,I would hear the wail of “My ear hurts!”
I would inwardly groan, knowing what was ahead (no sleep). Ialways felt sorry for them, though. I’ve had earaches as an adult and they’ve truly been miserable.I knew how much pain they were in.
When our oldest child had her first ear infection on a weekend, I did what I thought I needed to do. We went to urgent care, had a quick exam, and got antibiotics and ear drops for pain.
After learning about natural health, though, I opted for other treatments for earaches and ear infections. Antibiotic resistance and gut health both call for a conservative use of antibiotics, and typically, ear infections will clear on their own without the prescription (source).
But when children are in pain, it’s hard for a mom to sit and watch for 2-3 days doing nothing, am I right? Chiropractic care ishelpful, but a simple herbal ear oil with garlic, mullein, and other anti-inflammatory herbs is one of the best remedies to use first.
An herbal ear oil canto help a child dealing with an ear infectionin multiple ways. The warmed oil itself soothes inflamed tissues and helps relieve pain.
The herbs typically infused in the oil also provide benefits. They are antimicrobial, helping to combat any infection that’s present, and they are also very anti-inflammatory.
The formula I’m sharing here was developed based on one used in this study on naturopathic treatment for ear pain in children. Mullein flower, garlic, calendula, lavender, and St. John’s Wort were infused in olive oil, though I don’t know the exact ratios used since I onlyhave access to theabstract.
Making an ear oil is really quite simple! An even simpler oil can be made with just mullein flowers and garlic, though I do like the addition of other anti-inflammatory herbs if possible. This is something that every momma of young children should keep stocked in the natural medicine chest!
Herbal Ear Oil with Mullein & Garlic
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Ingredients
Dried herbs are used to eliminate moisture in the final product and extend the shelf-life. Bulk Herb Store is anotheronline source for quality herbs.
Instructions
- In a small heat-safe glass or ceramic dish (I like using a small glass measuring cup), combine the oil and herbs.
- Place a canning ring or folded washcloth in the bottom of a small saucepan. Set the dish with the herbs and oil on the canning ring or washcloth, then fill the saucepan with water so that water comes at least halfway up the side of the dish.
- Gently heat the water and oil infusion over low heat for about 3 hours. Check the pan periodically and add more water as needed. The water shouldn’t boil or even really simmer.
- After the herbs have infused in the oil, strain through a lint-free cloth or unbleached coffee filter. Pour the oil into a 2 oz. amber glass bottle with a dropper top, then label with the remedy’s name, ingredients, and date made. This may be stored at room temperature.
To use,place about 3 drops of the ear oil in the ear. Gently warming the oil in a bowl of warm water first will make it more comfortable.
Any ear oil should never be used if the ear drum is ruptured. A care provider can look to check, or you can simply learn to use an otoscope at home.
4 More Mullein Recipes
Mullein is the star in many recipes that support the lungs and throat. If you’d like to learn more ways to put this wonderful herb to use, consider one of these ideas:
Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for an herbal set from Mountain Rose Herbs from the previous post! It has just what you need to make a great ear oil at home.
Have you ever used an ear oil for a child with an ear infection?
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FAQs
Chop the garlic into small pieces. Place the garlic and mullein flowers in a small glass jar with a lid. Cover the mullein flowers with olive oil and allow to set in the sun for several days, or heat over very low heat for 4 hours.
Does mullein oil work for ear infections? ›
Try placing several warm (not hot!) drops of mullein or garlic oil in your child's ear. Both are natural antibiotics.
Does mullein oil remove ear wax? ›
Bio India Mullein Oil Ear Drop is formulated with natural ingredients that may help manage ear pain. It helps relieve itching in the ears and prevents ear infections. It is a natural way to gently soften and remove ear wax.
What is mullein garlic oil used for? ›
Action: Antibacterial, inflammatory. Uses: Earache and inflammation of inner ear, swollen glands, bruises, sores, and wounds. For earache: Shake bottle, warm oil in dropper under hot running water until oil is warm. Drop 2 to 3 drops of warm oil in each ear and apply cotton ball.
Does mullein garlic oil need to be refrigerated? ›
Each bottle of Mullein Garlic Ear Oil has an expiration date. The oil generally lasts about 3 years. Store the oil in a cool dark place.
How long does it take for mullein drops to work? ›
After just a few days of taking the mullein, I noticed the affects. I was able to breathe much better. I especially noticed the difference at bed time. My wife also noticed that I was not snoring like before.
How long to leave mullein oil in the ear? ›
Have the patient lay there for as long as you can, ideally around five to ten minutes to let the garlic and mullein ear oil work its magic. Keep a warm washcloth handy for when your patient sits back up or add a bit of cotton as sometimes a dribble of oil will come out of the ear once they are vertical.
What herb kills ear mites? ›
Herbalists Mary Wulff and Greg Tilford (Herbs For Pets) recommend garlic oil for ear mite treatment. That's because garlic contains sulphur and mites hate it, so it's a good anti-parasitic. Garlic is also antibacterial and antifungal, so it can help with any secondary infection caused by ear mite infestations.
Does mullein remove mucus from the body? ›
Mullein is an expectorant, which means it helps the body expel excess mucus, usually by helping make your coughs more productive, to bring up mucus that may be settling in the chest or in the throat. It is also a demulcent. Studies show that demulcents create a soothing anti-inflammatory coating over mucous membranes.
What is the best oil to unclog your ears? ›
Try dripping mineral, olive, or baby oil into your clogged ear. Warm 2 to 3 tablespoons of your oil of choice, but be careful not to make it too hot. Check it on your hand or wrist to make sure it's a safe temperature and doesn't irritate your skin.
You also can try hydrogen peroxide mixed with an equal amount of room temperature water. Place 2 drops of the fluid, warmed to body temperature, in the ear two times a day for up to 5 days. Once the wax is loose and soft, all that is usually needed to remove it from the ear canal is a gentle, warm shower.
What oil breaks down earwax? ›
Put 2 or 3 drops of ordinary olive oil down the ear 2 or 3 times a day for 2-3 weeks. This softens the wax so that it then runs out of its own accord without harming the ear. You can continue for any length of time, but 3 weeks is usually enough. Surprisingly, you will not necessarily see wax come out.
How to put mullein garlic oil in the ear? ›
Garlic and mullein flowers (both grown on our farm) infused into extra virgin olive oil is a classic remedy for ear issues. Just drop 3-4 drops into ear, massage around ear, and repeat every 30 minutes up to a few times a day.
What are the side effects of mullein leaf oil? ›
Based on anecdotal evidence and published studies, there are no reports of major side effects from mullein. Some species of mullein may cause contact dermatitis , a skin reaction that can cause itching, rash, and irritation.
How often should I use mullein? ›
A tea of mullein is made by pouring 1 cup (250 ml) of boiling water over 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 grams) of dried leaves or flowers and steeping for ten to fifteen minutes. The tea can be drunk three to four times per day. For the tincture, 1/4–3/4 teaspoon (1–4 ml) is taken three to four times per day.
What oil is good for ear infections? ›
Tea tree and basil oils both have medicinal properties that may be useful in treating ear infections. A 2006 review of tea tree oil's properties explains that tea tree oil has a lot of terpinen-4-ol. This chemical compound kills off bacteria that it comes into contact with.
How do you make clove oil for ear infection? ›
How to use it: Clove oil is widely used as an effective home remedy for ear pain. To prepare clove oil, saute a clove in a teaspoon of sesame (til) oil. Bring it to a boil and let it cool down. Filter the oil and put one to two drops of the warm oil in the affected ear.
How do you use mullein extract drops for ears? ›
It would be hard to find a more powerful, natural treatment for earache and ear infections. Directions: Put 2-3 drops directly into the affected ear canal while lying on the side. Lie in this position for 5 min. Repeat 2-3 times per day.
What herbs are best for inner ear infection? ›
– Mullein Oil: Mullein is an anti-inflammatory found in a wild flowering plant, commonly used to treat ear infection. Drop directly into infected ear. – Allicin Oil: Allicin is an anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory compound found in garlic. Can also use garlic oil (garlic infused with olive oil).
ByKristen Smith, Herbalist & Aromatherapist
