Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow They WorkTypesHow to UsePossible RisksChoosing WiselyOther TreatmentsWhen to Call a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How They Work
Types
How to Use
Possible Risks
Choosing Wisely
Other Treatments
When to Call a Provider
There is some evidence that oils like tea tree oil, garlic oil, basil oil, and a combination product called Lamigex may work against the bacteria that cause ear infections. However, using essential oils for ear infections does carry some risk.
This article weighs the benefits and risks of using essential oils for ear aches. It also looks at the different oils that may be useful in treating ear infections and offers tips on how to choose and use essential oils safely.
How Do Essential Oils Work for Ear Infections?
Ear infection, or acute otitis media, is an infection in themiddle ear. The middle ear is the empty space behind theeardrumthat contains thehearing bonesthat transmit sound vibrations to theinner ear.
Someessential oilshave antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. This means they may kill microbes like bacteria, fungi, and viruses when applied to the skin.They can also prevent viruses from replicating.
For ear infections, essential oils are placed in the ear using a dropper or cotton ball. The oils are thought to neutralize bacteria in the middle ear, resolving symptoms such as pain, ear discharge, and swelling.This is somewhat controversial since the eardrum prevents essential oils from entering the middle ear.
How to Prevent Ear Infections and Fluid in the Ears
Best Essential Oils for Ear Infections
Some research suggests that certain oils such as tea tree oil and basil oil may help fight ear infections and improve symptoms.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, is derived from the Australian tea tree. It is thought to have antibacterial properties.
Although studies involving the use of tea tree oil for ear infections are scarce, older studies have found that tea tree oil contains high amounts of terpinen-4-ol. This chemical compound is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiparasitic.
Recent research has found that terpinen-4-ol can be effective at fighting a type of bacteria calledStaphylococcus aureus,which causesstrep throatand different skin infections.
Garlic Oil
Garlic oil has been used for centuries to help treat various ailments such as parasitic infections, digestive disorders, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory illness.
Research has shown that garlic oil can help reduce the severity and symptoms of ear infections, even if it is used in low concentrations.
One study published in 2019 found that two specificgarlicderivatives, allicin and s-allyl cysteine (SAC), showed promise against microorganisms that cause infections in the middle ear and ear canal.
Basil Oil
Also referred to as sweet basil essential oil,basil oilhas been shown to have anti-inflammatory,antioxidant, and antibacterial properties.The plant contains 38 compounds including methyl eugenol and methyl chavicol, two of the most important for fighting infections.
One study published in 2015 reported that both were effective at killing a broad spectrum of bacteria.Although research in humans is scarce, one older animal study found evidence of a benefit in treating ear infections in rats.
Lamigex Drops
Lamigex is a product made from a combination of essential oils derived from cloves, English lavender, and herb-Robert. One small study found that Lamigex drops were as effective as Cetraxal (ciprofloxacin), an antibiotic ear drop commonly prescribed to treat ear infections.
Other Oils
Some other oils are sometimes recommended for treating ear infections. but there isn’t much scientific evidence to support their use. Consult your healthcare provider before trying any of the following:
How to Dilute Essential OilsWhen used for ear infections, essential oils should be extremely diluted. The standard recipe calls for one drop of essential oil to one teaspoon (5 milliliters) of carrier oil.
How to Dilute Essential Oils
When used for ear infections, essential oils should be extremely diluted. The standard recipe calls for one drop of essential oil to one teaspoon (5 milliliters) of carrier oil.
Before applying the diluted oil to your ear, apply a small drop to the skin and wait an hour or so to see if you have an allergic reaction.
There are several ways to use essential oils to treat ear infections:
Do not use this technique if there is any cerumen (wax) in the outer ear canal, as this could worsen symptoms.
Risks and Contraindications
Many people believe that because essential oils are “natural” and plant-based, they are safe for external use. This is not always the case.
Some essential oils may be well-tolerated in the ear. Others may be less tolerable and cause inflammation, irritation, and pain. This is especially true of undiluted essential oils, which can cause stinging, redness, and even burns.
You should also avoid using essential oils if youreardrum is ruptured.
Essential oils should never be ingested, even in small amounts, since they can be extremely toxic. Symptoms of poisoning include:
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use essential oils without first speaking with a healthcare provider. Due to the lack of safety research, essential oils should be avoided in babies and children.
What Are Preauricular Pits?
How to Choose Essential Oils Safely
Other Treatments for Ear Infections
Other at-home treatments may be safer than essential oils, such as applying a warm compress or heating pad to the ear, buying over-the-counter eardrops with painkillers, or taking oral pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen) orAdvil (ibuprofen).
When to Call a Healthcare Provider
If you have been using essential oils to treat an earache and it doesn’t clear up, make an appointment to see your healthcare provider. You may need prescriptionantibiotics.
If left untreated, anaphylaxis can lead to shock, coma, asphyxiation, heart or respiratory failure, and death.
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Summary
Essential oils may be useful in treating ear aches and alleviating symptoms, but more research is needed to support their effectiveness and safety. Be sure to dilute the oils before using them on your ear. It is best to consult your healthcare provider before using essential oils for an ear infection.
How to Treat a Middle Ear Infection
14 Sources
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Cordeiro L, Figueiredo P, Souza H, et al.Terpinen-4-ol as an antibacterial and antibiofilm agent againstStaphylococcus aureus.Int J Mol Sci.2020;21(12):4531. doi:10.3390/ijms21124531
Bayan L, Koulivand PH, Gorji A.Garlic: a review of potential therapeutic effects.Avicenna J Phytomed.2014;4(1):1-14.
Uzun L, Dal T, Kalcıoğlu MT, Yürek M, Açıkgöz ZC, Durmaz R.Antimicrobial activity of garlic derivatives on common causative microorganisms of the external ear canal and chronic middle ear infections.Turk Arch Otorhinolaryngol.2019;57(4):161-165. doi:10.5152/tao.2019.4413
Li H, Ge Y, Luo Z, et al.Evaluation of the chemical composition, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of distillate and residue fractions of sweet basil essential oil.J Food Sci Technol.2017;54(7):1882-1890. doi:10.1007/s13197-017-2620-x
Joshi RK.Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Ocimum basilicum L. (sweet basil) from Western Ghats of North West Karnataka, India.Anc Sci Life.2014;33(3):151-156. doi:10.4103/0257-7941.144618
Panahi Y, Akhavan A, Sahebkar A, et al.Investigation of the effectiveness of Syzygium aromaticum, Lavandula angustifolia and Geranium robertianum essential oils in the treatment of acute external otitis: A comparative trial with ciprofloxacin.J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2014;47(3):211-6. doi:10.1016/j.jmii.2012.10.002
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Aromatherapy: do essential oils really work?
Government of Australia Department of Health.Essential oils—health warning.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.
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