Ear infections are a common issue that can be effectively treated with essential oils. Certain essential oils have powerful antibacterial properties, antimicrobial properties and anti-inflammatory properties which can be extremely effective in killing an infection and relieving ear pain. The best essential oils for an ear infection are lavender oil, basil oil and tea tree oil. This powerful trio can provide quick relief, keeping a doctor’s visit and antibiotics at bay! Read on to find out exactly how to use this natural remedy for quick ear relief.
First off-Let me start by saying-I’m not one of those essential oil people that claim that essential oils can cure anything and everything. I’ve not always had success using them. But-there are a few conditions that I reach for them first. Ear infections are truly one of those illnesses where essential oils shine.
This week has been a whirlwind of colds. Like mile high in snot, colds. All of us have had coughs, stuffy noses, headaches and as of Sunday morning, a dreaded ear ache. Ear aches and infections are fairly common, especially with kiddos. Their ear canals are small and can easily get backed up. When fluid from a cold gets backed up in the ear it can cause an infection or simply an uncomfortable pressure.
Related Post: 7 Ways to Combat an Illness Once You’ve Been Exposed.
What is An Ear Infection?
An ear infection (also called acute otitis media) is when bacteria or a virus forms in the space behind the ear drum in the middle ear. Often the area becomes inflamed and filled with fluid which can quickly get infected.
Young children are more prone to ear infections due to their ear canal and Eustachian tube being smaller.
Most of the time an ear infection will go away on it’s own without medical intervention.
Ear infections are not contagious however they can be a result of a cold, flu or sinus infection.
There are 3 types of ear infections-outer ear (commonly known as swimmer’s ear), middle ear and inner ear. The middle ear infection is the most common ear infection.
Symptoms of an Ear Infection
- Ear pain
- Fever
- Difficulty hearing
- Headache
- Drainage from the ear
- Balance issues
- Sore throat
A Precautionary Tale About Ear Infections and Antibiotics
When I was in high school, I went through a bout of chronic ear infections. The popular remedy at the time was antibiotics. Not knowing a better way, my mother took me to the doctor who promptly prescribed a strong round of antibiotics. Now we know antibiotics can be the start of a vicious cycle. This was no exception for me. After the first ear infection and antibiotic round, I soon got another infection. More antibiotics were given and then a few weeks later, another infection began-and so on and so on.
It is important to take great precaution when treating an ear infection with an antibiotic. As mentioned above, it can be a vicious cycle when an antibiotic is administered. They greatly compromise the gut by killing off all the good bacteria. This can cause a terrible imbalance in the body that causes the immune system to greatly weaken.
Antibiotics come in handy sometimes. But-when antibiotics are taken, extra care must be given to replenishing good bacteria like a probiotic. The bottom line is-I believe antibiotics interfere with your bodies natural ability to heal itself.
Related Post: Antibiotics to Treat Acne
How do you know if an ear infection is viral or bacterial? It can be tricky to tell. If the cold or flu were a precursor to the ear infection then very likely the ear infection is viral. If strep throat or pneumonia were present, it’s probably bacterial. You also typically have a higher fever with a bacterial infection.
Often, antibiotics will be given even if it’s not clear if the infection is bacterial. If the infection is not bacterial, antibiotics are worthless. I don’t know about you but I’m not cool with that. I’d rather take my chances and support my body to remedy the infection on it’s own.
Essential Oils for Ear Infections:
I must start by giving credit to my essential oil mentor, Rebecca at Camp Wander. The first time my youngest came down with and ear ache, I ran to my computer in a panic. I knew Camp Wander would have an answer. I did exactly what she suggested and within an hour we were done with the ear infection. This has happened about 3-4 more times in the last 5 years with both my girls and each time this remedy has miraculously saved us from a possible doctors visit!
This essential oil blend consists of basil, lavender and tea tree. All 3 of these oils are antimicrobial, anti inflammatory, and anti fungal. Basil is very popular when fighting ear infections but I could not seem to find out exactly why. Lavender is amazing with drainage and tea tree is such a strong antimicrobial oil.
Basil Oil
Basil essential oil is a powerful antioxidant and has strong anti-inflammatory properties as well as antibacterial properties. The oil has 2 very important compounds that help deal specifically with ear infections. They are methyl chavicol and methyl eugenol.
An animal study where basil essential oil was used in the ear canal of rats showed that it was an extremely effective treatment of acute otitis media (middle ear infection).
The study found that basil oil healed 56-81% of the rats.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree essential oil is one of the most powerful antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Due to it’s high amount of terpinin-4-ol it can quickly kill bacteria and help speed up healing.
Related Post: Tea Tree & The Great Outdoors
Lavender Oil:
Lavender essential oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help relieve pain and speed up healing. It is also amazing and drainage. The infected, trapped liquid in the ear canal must drain and lavender is just the oil to do that!
Is it Safe to Use Essential Oils to Treat an Ear Infections?
Essential oils are extremely strong and should be handled cautiously. I suggest performing a patch test on your inner arm or your child’s inner arm to make sure there is no allergic reaction or skin irritation. You will want to wait 24 hours to make sure irruption doesn’t arise.
Undiluted essential oils can irritate sensitive skin so it is always wise to dilute with a carrier oil. A good rule of thumb is to dilute 1 drop of oil with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. Good carrier oils to use are fractionated coconut oil, olive oil, sweet almond oil or avocado oil.
Related Post: Conversions & Dilutions for Essential Oils
Essential Oil Ear Infection Remedy:
- 10 drops Basil Essential Oil (find HERE)
- 10 drops Lavender Essential Oil (find HERE)
- 10 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil (find HERE)
- Top Off w/ Organic Olive Oil
Directions:
- Use an empty essential oil glass bottle.
- Add essential oils.
- Top off with olive oil with a small funnel.
How to Use:
- I drop about 3-4 drops in my hand and apply to the outer affected ear, down the jaw, in front of the ear and behind the ear. I also do a quick swipe inside the ear. I repeat this every 15 minutes until symptoms subside.
- It is a great idea to put a few drops of this magical blend into a piece of a cotton ball and gently insert into the ear. The vapors are potent enough to get the job done. Read more about that HERE.
- Repeat this application every 15 minutes until there is relief.
- You can also drop 1-2 drops directly inside the are as long as you are using this recipe or diluting it yourself. However, you should know that Rebecca from Camp Wander does not recommend this and I have not tried it either. Never drop undiluted essential oils into the ear canal.
Recipe Notes:
- This recipe works well in a 10 ml roll on bottle as well and makes for easier topical application.
- Whatever container you use, it must be glass.
- You can use any carrier oil you have on hand. There really are no rules. I chose olive oil because I had it on hand!
DIY Miracle Blend Recipe!
Ear infections are a common issue that can be effectively treated with essential oils. Certain essential oils have powerful antibacterial properties, antimicrobial properties and anti-inflammatory properties which can be extremely effective in killing an infection and relieving ear pain. The best essential oils for an ear infection are lavender oil, basil oil and tea tree oil. This powerful trio can provide quick relief, keeping a doctor's visit and antibiotics at bay! Read on to find out exactly how to use this natural remedy for quick ear relief.
Materials
- 5 drops Basil Essential Oil
- 5 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
- 5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
- Top off with Olive Oil (or any carrier oil)
Tools
- 10 ml glass dropper bottle
- Small Funnel
Instructions
How to Use:
- I drop about 3-4 drops in my hand and apply to the outer affected ear, down the jaw, in front of the ear and behind the ear. I also do a quick swipe inside the ear. I repeat this every 15 minutes until symptoms subside.
- It is a great idea to put a few drops of this magical blend into a piece of a cotton ball and gently insert into the ear. The vapors are potent enough to get the job done.
- Repeat this application every 15 minutes until there is relief.
- You can also drop 1-2 drops directly inside the are as long as you are using this recipe or diluting it yourself. However, you should know that Rebecca from Camp Wander does not recommend this and I have not tried it either. Never drop undiluted essential oils into the ear canal.
Notes
- This recipe works well in a 10 ml roll on bottle as well and makes for easier topical application.
- Whatever container you use, it must be glass.
- You can use any carrier oil you have on hand. There really are no rules. I chose olive oil because I had it on hand!
Do yourself a favor and mix this blend up before an ear ache strikes, you will be so glad you did! I actually take my little bottle on trips now, especially after THIS post!
I believe basil, lavender and tea tree oil are the most effective essential oils when treating ear infections. The side effects are none unless your skin has a sensitivity to the actual oil.
Using essential oils for ear infections can be quite powerful when it comes to ear infections and I highly recommend you give it a try!
xx, Jenni
P.S. I have a full section on more DIY Medicine Cabinet Recipes if you’re interested.
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I cannot wait to try this. I am always getting ear infections. Can I use another oil instead of fractionated coconut oil, like almond oil?
Anna-Yes you could absolutely use almond oil! The coconut oil is antibacterial but the real action happens in the essential oils.
how long does a bottle last? how young of a child can i use this on?
Melissa-It just depends on how often you use it. You can use this on babies but I would suggest diluting it. You never know how sensitive their skin is. I would apply a layer of oil like coconut oil or olive oil then apply the essential oils on the top. This is a good practice for any child really. My 2 are sensitive and they have no issue with me applying the oils straight.
Thank you for being honest, and bery nice article , easy to read, informative enough. Thanks for sharing the expierence!
Is the essential oil bottle in the picture a 5mL bottle or a 10mL bottle. If you stated what size to use I’ve missed it. Going back to reread…
Linda-I might not have stated-it’s a 5 ml. The key is that all the oils are equal so whichever bottle you have will work!