Essential Oils for Ear Infections
Hello? Can you hear me now? If you’re having trouble hearing, your ear aches, you’re having issues with your balance, or your head feels clogged up, it might be the result of an ear infection.
Ear infections happen when there is a virus or bacteria in the middle part of your ear. Usually they start off symptomless, or just be causing that itchy feeling in your ear. At this stage, a lot of people react by subconsciously scratching the ear and forgetting about it.
Unfortunately when left untreated, the problem can turn into ear congestion and hearing could also become a problem.
Different types
Ear infections are either acute or chronic.
- Acute ear infections- are characterized by being quite painful but usually last a short time. These infections should, and are often addressed as early as possible because the pain is often is too intense to focus on anything else.
- Chronic ear infections- on the other hand, may not be intensely painful but they tend to recur. This happens mainly because the treatment option used wasn’t effective enough to completely kill the underlying virus or bacteria. The problem will therefore continue coming back and could end up causing permanent damage not just to the middle ear but to the inner sections too.
Either way, ear pain should be treated so that you can carry on enjoying all the sounds of life from rush hour traffic to your favorite band.
Symptoms of Ear Infection
Identifying the symptoms of an acute ear infection is much easier than a chronic one, but both should be taken seriously. It may be easy to dismiss the signs of chronic earache, but this may lead to severe permanent damage.
The following are some of the common signs of ear infections: 
- Pus-like drainage from the ears
- Hearing loss
- Discomfort or mild pain inside the ear
- A sensation of pressure in the ears
- Fever especially in young children
Dizziness, vomiting, and nausea may also accompany ear infections.
What Causes Ear Infections?
Ear infections occur when your Eustachian tubes are blocked or swollen. This can be caused by:
- Bacteria or viruses
- Excess mucus
- Allergies
- Colds
- Sinus infection
- Smoking
- Sudden changes in air pressure (altitudes)
It is important to keep in mind that children are more prone to ear infections than adults. This is because children have narrow and short Eustachian tubes which makes them more susceptible to pathogens. If your child shows any signs of symptoms, you may want to pay extra attention.
Other factors
Exposure to certain factors will also increase your chances of developing earache. Some of these include:
- The use of a pacifier
- Climate changes
- Altitude changes
- Cigarette smoke either as an active or passive smoker
- Other illnesses
Treatment of Ear Infection
In the past many physicians used antibiotics to treat ear infections. New studies, however, show that bacteria is only responsible for 20% of all ear infections reported. This, therefore, questions how beneficial these drugs really are.
Additionally, the fact that the continuous use of antibiotics raises severe concerns as scientists explain that this increases antibiotic-resistant bacteria, rendering the drugs useless.
Why gamble the health of your ears with an ineffective drug? Also, why would you prefer a drug that only treats a single condition and exposes you to several possible side effects over a natural, safer and multipurpose remedy?
It’s for exactly these reasons that more and more people have moved on from antibiotics and other prescription drugs to a more natural and safe option- essential oils.
Essential oils for ear infection
1. Garlic Oil
Clinical studies show that garlic essential oil is up there among the most effective oils for treating food-borne bacterial strains. Some data even suggest that it delivers faster results when compared to antibiotics.
Another significant advantage of garlic oil is due to the allicin contents it has. This compound fights against any inflammation present to soothe the pain. Its antioxidant properties will ensure a quick recover from your ear infection while increasing protection against free radicals at the cellular level.
How to use: Garlic oil can be mixed with mullein or olive oil. Apply this mix to the outer and inner ear region.
Warning: if you believe your eardrum is ruptured, avoid applying the oils to this area.
Get the best price on garlic oil here!
2. Lavender Oil 
A renowned earache treatment remedy that is recommended by medical practitioners. This oil is especially useful for people suffering from acute ear infection because it will relieve the pain in a matter of minutes. This helps make you more comfortable while its anti-inflammatory properties reduce the swelling in the inner ear. Lavender oil also improves blood circulation, which works to boosts your body’s immunity.
Blend: Lavender oil should be mixed with coconut oil and then gently rubbed on the outer ear.
Get the best price on lavender oil here!
3. Tea Tree Oil
A study published in 2005 in The Journal of Laryngology and Otology confirmed that tea tree oil was able to combat 71% of yeast and bacteria found present with an external ear infection. This powerful oil is popular because it works as an antibacterial, antiviral and anti-pseudomonal agent. Tea tree is also capable of drying up fluids which gives it a unique ability to reduce earaches caused by the accumulation of fluids.
Best use: Combine tea tree oil with olive oil and then insert the mixture in the eyedropper and drip 6-8 drops into your ears. Let the mixture sit for around 10 minutes and then wash it out.
Get the best price on tea tree oil here!
4. Basil Oil 
Basil oil is another highly recommended essential oil for infection pain because it has various properties that address multiple causes of ear infections. Basil oil works to fight inflammation, bacteria, viruses and oxidizing radicals in the body. If correctly used the oil will restore relief and treat any other viral or bacterial problems in your body.
Application: To use this oil take a small piece of cotton and dab it into the oil lightly. Place the lightly saturated cotton in your ear and hold it in place with gauze.
Get the best price on basil oil here!
Conclusion
Don’t suffer in silence, or the loud ringing pain of your ear infection when you don’t have to. The oils above will address problematic bacteria without affecting your body’s natural probiotics or cause any adverse effects when used correctly. Using essential oils for ear pain treatment continue to gain popularity because they work and they promote your body’s ability to heal itself instead of relying on drugs.
