Earaches occur for various reasons. One of the most common causes is an infection in the middle ear or ear canal. Other causes of earaches include ear injury, inflammation, strep throat and sinus infections, shampoo or water trapped in the ear, use of cotton swabs in the ear, or even changes in pressure like when flying in a plane.
Earaches can be pretty uncomfortable, and when severe, they can also affect the quality of life. Luckily, there is a way to alleviate the pain without necessarily seeing a doctor: through the use of essential oils.
There are a few types of essential oils that have proven to be useful in ala alleviating earaches. These are oils that have antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties, and can help you get rid of bacteria and reduce the pain and swelling.
Unlike over-the-counter medication, essential oils are 100% natural, and they do not have unpleasant side effects.
Below are some of the top essential oils that you can use to manage earaches:
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is used to treat a variety of conditions, and one of them is an earache. The oil has powerful antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains a compound known as terpinene which is the active ingredient in the oil responsible for its amazing antibacterial properties.
When used for an earache, the oil kills any bacteria that may have caused an ear infection. It also helps reduce inflammation and ease pain in the ear canal, middle ear, and outer lobe.
Dip a cotton swab in diluted tea tree oil and dab it on the affected part of the ear. Do this regularly till the pain goes away.
Oregano Oil
Studies have shown that oregano oil has powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties, which can aid with ear aches that result from infections, injury, or inflammation. Oregano oil also contains a compound known as carvacrol, which is an active ingredient that’s known for its antimicrobial properties.
The oil can also effectively relieve swelling and pain, and inhibit bacteria that may be causing an ear infection. Dilute oregano oil with a carrier oil and use a cotton swab to apply the oil to the ear.
Lavender Oil
Lavender essential oil is widely used for aromatherapy. It is popularly known for its antifungal, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties. Lavender oil will not only suppress ear infections, but it will also ease pain and inflammation. The essential oil also provides instant relief from pain, itching, and any other form of discomfort from an earache. To use this oil, dilute it with a carrier oil and dab it around the affected part of the ear.
Garlic Oil
Garlic oil is derived from garlic cloves and has incredible benefits as those obtained from ingesting garlic in the food. The oil has a powerful active ingredient known as allicin which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
The oil also has antibacterial properties and can help relieve an ear infection and alleviate pain resulting from the infection. However, garlic oil can be irritating when used alone on the skin. Dilute it with a carrier oil and apply it on the affected part of the ear.
Peppermint Oil
The soothing and cooling effect produced by peppermint oil makes it ideal for treating a broad range of issues, including earaches. The oil contains a significant amount of menthol, which is a compound that’s known to help calm the body and ease the pain.
Peppermint oil is also a powerful anti-inflammatory which helps reduce swelling in the ear. Like most essential oils, peppermint is highly concentrated and should not be used undiluted on the skin. Dilute it before applying on the ear to avoid irritation.
Bottom-line
Earaches can be extremely painful and uncomfortable. However, you don’t have to suffer through the pain. These essential oils can provide instant relief and treat the underlying cause of the problem. However, if the pain persists or you suspect that you have a ruptured eardrum, seek assistance from a doctor.
