Earache is a common health concern affecting both adults as well as children. Those who have ever experienced it, know how painful they can be. In today’s critical world of drug side effects, many people are turning to natural essential oils to help manage and clear the condition. But do essential oils for earache really work? Are there any precautions? Let’s explore together.

In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about essential oils for earache. So, let’s get started.

A brief overview of earaches
The power of aromatherapy for natural relief: how essential oils work on earaches
Top essential oils for earache relief
How to use essential oils for earache
Blending essential oils for maximum effectiveness: synergy of essential oils
Safe application tips

A brief overview of earaches

A wide variety of reasons might cause an earache, ranging from nighttime teeth grinding to excessive earwax buildup to entering foreign substances in the ear, including other potential causes. Some more potential causes of earaches, however, are more serious that might be thyroid problems, sinus infections, tonsilitis, and ear infections, among many others. Symptoms might include pain, swelling, redness, and fever.

The power of aromatherapy for natural relief: how essential oils work on earaches

Essential oils are collected from plants and are proven to have huge health benefits. They are thought of as super concentrated forms of the plants they are collected from. Various plant parts are steamed, aiming to separate the oil from the water part present in the plant. The chemical makeup of the oil depends on the process of harvesting used and the type of plant the oil is harvested from.

Many essential oils are proven to have significant anti-inflammatory, relaxing, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, all of these are very helpful in reducing ear pain and resolving various difficulties related to ear issues. In addition, the antimicrobial properties of essential oils are very useful for fighting off various bacterial and viral infections.

Different essential oils work in different ways. Certain essential oils might help stop the growth of the viruses by preventing the process of replicating. Other types of essential oils might work like antibiotics. They might help kill off harmful strands of viruses and bacteria that cause an ear infection.

Let’s take a look at the top essential oils for earache relief.

Top essential oils for earache relief

Research suggests that a large number of essential oils may help alleviate earache conditions and improve symptoms. Here are a few of them:

Lavender oil

Lavender essential oil is one of the most extensively used natural therapies for earache and doctors used to recommend it. It has tremendous anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can help to treat earaches caused by bacterial or viral infections. Its sweet aroma is very helpful in calming and soothing ear canal irritation and earache discomfort.

Peppermint oil

Peppermint essential oil has proven to have several medicinal properties including antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant among others. It can help in reducing pains and aches in the ear.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree essential oil, also known as melaleuca oil, is generally derived from the Australian tea tree. Research suggests it has a high concentration of terpinenol, a phytochemical (plant chemical) molecule that has noticeable anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, and antibacterial properties. It can help control ear infections caused by bacteria and help improve its associated symptoms such as pain and swelling.

Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus essential oil contains eucalyptol, a plant chemical that is thought to have the potential to dilate the blood vessels, meaning can help more blood to flow and circulate which in turn may help relieve pains and aches. Moreover, it has noticeable anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Human skin may readily absorb eucalyptus oil. This is the reason why it became a must-have for people who are suffering from earaches.

How to use essential oils for earache

Since essential oils are highly concentrated in plant compounds, they should always be diluted with carrier oils before use. This lessens the chances of burning and irritation by reducing its potent nature. Common carrier oils include coconut oil, calendula oil, jojoba oil, and extra virgin olive oil just to name a few. Experts recommend that every 1 drop of essential oil requires one teaspoon of carrier oil to be properly diluted.

In general, it is advised to take a cotton ball, put a few drops of diluted essential oil on it, and gently insert the cotton ball into the ear, making sure not to create any pressure. To make it more soothing, some people may also like to warm the carrier oil before adding essential oils to it. But it’s important to remember not to make the oil too hot.

Apart from external use on the skin, essential oils can also be ingested orally under medical supervision. But it’s highly recommended to consult with a qualified professional before internal use.

Safe application tips

Never put pure and raw essential oils directly in the ear unless it is diluted in a carrier oil. Applying undiluted essential oils in the ear can cause irritation or burning, making the condition more complex and sometimes even making it more difficult to treat. A patch test on the small skin area is also a good option to avoid any adverse effects.

Children, women who are pregnant, and women who are breastfeeding need to practice more caution when using essential oils, especially in the case of internal or oral use. It’s always the best practice to consult with a qualified professional to get the maximum benefits of essential oils.

Blending essential oils for maximum effectiveness: synergy of essential oils

AbdesSalaam Attar, perfumer of La Via del Profumo, has composed a very effective blend of essential oils called Anti Sharks

Ingredients of this anti-inflammatory essential oil blend include –

Lavender – helps to neutralize the toxicity of venoms, and has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties
Geranium – acts as cortisone
Peppermint – helps to reduce pain and swelling