Whether it develops in an adult or teenager, toddler or baby, an earache means one thing -- pain. Sometimes intense and pounding, other times steady or gradually increasing, earaches are a relatively common health condition that lends itself to home remedies due to its often-sudden arrival. In many cases, garlic oil provides an effective remedy for earache pain relief, but always check with your doctor before using it, especially if you suspect a ruptured eardrum.
Background
Commonly occurring in babies and children, earaches produce ongoing ear pain that most typically results from an ear infection. Tissue inflammation -- often from a bout with the common cold or allergies -- causes the Eustachian tube to swell shut, which leads to fluid accumulation and possible bacterial growth in the middle ear. In addition to ear pain, your child may experience temporary loss of hearing, nasal stuffiness, crying, problems sleeping and overall lethargy and fussiness. Other causes of an earache may include excessive earwax buildup, sinus infections, tooth infections, TMJ, sudden changes in air pressure and temporomandibular joint disorders.
Considerations
Although garlic oil won't necessarily be able to treat the cause of an earache, anecdotal evidence indicates that it may help minimize the short-term throbbing pain that characterizes an earache, especially when used in combination with mullein oil. Garlic oil possess both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, while mullein oil acts as an pain-minimizing analgesic, says Dr. Aviva Jill Romm, physician, herbalist and author of "Naturally Healthy Babies and Children." Look for garlic or garlic-mullein ear oil at a brick-and-mortar or online natural health or herbal store.
Usage
Whenever possible, have your primary care provider examine your child before instilling garlic or garlic-mullein drops in the affected ear, recommends Dr. William Sears, pediatrician and co-author of "The Portable Pediatrician." Once your doctor has given you the go-ahead, instill four drops of warmed, body-temperature garlic oil directly in the affected ear canal. Direct your child to keep her head flat on a pillow with the affected ear exposed while you apply the drops. She should remain in this position for another five to 10 minutes. This ensures that the drops penetrate deeply into the ear, which typically helps relieve the pain more quickly. Repeat this oil application several times daily as necessary.
Warnings
Never attempt to use garlic oil for earaches if you suspect the tympanic membrane has been perforated or torn. Instilling drops of liquid into an ear that has a ruptured eardrum could result in complications, such as a worsening infection or permanent loss of hearing. Signs of a ruptured tympanic membrane may include severe or worsening ear pain, ear drainage, problems hearing and dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, arrange a prompt visit with your primary care physician, who will examine the ear and prescribe any necessary medication to facilitate prompt healing.
References
- MedlinePlus: Earache
- "Naturally Healthy Babies and Children"; Dr. Aviva Romm; 2003
- "The Portable Pediatrician"; Dr. William Sears, et al.; 2011
- "Healthy Child, Whole Child"; Dr. Stuart Ditchek, et al.; 2009
- MedlinePlus: Ruptured Eardrum
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