Ear infections seem to be a part of childhood. KidsHealth.org estimates that more than 75 percent of children have at least one ear infection before they're 3 years old. Kids are vulnerable to these infections because the Eustachian tubes in their ears are shorter, narrower and more horizontal than those of their adult counterparts. These infections can be very painful, leading parents to seek relief in both conventional and alternative medicine, including herbal remedies such as oregano oil. As always, it is imperative to consult with a health professional before attempting to treat any condition.
Antibacterial Properties
Scientists observed that a component of oregano called carvacrol has antibacterial properties. For example, an article in the May 2000 "Journal of Food Protection" showed that carvacrol inhibits the growth of the food-borne pathogen Bacillus cereus in rice. The April 2007 "Journal of Applied Microbiology" showed that carvacrol may damage the membrane of the disease-producing bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
There is a single paper that suggests that carvacrol may act as an anti-inflammatory. The January 2010 "Journal of Lipid Research" reports that carvacrol may act as a cyclooxygenase-2, or COX-2, inhibitor. COX-2 is a critical enzyme in the synthesis of prostaglandin, which is important in producing an inflammatory response. This study did not use carvacrol derived from oregano oil but from thyme, clove, rose, eucalyptus, fennel and bergamot.
Limitations
As of this date of publication, all peer-reviewed research involves in vitro research conducted in test tubes. There have been no studies on specific bacteria involved in ear infections, animal studies or clinical trials in humans. Likewise, there have been no studies on safety of concentrated carvacrol. Until such studies are conducted, consult your child's doctor for appropriate treatment.
Conventional Approaches
The American Academy of Pediatrics advocates waiting for 48 to 72 hours before starting antibiotic treatment because many ear infections resolve by themselves. This approach helps avoid dangerous antibiotic resistance. If a child has severe repeated infections over the years, surgical placement of small tubes in the ears may prevent accumulation of fluid in the ear. As a short-term measure, warm compresses over the ear may provide relief until you can get to a doctor.
References
- KidsHealth: About Middle Ear Infections
- "Nature Neuroscience"; Oregano, Thyme and Clove-Derived Flavors and Skin Sensitizers Activate Specific TRP Channels; Xu Haoxing, et al.; April 2006
- "Journal of Food Protection"; Antimicrobial Activity of Carvacrol Toward Bacillus Cereus on Rice; A. Ultee, et al.; May 2000
- "Journal of Applied Microbiology"; Susceptibility and Intrinsic Tolerance of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa to Selected Plant Volatile Compounds; S.D. Cox, et al.; April 2007
- "Journal of Lipid Research"; Carvacrol, a Component of Thyme Oil, Activates PPARα and γ and Suppresses COX-2 Expression; Mariko Hotta, et al.; January 2010
- MayoClinic.com: Ear Infection (Middle Ear)
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