Garlic has been used medicinally by societies, including the ancient Romans and Chinese, for thousands of years. Its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties have been documented since the mid-1850s. Because of these properties and because it is so accessible, garlic is easy to use as an alternative remedy for pains, infections and aches, such as earaches. Continued ear pain despite treatments may be caused by inner ear infection or by medical problems unrelated to the ear canal, such as jaw problems and should be treated by a health professional.
Garlic Cloves
Raw garlic can be inserted into the outer ear to relieve swelling from outer ear irritation or reduce pain and bacteria associated with swimmer's ear, an outer ear infection. However, raw cloves should not be inserted into the ear canal, and continued application of cloves can itself cause redness and pain.
Garlic Oil
Garlic cloves can be heated in olive oil, which infuses the oil with garlic's healthful properties. The oil can be inserted into the outer ear and outer ear canal with a small dropper after it cools to the touch and is strained for garlic particles. Olive oil has additional health benefits for earache by reducing wax buildup, helping drainage in the canal and reducing inflammation. Garlic oil drops can be applied twice daily while the person is lying on her side with the affected ear facing the ceiling. However, oil, alone or infused with garlic or other substances, should never be inserted into a child's ear without confirmation of an intact ear drum, and no one should insert hot oil into the ear area because of risk of burning.
Garlic External Massage
Garlic oil can be applied under and just behind the earlobe as a type of massage treatment to improve drainage of the ear tubes and lymphatic fluids, because blockage of these passages can contribute to swelling and pain, even without infection.
