Ear infections occur when viruses or bacteria infect the middle ear [1].
The middle ear is the part of the ear beneath the eardrum [1]. This condition causes great pain as the middle ear becomes inflamed and fluid accumulates in this section [1].
There are two types of ear infection:
- Acute ear infection – These are painful but shorter in duration
- Chronic ear infection – These are recurrent infections that may cause permanent damage to one’s hearing [1]
Although adults can also suffer from this, children are more prone to this infection [2]. This is because the immune systems of children are not developed like adults.
It’s good to know though that some of these cases clear up without treatment [2]. Most doctors only prescribe pain medications to ease the discomfort it brings [2].
There are some cases in which the infections do not resolve on their own, or would keep on coming back [2].
Recurrent ear infections can lead to complications such as hearing problems [2].
Beneficial Effects of Olive Oil
The Mediterranean diet has long been popular for its healthful effects [5]. People who consume this type of diet have a lower risk of heart disease, cancer, and other ailments [5].
One of the main reasons for this is olive oil [5]. The olive tree originated from the Mediterranean region [6]. Both its fruit and oil extract are staples in the Mediterranean diet [6]. In fact, olive oil is the “main source of fat” in this part of the world [6].
Olive oil contains many active compounds that are beneficial to human health. These include oleic acid, phenolic compounds and squalene [6].
Oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol are two of the phenolic compounds. They not only give the oil its pungent aroma and unique flavor but also a multitude of pharmacological effects [6].
Some of the many roles that olive oil has become known for are as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, and hypoglycemic, among many others [6].
Studies proved that olive oil has countless medicinal properties [7].
The use of this oil has spread beyond the Mediterranean countries. It is now widely popular in many parts of the world [7].
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How Does Olive Oil Work for Ear Infection?
Olive oil has three qualities that are helpful in treating ear infections:
- Antibacterial
A 2001 study confirmed that olive oil has broad-spectrum microbial activities. These can work against bacterial strains that cause ear infection [8].
Many other studies have similar findings. They validate the potent bactericidal effects of olive oil and its active compounds [9, 10].
- Analgesic
In 2011, researchers probed the analgesic effects of olive oil, and how useful it can be for painful conditions like ear infections [11]
Hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein are responsible for olive oil’s pain-relieving properties [11].
- Anti-inflammatory
Olive oil is also believed to have the ability to reduce inflammation. This has been verified many times in scientific research [12, 13, 14].
The compounds in olive oil are capable of inhibiting the pro-inflammatory enzymes [12]. By toning down pain and inflammation, olive oil can help provide immediate relief. And by controlling bacterial infection, it can help resolve the problem.
7 Ways to Use Olive Oil for Ear Infection
Use the following remedies to treat ear infection and reduce the symptoms.
1. Warm Olive Oil
Warm olive oil works well in toning down inflammation. It also provides immediate relief from pain.
A simple way to use warm olive oil for ear infection:
Put 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan. Warm it. Using a medicine dropper, pour a few drops into the ear. Repeat remedy once a day for one to two weeks.
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2. Olive Oil and Garlic Juice Disinfectant
Garlic contains antimicrobial substances that can help resolve the issue of ear infection.
How to use olive oil and garlic juice for ear infection:
Crush 2 cloves of garlic to extract juice. Mix garlic juice with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Use a medicine dropper to put a few drops of the mixture into the infected ear. Do this procedure once a day until the infection clears.
3. Olive Oil with Essential Oils
Certain essential oils like chamomile are popular for their antibacterial properties. Lavender oil, meanwhile, is an effective analgesic.
Try this olive oil and essential oils mix for ear infection:
To prepare this remedy, you will need 1 teaspoon of olive oil, 2 drops of chamomile oil, and 1 drop of lavender oil.
Combine olive oil with chamomile and lavender oils. Apply the mixture on the infected ear using a cotton ball. Use this remedy twice a day for up to two weeks.
4. Olive Oil and Crushed Basil Leaves
Crushed basil leaves can help neutralize bacteria in the ears that cause infection.
Learn how you can use olive oil and crushed basil for ear infection:
Take 1/4 cup of basil leaves and 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Crush basil leaves and extract the juice.
Mix basil juice and olive oil. Soak a cotton ball into the mixture. Insert cotton ball into the ear.
Repeat procedure twice a day for one week.
5. Olive Oil and Apple Cider Vinegar Bacteria Buster
Apple cider vinegar is an effective remedy for bacterial infections like an ear infection.
Here’s how you may use olive oil and ACV for ear infection:
Combine 1 teaspoon of olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Fill the ear with the mixture with a dropper. Leave it on for 5 minutes. Tilt your head to drain the ear. Follow this technique twice a day for one week.
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6. Olive Oil and Warm Compress for Pain Relief
Warm compress is an efficient way to relieve pain and discomfort.
Try this olive oil warm compress for ear infection:
Take 1 bottle of warm water and 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Press a bottle of warm water against the infected ear.
You can also use a heating pad if you don’t have a bottle of warm water. Do this for five to six minutes. Repeat three to four times.
Soak a cotton ball in olive oil. Insert cotton ball into the ear canal. Do this procedure twice a day until the infection clears.
7. Olive Oil and Onion Juice for Bacterial Control
Like garlic, onion also contains potent antibacterial chemicals that can help control infection.
How to use olive oil and onion juice for ear infection:
Mix 1 teaspoon of onion juice and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Using a medicine dropper, pour a few drops of the mixture into the ear. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
Remove the mixture using a towel. Do this daily for one to two weeks.
NOTE: You should not use olive oil or any other ear remedies if you have a ruptured eardrum. Make sure to consult your doctor before doing anything on your own in such a case.
Causes Of Ear Infection
Do you know what’s causing your ear infection?
The reasons behind ear infections are bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis [2].
Some cases are triggered by viral infections [2].
Apart from viral or bacterial infection, this condition may also be a result of the following:
- Allergies
- Colds
- Sinusitis
- Excessive mucus
- Smoking
- Infected adenoids (adenoids are the tissues near the tonsils) [3]
There are some other factors that may increase the risk of getting this infection:
- Changes in altitude or climate
- Exposure to secondhand smoke
- Use of pacifier in infants
- Illness [3]
Symptoms Of Ear Infection
Besides to the pain and discomfort, these are the other indicators of this condition:
- The persistent pressure inside the ear
- Pus-like drainage from the ear
- Difficulty in hearing [3]
In babies who are not yet able to talk, you can detect ear infection through these following signals:
- Incessant crying and fussiness
- Pulling of the ears
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Fever
- Drainage coming from the ear
- Lack of balance or coordination
- Failure to respond to sounds [4]
If your child is younger than six months and has a fever, it’s imperative to consult a doctor right away [3].
When to See a Doctor
Ear infection can lead to a severe problem if not treated properly. Olive oil is an effective and safe home remedy to soothe infection. But you must visit a doctor if you see the following symptoms:
- Minor hearing loss.
- Dizziness.
- Fever along with the infection.
- Bloody discharge from the ear.
Bottom Line
If you would like to get rid of the pain and discomfort caused by ear infection, make use of olive oil. It will not only ease the symptoms but will also get to the root of the problem.
Most of the recipes that you’ll find here are in combination with other natural ingredients. All the remedies are beneficial in treating bacterial infections. The natural ingredients are also inexpensive and very easy to find.
Hope this article was helpful to you. If you have any queries, ask us by leaving a comment in the comments section below. And don’t forget to share your experience with us.
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