Generally caused by bacteria, ear infections usually lead to the middle ear inflammation. You are likely to develop an infection when you have a high fluid buildup at the back of the eardrum. It is also possible to develop an ear infection after you have developed a respiratory tract infection. The bacteria responsible for your upper respiratory tract infection are usually responsible for causing the ear infection. Even if your respiratory tract infection is the result of a viral infection, it provides the bacteria in the middle ear with a hospitable environment to grow. Many home remedies may help treat the problem and many people put their money on sweet oil for ear infection. Does it really help? Let's find out now!
Can Sweet Oil Help?
Made of almond and olive oils, sweet oil is usually effective against bacterial infections causing the inflammation in the middle ear. Olive oil has always been a good remedy for mild ear infections, and it is beneficial mainly because it contains natural flavonoids, antioxidants, vitamin E, amino acids, and vitamin E. Even after processing, olive oil tends to retain its antioxidants and vitamin content.
How to Use
Now that you know that sweet oil for ear infection may prove effective, you may want to learn about the right way to use it. Here is how to proceed:
Find the Best Quality Sweet Oil
You can find it sold in small bottles at the drugstore. You can also find it at health food stores. When buying sweet oil, be sure to get a glass dropper bottle as well to use the oil properly. It is better to opt for a dropper bottle in dark green, brown, or blue color, as this helps preserve the nutrients. Be sure to store the oil in a cool and dry place.
Preparation and Application
Take a small amount of sweet oil in a pan and heat it for a few seconds. Stop when the oil is warm to the touch. Make use of a dropper to apply a couple of drops of the warm sweet oil in your infected ear. Take a cotton ball and put it in the ear to ensure the oil does not run out. Now, lie down for 10-15 minutes with your affected side towards the roof. Repeat twice or until you find some pain relief.
Tips to Remember
- Be sure to talk to your doctor immediately if you notice no improvement after using sweet oil for ear infection.
- Do not place liquids directly in the affected ear.
- Apply a heating pad to the ear after using the oil. This keeps the oil warm and helps reduce pain quickly.
- Mix garlic, coconut, almond, or mustard oil with the olive oil to make it even more effective.
- Do not apply the oil using cotton swabs because it can affect the wax inside the ear and cause more complications. Using a cotton ball is a better option.
- Use sweet oil only when there is no discharge of pus from the ear.
- Ensure that the sweet oil is only warm and not too hot or it may burn and damage the ear.
Other Remedies for Ear Infection
Using sweet oil for ear infection can help treat the pain, but you can also try some other remedies to get good results. Here are some options to consider:
1. Salt
Take a cup of salt and heat it up over low heat. Remove it after a few minutes and then place it on a cloth. Use a rubber band to seal the open end and then apply it to the affected ear for 10 minutes at a time. Repeat several times to reduce pain and swelling.
2. Garlic
Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, garlic can help clear any infection and reduce pain as well. Take two tablespoons of sesame oil and add two garlic cloves to it. Then, strain the solution to make garlic oil. Place a couple of drops of this oil in your affected ear for relief. Eating a couple of garlic cloves daily will also help accelerate the healing process.
3. Basil
In case of a minor earache, you can always rely on holy basil. It also works great to treat ear infections because it has antibacterial properties. Take 4-5 fresh holy basil leaves and crush them well. Apply the juice around your affected ear for relief. Do not put it directly inside the ear canal.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
It has powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties, so you can use it to treat ear infections. Add some apple cider vinegar to a glass of water. Take a cotton ball and soak it in the solution. Put it in your infected ear like a plug and remove after five minutes. Be sure to tilt your head to the opposite side to help the liquid come out of your ear. You can also use white vinegar if you cannot find apple cider vinegar.