Growing up, I have a few memories of being sick. But, I was generally very healthy. One memory that really stands out in my mind was the use of garlic oil to help ear infections. The reason why this stands out in my mind is that it was so miraculous! It was almost instant relief, in my experience. So, when I noticed my little guy digging in his ear all day until it turned bright red I knew I had to make up some of this magic garlic oil. It still works like magic! Here is a short video that I made showing how to make it.
Why this stuff works:
- Coconut oil: Studies show that coconut oil is anti-microbial, the fatty acids in the coconut oil actually break down the cell membranes of bacteria, thus killing them. Another study explains that coconut oil is more effective than some anti-fungals at fighting candida, making it antifungal too. So, this stuff will kill the bad bugs that are causing issues in the ear!
- Garlic: Allicin, a compound in garlic, was found to exhibit antibacterial activity against a wide range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including multidrug-resistant enterotoxicogenic strains of Escherichia coli. It also has antifungal activity, particularly against Candida albicans, antiparasitic activity, including some major human intestinal protozoan parasites such as Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia, and antiviral activity. (source)
Garlic Oil For Ear Infections
Ingredients:
- 5 fresh organic garlic cloves, peeled and sliced into chunks
- 1/4 cup fractionated coconut oil (it remains liquid in cooler temps) — where to find
- A small dropper bottle — where to find
Directions:
- In a small saucepan, combine the oil and garlic cloves
- Bring to a simmer, and allow to bubble for about 20 minutes, don’t let the garlic burn!
- Remove the pan from heat and allow to cool
- Strain off the garlic
- Slowly pour the oil into the dropper bottle
- Store at room temperature
- Makes about 2 ounces
How to use:
- Tilt your head to the side and squirt a dropper full of warm oil into your ear
- I warm it by running the dropper under warm water when its full of oil
- Allow it to rest for about 5 to 10 minutes
- You can gently massage the lymph node area under your ear to get it to go further inside, or pull on your ear lobe a bit
- After 10 minutes, turn your ear onto a cloth or paper towel so it can drain out
- Do this as needed, you can do it multiple times per day. I know people who do this daily!
- Label your bottle too!
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19 Replies to “Garlic Oil for Ear Infections”
how long will this keep and can it be used on children
It lasts up to one year in the cabinet. I use it on my kiddos primarily, my husband and I havent had an ear ache in years 🙂
So I just stumbled upon your site and love it!! Can’t wait to look at all your recipes and health remedies!! I have a very strange question, lol! Do you happen to know if this can be used on dogs? No one in our family gets ear infections except for the dog, lol!!
I would give it a try! Let me know how it works!!! 🙂
Just made some to try on my son and husband tonight! I love garlic..and it smelled seriously amazing while simmering. Really hope it helps..as my son has had some nasty ear infections and I’d prefer to avoid antibiotics. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you like it Cait! It is really soothing to the ear too!
How long do you lay down to allow the oil to drain out? I have a really bad ear ache now and can’t wait to try this!
You kind of just know when the oil is out. Lay on your side and let it drain until it no longer “tickles” inside of your ear. Sometimes I massage under my ear to make sure it all drains out.
This made my husband’s ear infection.
Hi, I just tried making this but the garlic got pretty dark brown and you said don’t let it burn… so I’m not sure if it’s still good to use or not?
As long as it doesn’t smell burnt, you should be fine
Can I use avocado oil instead of olive oil?
Sure!
Can this be used in a 5 month old baby? Also, would the dosage be the same? My son has had 2 ear infections a month apart and now has another cold. I want to try home remedies and not put him on any antibiotics again.
I have used a small amount on my baby less than a year old. I forget how old he was. Only left it in for 5 minutes or less
Do you just let it drain out? No cleaning the ear out? I noticed my daughters ear had gunk in it I got out some just didn’t want it to dry out and clog it even more seems to be working great though!
I just let it drain out. But in the ER we did ear irrigations with 1:1 peroxide and water, thats what I use to clean out my kids ears at home when there is gunk
How do you do the irrigation?
I don’t irrigate it afterward, I just have them turn their head and it drains out. In the ER we do ear irrigations using a hydrogen peroxide and water mix and squirt it into the ear until the blockage comes out.