Apparently I had earaches so often as a child that it affected my hearing. As a result, I had my Adenoids removed in Kindergarten. I don’t really remember that but it must have been helpful because I don’t recall dealing with many ear issues when I was growing up. Lately, however, my right ear has been bothering me on occasion. I have been turning to essential oils to help soothe the discomfort.
An earache can cause pain in the inner or outer ear that may interfere with ability to hear, often caused by excess fluid and/or infection. Children are most often affected but adults are not exempt. A cold, allergies, or a sinus infection can block the tubes in your middle ear causing pain.
The good news is, there are natural solutions available that you can use to support an earache with no side effects.
These products provide assistance in dispersing the infection and draining the surrounding tissue. Try it for 2 weeks. If it doesn’t clear up by then, you can try items in the additional support list. For those of you who are new to my blog, essential oils are like pharmaceuticals in that there is not necessarily a one size fits all solution. What works for you may not work for me. So if you try one thing and it doesn’t work, try something else. I promise, you will find the right solution if you stick with it.
LAVENDER & TEA TREE
The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of lavender oil work for curing earaches that may be caused by infection.
Primary Benefits
- Soothes occasional skin irritations
- Taken internally, Lavender oil reduces anxious feelings and promotes peaceful sleep*
- Helps ease feelings of tension when used internally*
Aromatic Description
Powdery, floral, light
Collection Method
Steam distillation
Plant Part
Flower
Main Constituents
Linalool, Linalyl acetate, Ocimene
Additionally, Tea Tree has anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce swelling in the outer part of the ear.
Apply a dab of each oil diluted around the ear. If you have a roller bottle you can easily roll it around your ear. (do not put inside the ear)
Primary Benefits
- Renowned for its cleansing and rejuvenating effect on the skin
- Diffuse throughout the home to help purify and freshen the air
- Soothing to irritated skin
Aromatic Description
Herbaceous, green, leathery
Collection Method
Steam Distillation
Plant Part
Leaf
Main Constituents
Terpinen-4-ol, γ-terpinene, α-terpinene
ON GUARD SOFTGELS
This Protective blend softgels support a healthy immune response making them useful when experiencing an earache.
Take 2 softgels 3x daily with food.
Primary Benefits
- Supports healthy immune and respiratory function*
- Protects against environmental threats*
- Supports the body’s natural antioxidant defenses*
- Promotes healthy circulation*
- Energizing and uplifting aroma
Key Ingredients and Benefits
Wild Orange Peel: protects the body against seasonal threats*
Clove Bud: supports a healthy immune system*
Black Pepper Seed: supports healthy circulation*
Cinnamon Bark/Leaf: promotes healthy immune function*
Eucalyptus Leaf: purifying and cleansing properties*
Oregano Leaf: helps maintain a healthy immune system*
Rosemary Flower/Leaf: may help support the digestive system*
Melissa Leaf: may help support healthy immune system*
PB ASSIST
This probiotic supplement supports healthy functioning of the immune system.
Take 2 capsules in the morning on an empty stomach.
Primary Benefits
- Promotes a positive balance and proliferation of beneficial bacteria*
- Maintains healthy intestinal microflora balance*
- Supports healthy functioning of the digestive and immune systems*
- Supports the health of the GI tract, particularly the intestines and colon*
- Helps support optimal metabolism and absorption of food*
Additional Support
BASIL
A study from 2005 found that basil oil was effective in treating ear infections in rats. Researchers used rats with infections from either Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae bacteria. (1)
Primary Benefits
- May help keep skin looking clean, clear, and healthy
- Provides a calm, relaxed aroma
- Supports nervous system health when consumed internally*
Aromatic Description
Warm, spicy, herbal
Collection Method
Steam Distillation
Plant Part
Leaf
Main Constituents
Linalool, 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), bergamotene
GINGER
Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe pain from earaches.
Primary Benefits
- Supports healthy digestion when used internally†
- Eases occasional indigestion and nausea when used as an internal-use digestive aid†
- Provides a soothing and calming aroma
Aromatic Description
Hot, spicy
Collection Method
Steam distillation
Plant Part
Root
Main Constituents
α-zingiberene, β–sesquiphellandrene
FRANKINCENSE
Frankincense helps support the immune system and promotes a healthy inflammatory response. This makes it a solid choice for ear discomfort.
Primary Benefits
- May help support healthy cellular function when used internally*
- Provides a comforting, uplifting aroma
- Helps to maintain healthy skin when applied topically
Aromatic Description
Warm, spicy, herbal
Collection Method
Hydro-distilled
Plant Part
Resin from Boswellia carterii, sacra, papyrifera, and frereana
Main Constituents
α-pinene, limonene, and octyl acetate
HELICHRYSUM
The anti-inflammatory properties of helichrysum could reduce symptoms related to an infection, such as swelling, pain, and redness.
Primary Benefits
- Improves appearance of the skin
- Provides uplifting aroma
Aromatic Description
Herbaceous, honey, hay
Collection Method
Steam distillation
Plant Part
Flower
Main Constituents
Neryl acetate, α-pinene, γ-curcumene
The next time you or your child have ear discomfort, try safe and highly effective natural solutions. My go to combo is Lavender and Tea tree. However, you may find that another oil or oil combo works better for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment. I’d love to help you on your oil journey. Visit my website here and email me with any questions.
What do you normally grab for earaches? Which oil are you going to try next time?
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.