Garlic-Mullein Earache Oil

A natural remedy for glue ear and ear infections in young children.

by Breda Sneddon
Medical Herbalist.

This is a classic herbal remedy for ear infections that I used on both my children and have recommended for countless others. Garlic is a natural antimicrobial, addressing infections of both a bacterial and viral nature. Mullein is an analgesic, relieving the pain associated with earaches. It’s very easy to make at home. You may well have mullein growing in your garden and garlic bulbs can be bought at any grocer or supermarket.

You will need

400ml olive oil
1 whole bulb of finely chopped garlic
1 oz mullein flowers
empty jam jars with lids ~ 454ml (16 oz) size
1 square of muslin or cheesecloth ~ about 6 cm square

How to make it

To prepare garlic-mullein oil, place the finely chopped fresh garlic and mullein flowers into the jar. Add olive oil until the jar is full. Stir with a chopstick or the handle of a wooden spoon to release air bubbles. Cover the jar and place in the sunlight for 3 weeks (2 weeks in warm weather). Strain through the muslin square into a clean jar (discard plant material) and store in the refrigerator. This will keep for up to two years.

How to use it

To use place 3-7 drops of the oil into the affected ear while the child lays on his side with the affected ear upward. The oil should be at room temperature or slightly warm. To warm it, put the drops in a spoon or a glass eyedropper and briefly hold a lit match close to it. Test the oil against the underside of your wrist to make sure it is not too hot. Have the child rest with the affected ear up for 5-10 minutes, keeping a warm hot water bottle on the ear. After this time let the child roll over and rest on the hot water bottle for as long as this brings comfort.

Repeat on the other ear if necessary. This treatment can be repeated 2-3 times a day but may only be necessary once or twice as it is very effective.

Caution

IMPORTANT: NEVER PUT ANYTHING INTO THE EAR IF YOU SUSPECT THE EARDRUM HAS RUPTURED OR IF THERE IS ANY DRAINAGE FROM THE EAR.

Recipe shared by Breda Sneddon, Medical Herbalist. Linlithgow 07905 742695

Read more about how Breda tackles ear infections in children.