Most doctors agree that antibiotics aren’t always necessary when it comes to treading earaches. In fact, many of them go so far as to say that they are often overused. Learn how to support a healthy immune response and combat discomfort with Essential Oils for Ear Pain! Also learn important safety concerns with babies and children.
I must confess: I am a super lucky mama! There are a lot of reasons, but one thing I’m really happy about: none of my kids have ever taken an antibiotic.
Now - let me be clear - had they ever needed one I most certainly would have gotten one for them.
We’ve just been lucky enough to have access to natural remedies, and they have been very effective in keeping us healthy.
Since we spend much of the year in a warm climate where we swim most days, water in the ear is something we deal with on a regular basis. Most of the time, this it isn't a major issue, but from time to time an earache will develop.
Since ear infections can happen when water is trapped inside the ear, knowing the best essential oils for ear pain and how to naturally support the immune system when an ear infection arises has always been important to me. I have been very successful at using these methods with myself, and all three of my children.
Why So Many Different Recipes?
Some recipes are specifically targeted to support a healthy immune system, and others are designed to ease discomfort or help with ear wax. Generally speaking, the reason for so many different options as that we all react differently. So try multiple recipes and see what works best for you and your family.
Why Natural Remedies for Ear Pain?
Science supports turning to natural remedies!
In February of 2013, the American Academy of Pediatrics revised their guidelines due to the dangers of excessive antibiotic use. It is reported that ear infections are the most common reason for doctor visits in children, and antibiotics are the most common treatment.
However, according to Dr. Richard Rosenfeld of the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, this is often unnecessary. According to Rosenfeld, 70% of children’s earaches improve within 3 days and 80% in 10 days.
Obviously there are times when antibiotics are necessary! However, you can use natural alternatives until it becomes evident that that is the case. You may also use holistic methods to ease discomfort while you are waiting for an antibiotic to take effect. They can help to support a healthy immune system so the body can do what it was meant to do!
Safety Note: ALWAYS dilute and never put directly in the ear.
Disclaimer: While I do believe that natural remedies are a safe and effective way to deal with minor ear pain, it is important that you seek medical attention should an earache persist. It is best to use holistic alternatives at first sight of ear discomfort. If there is no improvement within a day or two, if the pain is acute, there is pus coming from the ear, or a high feve,r seek medical attention at once. These remedies have worked for our family but should not be taken as medical advice.
Important Safety Considerations:
Is it safe to put tea tree oil in your ears to treat an ear infection?
The answer is NO - you should not put undiluted essential oils directly into the ear.
According to Robert Tisserand a highly regarded expert on essential oil safety:
Undiluted essential oils should not be dripped into the ears, but diluted essential oils may be placed on a cotton wad for partial insertion." Source
This is the method we will be using in our discussion of Essential Oils for Ear Infections.
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The Best Essential Oils for Ear Pain to Support a Healthy Immune Response:
- Tea tree
- Lavender
- Thyme linalol
- Roman Chamomile
- Eucalyptus Radiata
- German Chamomile
- Marjoram
- Juniper Berry
- Frankincense
- Basil
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Rosemary
- Lemon
Essential Oils for Ear Pain
Basil and lavender are effective at helping with pain. Frankincense helps support the immune system and promotes a healthy inflammatory response.
Ingredients
- 1 drop Lavender
- 1 drop Frankincense
- 1 drop Basil *See Safety Note
- 1 drop Tea Tree
- 1 tablespoon carrier oil
- Cotton Ball
Directions
- In a small dish, combine the essential oils with the carrier oil. Saturate the cotton ball with the mixture.
- Place a cotton ball in the ear (tape lightly on small children) Rub essential oils around the ear and down the neck.
- Refresh the cotton ball every 30 minutes until the pain subsides and then every 4 hours for the next two days.
Babies & Toddlers
*Omit Basil in children under 2. The remaining blend may be used on children over 6 months of age. Increase the carrier oil to 2 tablespoons.
Massage Blend
- 20 drops Tea Tree
- 20 drops Thyme linalol
- 20 drops Lavender
- Carrier oil, warmed
- Combine tea tree, thyme, and lavender in a small stock bottle.
- To use, place a teaspoon of carrier in a small dish and add 4 drops of the blend.
- Massage around the ear, on the cheek, and down the neck.
- Follow with a warm compress.
Ear Infection Blend for Adults
This blend can help to support a healthy immune response.
- 10 drops oregano
- 10 drops clove
- 10 drops rosemary
- 10 drops lemon
- Carrier
- Place oregano, clove, rosemary and lemon in a 2 ounce stock bottle. Fill with carrier oil.
- Shake well to combine.
- Place 5 drops on the bottom of the feet ever 30 minutes until pain subsides.
The Quality of The Essential Oils You Use Matters!
After looking closely at the quality, purity, and ethics of so many companies, I've fallen in love with both the company and their oils. They have a large line of organic oils and are serious about safety. Every single batch is tested to ensure purity!
Read my full Plant Therapy Review for why they are my go-to company.
Which Essential Oils for Ear Pain Are Best for Relief?
- Lavender
- Roman Chamomile
- Tea Tree
- Geranium
- Eucalyptus radiata
- German Chamomile
- Frankincense
- Palo Santo
Earache Pain Relief
Clove is a soothing oil that can provide pain relief from an ear infection. (It is sometimes used by holistic dentists.)
*This should not be used in children under two. In children 2 to 12, dilute in 1 tablespoon carrier oil. Avoid contact with eyes.
Ingredients
- 4 drops clove*
- 2 teaspoons
Directions
- Place the clove oil and carrier oil in a small dish and stir to combine.
- Apply the blend around the ear and neck, massaging into the skin.
- Repeat every three hours
Earache Pain Relief Blend for Children 6 months to 2 Years:
Ingredients
- 2 drops lavender
- 1 tablespoon carrier
Directions
- Place the lavender and carrier in a small dish.
- Stir to combine.
- Apply to the ear and neck, massaging into the skin.
- Repeat every four hours.
Earache Pain Relief in Babies Under Six Months Old
- I do not recommend using essential oils in babies under six months old unless it is under the supervision of a knowledgable professional. Instead, I recommend using an Lavender Hydrosol.
Earache Roller Bottle Blend
- 10 drops lavender
- 5 drops eucalyptus
- 2 drops juniper berry
- 4 drops palo santo
- Carrier Oil
- Place essential oils in a 30ml roller bottle.
- Fill with carrier.
- Shake well to combine.
- Rub around the ear and neck.
Ear Wax Buildup
Ear Wax Blend
An earache can be caused by hardened wax buildup. Give this Essential Oils for Earache Ear Wax recipe to help relieve the buildup.
- 1 teaspoon carrier
- 1 drop lavender
- 1 drop Roman chamomile
- Cotton ball
- Warm the carrier oil and place it in a small dish.
- Add lavender essential oil and Roman chamomile essential oil.
- Soak a cotton ball in the mixture, and gently place in the ear.
- Refresh the cotton ball every 30 minutes until the pain subsides and then every 4 hours for the next two days.
Ear Wax Massage Blend
- 20 drops Roman chamomile
- 12 drops lavender
- 10 drops Tea tree
- 10 drops Geranium
- Carrier oil
- Combine essential oils in a small glass stock bottle.
- To use, place a teaspoon of carrier oil in a small dish and add 4 drops of the blend.
- Massage around the ear, neck and cheek.
- Follow will a warm compress.
Have you ever used essential oils for ear infections? What about essential oils for earache pain? I would love to hear how it worked for you!
If You Like Essential Oils for Ear Pain You May Also Like:
- Essential Oils for Arthritis
- 15 Tips to Naturally Combat the Cold & Flu
- Essential Oils for Back Pain
- Essential Oils for Flu
- Essential Oil Diffuser Recipes
Neeraja says
Many thanks dear Ms. Wendy
Tina Wilkerson says
Hi Wendy! I came across your page, through Pinterest. I am just getting started with Essential Oils. I do have a question about the Ear health recipe. Is the oil only for around the ear, and the cotton ball is dry? I assume to keep the oils out? Thank you!
Heather Blunt says
Hello, thanks for posting! I also want to ask what about the possability of allergic reaction? Did you face to in may in in theory?
Wendy Polisi says
If someone is highly sensitive with known allergies, it is always a good idea to work with a holistic professional. I’ve never witnessed an allergic reaction, but as with anything, the possibility exists.
*Wendy Polisi*
*https://wendypolisi.com *
Catherine Sargent says
This sounds like a great option. I never knew you could treat ear infections with essential oils.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
I had no idea you could use essential oils for ear infections. I'm not super surprised, though. People have been using essential oils for centuries.
Louise Bishop says
I have all of these except the frankincense. This is extremely helpful!
Joanna Clute says
I've never thought about using my oils for ear infections before. Although it would be a no brainer! Looks like I need to grab some new oils!
Pam Wattenbarger says
I have never heard of using essential oils for ear infections. My son used to have chronic ear infections.
Melissa Chapman says
I have older children but I have never tried oils for earaches. We are lucky he only had swimmers ear once so now I know for the next time.
Liz Mays says
These will be good mixtures to keep in mind when the kids go back to school. Some of those infections can spread pretty quickly.
Mary Edwards says
Wow! I didn't know oils could help with ear issues. My kids suffered alot as kiddos. Wish I knew about this then
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
I didn't know you can use essential oils for ear infections! This is really great to know! Thanks for sharing!
travel blogger says
This is great! I used to get ear infections all the time as a kid, and I dreaded going to the doctor. Now with kids of my own, I love trying natural at home remedies. We will need to try this the next time one of the kiddos gets an ear infection.
Kelly Hutchinson says
I am new to the essential oils front, so I am not aware of many of their benefits. I had no idea they could be used for an ear infection. Great to know!
Amy Desrosiers says
My kids have also never had to take antibiotics. I love using natural remedies on them to help with their minor ailments.