Garlic mullein olive oil is recommended as a natural remedy for ear pain by natural-minded pediatricians and naturopathic providers alike. As a mother and former registered nurse, I have always sought out herbal remedies that can be used in place of Western allopathic medicine. Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern commonly related to antibiotic overuse and biofilm formation. Many ear infections are polymicrobial, meaning more than one infectious organism is the causative factor. A lot of cases of otitis media, which is the medical term for an ear infection, are caused by microorganisms that are not bacterial in nature and, therefore, not effectively treated with antibiotics.
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In 2013 while in Family Nurse Practitioner school, we were taught that most ear infections resolve without antibiotic therapy. That year, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated its practice guidelines to include a more prudent “watch and wait” approach. According to Allen S. Leiberthal, MD, FAAP, and colleagues from the AAP’s Subcommittee on Diagnosis and Management of Acute Otitis Media, “about 70% of children who present with ear infections get better on their own within two or three days, and about 80% are better within a week to 10 days” (Clinical Advisor, 2013). Per AAP guidelines for non-severe ear infections in children over six months old, a “watch and wait” approach should be offered for the first 48 to 72 hours after onset of the signs and symptoms of infection. If the child worsens or fails to improve within 48 to 72 hours of the onset of symptoms a trip to the primary care provider is indicated for further evaluation (Lieberthal, et. Al., 2013). Utilizing garlic mullein olive oil at the onset of symptoms if NO EAR DRUM PERFORATION (hole) is present may help to reduce the pain related to infection. With my own children, pain is relieved quickly, and fever resolves within 24 hours of using warm garlic mullein olive oil ear drops.
Evidence Supporting Garlic Mullein Olive Oil
Garlic, mullein, and olive oil are each known for their healing properties. This combination also helps to stimulate lymphatic circulation to prevent and relieve symptoms associated with stagnation. Studies support the effectiveness of garlic and other herbal oils in the management of ear pain related to infection. A 2001 study found that a naturopathic herbal extract containing garlic (allium sativum), mullein (Verbascum Thapsus), calendula (calendula Flores), and St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) in olive oil was effective in reducing the pain associated with ear infections in children (Sarrell, et. al., 2001). A later double-blind study in 2003 to determine the effectiveness of an herbal ear drop extract containing allium sativum, mullein, calendula, St. John’s wort, lavender, and vitamin E in olive oil concluded that the herbal extract may be beneficial.
Patients who were given ear drops alone had a better response than patients who were given ear drops together with amoxicillin. Results were better in the Naturopathic Herbal Extract Ear Drops (NHED) group than in the controls. Nevertheless, the findings indicated that the pain was mostly (80%) self-limited and could be explained simply by the time elapsed (Sarell et. al., 2003).
Due to the finding that antibiotics do not change the course of infection, the study concluded that the main goal of treatment should be to reduce pain. Several studies support the benefits of each ingredient on an individual basis.
Garlic
Garlic has been utilized as a natural healing remedy since ancient times. Garlic is known to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, and anticancer, among many other medicinal properties that have been demonstrated in clinical studies (Roozbahani et al., 2014; Ansary et al., 2020). Garlic oil may also help to relieve itching and tinnitus which is the term for ringing in the ears. A 2019 study investigated the effectiveness of four garlic derivatives on eight microorganisms that commonly cause internal and external ear infections. Researchers found that “both allicin and s-allyl cysteine (SAC) showed antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms, even at low concentrations” (Uzun et al., 2019). I recommend using fresh organic garlic that is crushed, chopped, or minced. One to three cloves are enough for a small batch.
Mullein has many medicinal properties, including, but not limited to, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antitussive, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. One recent study confirmed the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties of mullein (Mahdavi et al., 2020). Another recent study concluded mullein has “high beneficial potential in alleviating pain and inflammation” (Eyiiş et al., 2020). Mullein is an easy-to-grow biennial and can be found growing as a wildflower in many areas. The leaves, flowers, and roots all have medicinal properties. In the first year, the plant remains leafy and low to the ground. In the second year, the plant sends up a stalk and begins producing beautiful yellow flowers. If you do not grow or forage to harvest and dry your own mullein, I recommend buying organic dried mullein flowers from Mountain Rose Herbs. They also have a wide variety of other dried herbs that can be beneficial to add to any homemade earache oil, including calendula, St. John’s wort, and lavender.
Olive oil is known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing effects. Olive oil may help to soften ear wax to facilitate removal (Clegg et al., 2010). One recent study confirmed the antibacterial properties of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) by evaluating the inhibitory effects of EVOO polyphenol against both gram-negative and positive bacteria (Nazzaro et al., 2019). Studies suggest coconut or grapeseed oil may be the best alternatives based on their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties (Lin et al., 2017). I recommend using organic extra virgin olive oil, but you can use any natural food-grade plant or seed oil you have readily available.
Note: If you do not have dried herbs available for infusion, you can opt to make or use an infusion of just garlic and olive oil.
Equipment
Slow cooker, double boiler, or similar alternative for the fast or faster method, but is not necessary for the slow method.
Glass jar with lid
Cheesecloth
Glass dropper bottle
Ingredients
About 1/2 cup organic extra virgin olive oil
2 TBS Fresh organic garlic crushed, chopped, or minced
2 TBS Dried organic mullein flowers
1 to 2 TBS Dried calendula and or St. John’s wort (optional)
Directions
Method 1 (slowest, but best if you can spare the time)
1. Place garlic, mullein flowers, calendula, St. John’s wort, and other herbal ingredients of your choice in a clean, dry glass jar.
2. Pour enough olive oil to completely cover the blend. The amount of oil needed will vary based on the amount of garlic and other herbs added to your blend.
3. Cover the jar with a lid and leave it in a cool, dark place to infuse for 4 to 6 weeks. Alternatively, you can place it in a window seal to make a solar infusion for 2 to 4 weeks.
4. Strain using cheesecloth into a clean, glass jar. Store in the fridge or the freezer to preserve for longer.
Method 2 (fast or faster)
1. Place garlic, mullein flowers, calendula, St. John’s wort, and other herbal ingredients of your choice in a clean, dry glass jar.
2. Pour enough olive oil to completely cover the blend. The amount of oil needed will vary depending on the amount of garlic and other herbs added to your blend. Cover the jar with a lid, cheesecloth, or a paper towel secured with a rubber band.
3. Using a double boiler or slow cooker, add just enough water to cover half of the jar.
4. Place jar inside slow cooker or double boiler and ensure the water does NOT touch the cheesecloth.
5. Allow the blend to infuse over low heat for at least 20-30 minutes in a double boiler, do NOT let the oil come to a boil or simmer. Cooking the oil will degrade the beneficial properties. Alternatively, set the slow cooker to the lowest setting and allow the blend to infuse for 2-3 hours.
6. Strain using cheesecloth into a clean, glass jar. Store in the fridge or the freezer to preserve for longer.
How to Use
-Use room temperature or gently heated oil. Ensure the oil is warm but not hot by testing a drop on the inside of your wrist.
-Insert 2 to 5 drops of warm oil into the ear canal. You can massage the outside of the ear to help the oil move down the canal. Insert a piece of cotton ball. Use oil in both ears to prevent bilateral infection.
-Repeat every 30 minutes as needed for relief of pain.
Not Just for Ears!
This oil has many other uses, not limited to treating pain related to an ear infection. Garlic mullein olive oil can be used for oil pulling to promote oral hygiene, as well as topically for skin conditions and other mucous membrane inflammation.
If you are not interested in making your own infused oil or just want to grab some for immediate use, many retailers, including Mountain Rose Herbs, carry quality blended affordable ear oils. Enjoy 10% or more off retail prices by ordering through my Fullscript or Wellevate dispensaries that have quality products readily available for shipping. Wellevate even allows you to pay with your health savings account, unlike Amazon or many other online competitors.
CAUTION- Never insert anything, including oils, into the ear without first checking to ensure the eardrum is intact. If you do not have an otoscope and understand how to evaluate the eardrum for perforation, please seek assessment by a healthcare provider prior to inserting any oil into the ear canal. Many online retailers have professional as well as lower grade more affordable otoscopes on the market. When my older children were younger, prior to owning a professional Welch Allen otoscope, I purchased a cheap Dr. Mom otoscope from Wal-Mart. These affordable kits are intended for the parents of young children and have educational photographs to inform you of how to identify the eardrum, perforation, and signs of infection. These devices can be helpful in identifying infection at the first signs, especially in the event it happens after hours and emergency care is not otherwise indicated.
This information is intended for educational and informational purposes. These statements are not FDA-approved and are not intended to be a substitute for the assessment, advice, or treatment by a health professional.
References
Ansary, J., Forbes-Hernández, T. Y., Gil, E., Cianciosi, D., Zhang, J., Elexpuru-Zabaleta, M., Simal-Gandara, J., Giampieri, F., & Battino, M. (2020). Potential Health Benefit of Garlic Based on Human Intervention Studies: A Brief Overview. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 9(7), 619. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9070619
Clegg, A.J., Loveman, E., Gospodarevskaya, E., Harris, P., Bird, A., Bryant, J., Scott, D.A., Davidson, P., Little, P., Coppin, R. (2010). The safety and effectiveness of different methods of earwax removal: a systematic review and economic evaluation. Health Technol Assess. Jun;14(28):1-192. doi: 10.3310/hta14280. PMID: 20546687
Clinical Advisor. (2013). New AOM treatment guidelines emphasize watchful waiting. https://www.clinicaladvisor.com/home/web-exclusives/new-aom-treatment-guidelines-emphasize-watchful-waiting/
Eyiiş, E., Kaygısız, B., Kılıç, F. S., & Ayhancı, A. (2020). The In Vivo Antinociceptive and Antiinflammatory Effects of Verbascum exuberans Hub.-Mor. Turkish journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 17(6), 586–592. https://doi.org/10.4274/tjps.galenos.2019.77992
Lieberthal, A. S., Carroll, A. E., Chonmaitree, T., Ganiats, T. G., Hoberman, A., Jackson, M. A., Joffe, M. D., Miller, D. T., Rosenfeld, R. M., Sevilla, X. D., Schwartz, R. H., Thomas, P.A., Tunkel, D. E. (2013). The Diagnosis and Management of Acute Otitis Media. Pediatrics Mar, 131 (3) e964-e999; DOI: 10.1542/peds.2012-3488
Lin, T. K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J. L. (2017). Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. International journal of molecular sciences, 19(1), 70. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070
Mahdavi, S., Amiradalat, M., Babashpour, M., Sheikhlooei, H., Miransari, M. (2020). The Antioxidant, Anticarcinogenic and Antimicrobial Properties of Verbascum thapsus L. Med Chem. 16(7):991-995. doi: 10.2174/1573406415666190828155951. PMID: 31456524.
Nazzaro, F., Fratianni, F., Cozzolino, R., Martignetti, A., Malorni, L., De Feo, V., Cruz, A. G., & d'Acierno, A. (2019). Antibacterial Activity of Three Extra Virgin Olive Oils of the Campania Region, Southern Italy, Related to Their Polyphenol Content and Composition. Microorganisms, 7(9), 321. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms7090321
Roozbahani, N. E., Sajedianfard, J., Karimaghaie, N., Rajaian, H. (2014). The Effect of Aqueous Extract of Garlic on Formalin-Induced Pain in Male Rats. Journal of Pharmacological and Biological Sciences. October; 2(5): 54-59. http://www.jpabs.org/admin/uploads/3m4B20.pdf
Sarrell EM, Cohen HA, Kahan E. (2003). Naturopathic treatment for ear pain in children. Pediatrics. May;111(5 Pt 1):e574-9. doi: 10.1542/peds.111.5.e574. PMID: 12728112
Sarrell, E. M., Mandelberg, A., Cohen, H.A. (2001). Efficacy of Naturopathic Extracts in the Management of Ear Pain Associated with Acute Otitis Media. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 155(7):796–799. doi:10.1001/archpedi.155.7.796
Uzun, L., Dal, T., Kalcıoğlu, M. T., Yürek, M., Açıkgöz, Z. C., & Durmaz, R. (2019). Antimicrobial Activity of Garlic Derivatives on Common Causative Microorganisms of the External Ear Canal and Chronic Middle Ear Infections. Turkish archives of otorhinolaryngology, 57(4), 161–165. https://doi.org/10.5152/tao.2019.4413
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