Earaches can be a destabilizing kind of pain, making daily activities difficult at best, and impossible at their very worst. Conventional medicine will utilize a hybrid mix of pain relievers (like aspirin) and ear drops. However, if you are desiring a more natural approach, then perhaps essential oils for earaches might just be what the (holistic) doctor ordered.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of essential oils and the best kinds for earaches in adults.
Ear infections, congestive sinus issues, and earwax buildup are common reasons behind earaches in adults. Also, swift changes in elevation (via airplane trips) or cold weather exposure can also contribute to random pains in the ear.
Essential oils can help heal earaches by providing therapeutic properties, such as anti-inflammation, antimicrobial, and even analgesic pain-relieving effects. Essential oils can complement modern medical treatments for earaches and even, in some cases, be the first and only line of care needed in the first place.
That said, earaches can be a serious affair, especially if they last for several days on end. Please consult a professional healthcare provider if you are experiencing long-term issues with this.
Here are some of the top essential oil varieties to relieve earache pain:
This essential oil is well known for its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It can be applied to the outer ear in a diluted form in order to fight against infections. Diluting tea tree oil is crucial, as it can irritate the skin otherwise.
Lavender is a prime herbal element for calming the body and soul, but it also has great anti-inflammatory properties as well. Mix it with a carrier oil, like coconut or olive, and apply a few drops of this mix to the outer ear. Massage in smooth, gentle circular motions to help relieve pain and relax the ear that is currently holding the discomfort.
Chamomile is a common pre-bedtime herb used for relaxation, but it also has anti-inflammatory effects as well. Mix a few drops of chamomile oil with a carrier oil and apply it to the ear that is affected by pain.
A known microbial and decongestant, inhalation of eucalyptus oil can help to clear extreme cases of sinus congestion which, at times, can cause earaches due to blocked eustachian tubs. Heat up some water until it is hot and steamy, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to it, and inhale the fumes for sinus relief.
Peppermint is a cooling herb with analgesic properties. Dilute some peppermint oil with a carrier oil of your choice and apply it around a particularly inflamed ear for relief. Dilution is crucial, though, as peppermint oil can be quite potent on the skin otherwise.
Here are a few things to remember when using essential oils for earache relief:
Essential oils are concentrated and should not be used in their purest state on the skin, as irritation could occur. They should always be diluted with a carrier oil before application. A good standard to use is one or two drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil.
Before applying essential oil to a large area of one’s skin, do a patch test on a smaller area of skin first. This is to make sure there are no allergic reactions on a smaller scale before applying larger amounts of essential oil.
Essential oils should never be applied directly into the ear canal, as this is a highly sensitive area. Focus instead on applying the oils to the outer ear and the areas surrounding it for safer absorption.
If the earache continues for longer than a week, or you have symptoms like fever or hearing loss, consult a licensed medical professional immediately. Essential oils can help assuage issues with earaches, but they are not always the best method to utilize in more severe cases.
In the realm of complementary medicine, essential oils have manifested as an alternative way of treating earaches in adults. They can soothe pain, reduce inflammation, and promote mental well-being all at the same time. This is the power of holistic treatments, hitting many targets at once with a single herb or a concoction derived from many herbs.
So, if you suffer from earaches and you want to go a more natural route in treating them, consider looking into Wholesale Botanics curated essential oil bundle for earache relief.
Just make sure that you consult a licensed healthcare provider before committing to self-care for an earache, especially if you’ve been having pain persistently for days.