Ear drops

There are a few ear issues that could require ear drops, swimmers ear (otitis externa), bacterial or fungal infections, excessive earwax buildup, and pain/inflammation. Swimmers ear which is an infection of the outer ear canal is one of the most prevalent ear issues and is treated with antibiotic drops. Fungal Ear Infections (Otomycosis) as characterized by a discharge and is treated with antifungal ear drops. Earwax Buildup is treated with ear drops that soften and remove hardened earwax. Middle Ear Infections with a Perforated ear drum are treated with antibiotic drops although many doctors frown on this. Itchy, inflamed and painful ear issues are treated with eardrops made with anti-inflammatory medication. As far back as ancient Egypt ear drops have been used to treat ear infections and excessive ear wax. The ancient Greeks used drops along with poultices and ear syringes to cure infections and soften ear wax. Scientific studies have indicated that herbal ear drops can be as effective as modern pharmacological anesthetic ear drops in reducing ear pain. These ear drops contain garlic an antimicrobial, mullein which has anti-bacterial properties, tea tree oil which has antimicrobial properties and calendula possesses recognized antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Recipes for ear drops

carrier oils such as jojoba, coconut, sweet almond, olive oil and grapeseed oils should always be used to dilute essential oils .

Antibacterial/antifungal ear drops

equipment

pot

water

spoon

dropper

cotton ball

small glass jar/bottle

heating pad

Ingredients

carrier oil: jojoba, coconut, sweet almond, olive oil or grapeseed oil

essential oil: garlic, tea tree, mullein, calendula

Recipe

Ear drops are made with a ratio of 1 drop of essential oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil. 

Using that ratio pour the proper amounts of each into a small mason jar and refrigerate it. It should last indefinitely. 

When you go to administer the drops heat the oil for a few minutes using a pot with water in it. Place the mason jar in the water bath and heat the oil until it's about body temperature. 

Using the dropper, drop some oil mixture in the ear canal.

cotton balls are usually too big to fit in your ear so tear it in half, especially for a child.

Place it gently in the outer part of the ear canal. Don't stuff it in.

Leave the cotton ball in and check it in 20 minutes. Repeat if necessary.

along with the drops a heating pad is also good for earache. 

Recipes for Ear Wax Removal Ear Drops

Olive Oil and Garlic Ear Drops 

equipment

pot

water

garlic press

infant nasal aspirator

spoon

dropper

cotton ball

small mason jar

the ratio of garlic to carrier oil is 1 clove of garlic to 2 tablespoons of carrier oil.

Using a garlic press mash a clove of garlic into a ceramic bowl with 2 tablespoons of olive oil or any other carrier oil

Heat the mixture in a water bath it should be no hotter than body temperature.

Then use a dropper to place a few drops into the affected ear. 

Allow the oil to sit in the ear for about 5-10 minutes before tilting the head to let it drain out. 

Using an infant nasal aspirator gently rinse the ear with warm water to remove the loosened earwax. 

Hydrogen Peroxide and Water Ear Drops: 

Mix equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and warm water (no warmer than body temperature). 

Use a dropper to place a few drops into the affected ear 

Allow the oil to sit in the ear for about 5-10 minutes before tilting the head to let it drain out. 

Using an infant nasal aspirator gently rinse the ear with warm water to remove the loosened earwax.