Home Remedy~ Garlic Infused Ear Oil

This week I had an inkling of an oncoming ear infection, so I made some of the old school ear oil that’s been used since way back. Ideally it would be Mullein and Garlic (& you can purchase this) but for a grab what’s in the kitchen one, just use garlic! Garlic works as an anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory fighting infection and warm olive oil relieves pain.

- 1-2 cloves of garlic peeled and diced
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil

Method:
1. Crush or slice garlic and add to a pot on the stove
2. Gently heat on very low for at least 15 minutes so the antimicrobial and anti inflammatory garlic compounds infuse into the oil
3. Take off heat and strain well, ensuring no small pieces of garlic are left
4. Allow to cool slightly before dropping a dropper full of warm oil into the ear
*Oil should be warm not hot
5. For extra effect apply a heat pack/warm cloth compress over the ear whilst laying on your side and allow to sit for 10 minutes
6. You can allow the oil to completely cool and store in a dark pantry for a couple of weeks or fridge, reheating gently in a pan each use.

Note: Some texts don’t recommend this for “swimmers ear” which is definitely what I had it from, others say it is beneficial. I found alternating between this and a mix of vinegar/alcohol like “aqua ear” to dry things out worked a treat. But if pain persists beyond 24hrs, see your GP and don’t left untreated.