DIY garlic oil for ear infections

While ear infections can be caused by a bacterial infection, did you know the majority of them are viral (meaning antibiotics cannot treat them)? Ear infections are the most common reason for doctor’s office visits and are often prescribed antibiotics without testing to see if the infection is even bacterial or monitoring the fever for a few days first.

Antibiotics (which literally means anti-life) should not be used without careful consideration. They absolutely have their place, but keep in mind just 5 days of antibiotics can destroy up to 35% of our good gut bacteria which makes up our immune system & it can take years to repopulate those microbes! This leads to an *increased* risk of recurrent ear infections. Approximately 80% of children with acute ear infections will recover without antibiotics according to Dr. Joel Fuhrman and studies show delaying antibiotic treatment while monitoring the ear & symptoms with your doctor, does not increase the likelihood of developing a serious illness.

Growing up my mom always put drops of garlic oil in our ears when we had ear infections. This past week is only the second time one of my littles has ever complained of ear pain and garlic oil has worked so well for us! I’ve been making my own but you can also purchase mullein garlic ear oil on Amazon too.

Here’s my game plan for ear infections:

>> the AAP recommends watchful waiting for 48-72 hrs in children over 6 months old who are not very ill, do not have chronic medical problems, do not have a ruptured tympanic membrane, or do not have a clear infection.

>> hydrate with water, breastmilk, green smoothies – especially with fever. if your baby has an ear infection, breastmilk is so so good for their immune system. i have even pumped milk for my older two to drink from a cup as well.

>> focus on immune boosting foods like berries, mushrooms and dark leafy greens. make smoothies for the little ones!

>> keep nasal passages clear so ears can drain, NoseFrida is a life saver

>> drop garlic oil in ear a few times a day until child stops complaining of pain or pulling at their ears for a baby

>> avoiding dairy products can also be incredibly beneficial

DIY garlic ear oil

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (make sure it is not expired)
1-2 cloves fresh garlic

mince garlic and add to small pan with olive oil. on the lowest heat, warm garlic and oil for 20 minutes. do not let it get hot. allow to cool and strain. (I actually just tipped the oil into a small glass jar and the garlic stayed in the pan)

it can be stored in the refrigerator but it’s best to make it fresh every few days as needed. use a dropper to drop 2-3 drops in ear, use a tissue to wipe any that drips out.