Mothers have vouched for putting castor oil in the ear. What’s the secret and why you should put the oil in your ear? Let’s find out!
Castor oil is hands down one of the most popular plant extracts among all other natural extracts. The plant mainly grows in the Mediterranean and tropical zones of the world. Besides, it’s said to be hailing from the warm regions of India as well. In appearance, the plant has large leaves with red or green beans. The beans are thick and round and have small bumps on the surface.
Many reasons and benefits play a role in bringing Castor oil to the limelight and similarly, it has been used to relieve earaches for centuries. Let us unravel the truth behind using castor oil in the ear in the below segments. But before that, here’s a fun fact: Herodotus was an ancient Greek historian who vouched for the medicinal benefits of Castor Oil.
Benefits of Using Castor Oil in the Ear
1. Anti-microbial Properties
Castor Oil has antimicrobial properties, which help prevent infections. It can kill any harmful bacteria or fungi that may cause infection in the ears. For best results, you should use castor oil daily until the problem persists. Besides, you can stimulate lymphatic flow through Castor Oil.
2. Ear Wax and Ear Pain
If you have a lot of wax build-up in the ear, then castor oil can help in dissolving the wax. It helps in soothing the skin in the internal ear through its warmth. Castor oil is considered one of the best home remedies for treating ear pain due to excess ear wax.
3. Treats Tinnitus
Castor oil might even help in treating Tinnitus, which is a form of hearing loss. If a person is suffering from Tinnitus, there is a constant sound that they hear on everything. It is a sound that is superimposed even on the slightest sound that is being listened to. One of the most trusted home remedies for Tinnitus is Castor Oil. It is an attractive option due to its inexpensiveness and due to ease of availability.
How To Use Castor Oil In The Ear
#1 For Treating Ear Infections
Ingredients Required
- Few drops of castor oil
- A cotton plug
- A cotton ball
How To Use
- Castor oil works well if you use it at night, giving the due rest to the ear. Warm up the castor oil and pour a few drops of the oil into the infected ear.
- Put the cotton plugs and sleep with the ear facing upwards.
- Clean the ear with a cotton ball in the morning.
- Repeat this routine for a week to get effective results
#2 For Treating Ear Ache
Ingredients Required
- Few drops of castor oil
- Black Pepper
- A cotton plug
How To Use
- Take castor oil on a cotton piece and sprinkle black pepper on it.
- Apply this to the outside of the aching ear.
- Make sure that you apply it outside the ear and not inside it.
- Let it sit for a few hours or overnight for the best results. Use this remedy regularly to witness improvement.
Note: If you suspect that you might be having a ruptured eardrum, it’s better to not try any home remedy and put oil in the ear. Rather, visit your doctor immediately.
Ear Infection: What Are The Symptoms?
1. Ear Pain
Ear infections often cause significant pain or discomfort in the affected ear. The pain may be sharp, throbbing, or a dull ache.
2. Ear drainage
If you notice fluid or pus draining from the ear, it may be a sign of an infection. The discharge can be clear, yellow, or bloody.
3. Hearing loss
Ear infections can lead to temporary hearing loss or a feeling of fullness in the ear. If you have been facing difficulty in hearing. it might be due to an ear infection.
4. Ear congestion
You may experience a sensation of blockage or pressure in the ear due to inflammation and fluid buildup.
5. Fever
In some cases, an ear infection can cause a low-grade fever, particularly in children. Besides, infants and young children may exhibit increased fussiness, crying, or difficulty sleeping due to the pain and discomfort associated with an ear infection.
Home Remedies for Ear Infections
- Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to the affected ear can help soothe pain and reduce inflammation. Soak a clean washcloth in warm water and wring out the excess moisture. Now place it gently against the ear for about 10-15 minutes. Make sure the compress is warm and not hot to avoid burning the skin.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Non-prescription pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and discomfort associated with an ear infection. Follow the recommended dosage instructions and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or if you are taking other medications.
- Keep Ear Dry: Excessive moisture can prolong the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Avoid swimming or submerging the affected ear in water until it has healed. When showering or washing your hair, use a waterproof earplug or place a cotton ball coated with petroleum jelly in the ear to prevent water from entering.
- Garlic Oil: Garlic possesses antimicrobial properties that may help fight infection. Crush a clove of garlic and mix it with a tablespoon of warm olive oil. Allow the mixture to sit for 10-15 minutes, strain it, and use a dropper to apply a few drops of the warm garlic oil into the affected ear. Be cautious not to use this remedy if the eardrum is perforated or if you experience severe pain.
Precautions
Make sure that you do not overheat the oil as it may cause permanent damage to the ear. And to ensure that the Castor Oil does not pour out of the ear, sleep facing upwards. The Castor Oil must remain in the ear the entire night to get the best results.
One must be careful while using this home remedy as it is based mostly on anecdotal evidence. It is essential to consult the doctor if any pain or irritation, or uneasiness persists.
