Mullein and garlic infused olive oil is one of the most popular natural remedies for ear infections/earaches, and for good reason. In folk medicine, mullein is revered for its ability to ease discomfort, and garlic is well-known for its immune supporting qualities. Both are used to encourage circulation and lymphatic flow, which may be helpful when ear discomfort is due to fluid buildup. (1) (2)
According to The Herbal Apothecary:
These therapeutic qualities are likely due to constituents such as coumarin and hesperidin, which have been the subject of research regarding analgesic properties. (3) (4)
In How Ancient Remedies Are Changing Modern Medicine, National Geographic author Peter Gwin describes traditional remedies as a “trove” for researchers to look through as they search for modern therapies. Although not mentioned in that article specifically, there does seem to be some research on mullein and garlic oil which supports its use for earaches.
In this study, researchers found that ear drops containing mullein (Verbascum olympicum), garlic (Allium sativum), calendula flower (Calendula officinalis) and St. John’s Wort flower (Hypericum perforatum) in a base of olive oil were “as effective as Anaesthetic ear drops . . . for the management of AOM-associated ear pain.”
In another study published in the well-respected journal Pediatrics, researchers used the same blend of ingredients listed above (garlic, mullein, calendula and St. John’s wort in olive oil) plus lavender flowers and vitamin E. The study divided 171 children into four groups which received various combinations of interventions.
The study concluded that “Each group had a statistically significant improvement in ear pain over the course of the 3 days. Patients who were given ear drops alone had a better response than patients who were given ear drops together with amoxicillin. Results were better in the NHED group than in the controls. Nevertheless, the findings indicated that the pain was mostly (80%) self-limited and could be explained simply by the time elapsed. ” (emphasis mine)
Before we dive any further, I want to mention that although this article has been reviewed by Dr. Scott Soerries, MD, Family Physician and Medical Director of SteadyMD, it is not personal medical advice and none of these statements have been evaluated by the FDA. As always, please talk with your healthcare provider about any herbal remedy, supplement, or dietary changes.
That said, I like to keep mullein leaves and flowers on hand for several things, like:
Yes! Many people have found a simple garlic oil infusion to be helpful for earaches. You can also add things in if you have them on hand – calendula or St. John’s wort would be good options.
If the eardrum is perforated, nothing should be put in the ears. This Dr. Mom pocket otoscope – which is available on Amazon – was designed by an ER physician to help moms know what is going on when their little ones have an earache. It comes with a link to high resolution photos of normal and abnormal eardrums. The doctor also includes instructions on how to properly use the otoscope for best viewing results.
Yes, Herb Pharm makes one that’s infused with garlic and mullein, plus soothing calendula and St. John’s Wort. You can find it here.
