Tea Tree Oil for Ear Infections: Does It Really Work?

Are you suffering from an ear infection? Are you hesitant to go for OTC medications wondering if there would be anything more effective and less expensive? Then you have a solution – tea tree oil!

Tea tree oil has properties that can help cure an ear infection. Would you like to know more? Keep reading.

Tea Tree Oil – An Overview:

Tea tree oil, a pale yellow color essential oil, is derived from Melaleuca alternifolia, a shrub plant native to Australia. The aboriginal tribes of Australia have been using tea tree oil as an antiseptic for centuries. This essential oil, with the aroma of camphor, is believed to have unique healing properties. Tea tree essential oil is a natural antibacterial and antifungal disinfectant that has been in use for thousands of years. The oil is extracted by steaming the leaves and distilling it.

Ear Infection And Tea Tree Oil:

An ear is a part of the body that is always neglected until any problem occurs. It is an important and delicate part that needs to be given attention like any other organ. Ear infection is a very common problem and affects the ear canal, the middle ear or the eardrum. Symptoms of ear infection can be anything from ear pain, hearing loss, a feeling of fullness in the ear, discharge from the ear, nausea, vomiting or vertigo.

There are three main types of ear infection. They are- otitis media, otitis interna, and otitis externa. Among these, otitis media is the most common type of infection found in the ear. Infection in the ear can occur at any age, but it mostly occurs in infants aged between 6 – 18 months.

Generally, antibiotics are used for the treatment of ear infections, but there are other natural remedies available to treat this infection – and tea tree oil is one such natural remedy. Tea tree oil is beneficial for curing ear infections like otitis media and otitis externa. Otitis media is an infection occurring in the middle ear, and otitis externa is an infection of the outer ear and ear canal.

Using Tea Tree Oil For Curing Ear Infection:

Following is the method of using tea tree oil for treating an ear infection.

1. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with carriers such as water, olive oil or vegetable oil.
2. Ensure the oil gets mixed with the carriers, and then, with the help of a dropper or syringe, squeeze the mixture into the ear.
3. Keep your head tilted while doing this so that the mixture goes inside the ear. A minute later drain the mixture from your ear.
4. Remove the liquid coming out using a cotton ball. Repeat this three to four times a day. Depending upon the manufacturers, the concentration of essential oil also changes. So, always check the instructions carefully and follow the dosage as given.

Other Benefits Of Tea Tree Oil:

• Tea tree oil, when mixed with almond oil, helps to keep your skin hydrated for a long time. This makes your skin soft, supple and glowing.
• Tea tree oil is also beneficial for cuts, burns, insect bites, skin tags, and rashes.
• It is an effective antiviral and antifungal home remedy and can be used to cure athlete’s foot and fungal nail infection.

Side Effects:

• There are chances many people might be sensitive to tea tree oil, and can contract skin rashes, swelling, itching or redness. For such individuals, it is always better to mix tea tree oil with a carrier oil like olive oil or almond oil and then use it. It is also advisable to test the oil on a soft portion of your elbow before you make use of it.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using tea tree oil.
• People who are allergic to tea tree oil or its products should dilute it with a carrier oil before using it.

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