Garlic Juice in the Ear for Infection

For hundreds of years, garlic has been known for its curative measures. Aside from providing a boost in flavor to our meals, garlic is said to stimulate your appetite, have a diuretic effect, boost your immune system, and kill bacteria. Garlic juice is often recommended for an ear infection and is an effective substitute for those parent who prefer not to give too many antibiotics to their children.

Ear Infections

• There are two main types of ear infections: otitis media (middle ear), which is caused by fungus or bacteria, and otitis externa (outer ear or swimmer's ear), which is caused by a blockage in the Eustachian tube resulting in a build-up of fluids. Both types will cause pain, irritation and itching. Because garlic contains the natural antibiotic allicin, it can act as a natural antibiotic, and can be used to fight both types of infections.

Forms

• Other than the natural, raw form to which we are accustomed, garlic can also be purchased as an essential oil or a supplement which comes in liquid capsule form.

Treatment

• If you are using the essential oil, heat it up to a warm temperature. Apply a few drops, with either your fingertip or a cotton swab. Do not use more than a few drops.

  If you have the capsule supplements, heat the capsule by dropping it in hot water for a minute or two. Using a needle, extract a few drops from the warm capsule, and drop the garlic juice into the infected ear. Lie on the opposite side of your ear so that the juice easily flows into the ear. You can use a hair dryer---held a safe distance away from your ear---to assist in drying any extra fluids. If the pain persists or worsens after a couple of days, consult a physician.