Information on Putting Coconut Oil in the Ear to Clear Up a Middle Ear Infection

A middle ear infection occurs when germs from the nose and throat get caught in the small area behind the ear drum. Colds can cause fluid to build up and germs to multiply in this area. Children are very vulnerable to middle ear infection. It's possible to remedy them naturally at home.

Significance

• Symptoms of middle ear infection include mild to significant pain, trouble sleeping, fluid discharge or a "plugged" feeling. Depending on the severity, the infection can be treated with over-the-counter drugs or prescribed antibiotics if it doesn't clear up on its own. Ear irrigation with oil is a holistic treatment alternative to drugs.

Coconut Oil

• Tropical cultures have known the antibacterial properties of coconut oil for thousands of years. Its fatty acids, compounds absorbed directly into the blood, kill various bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and protozoa, according to Coconut Oil Central. Daily coconut oil irrigation also helps with excessive wax build up, according to ENT Nursing.

How to Use

• Purchase pure coconut oil from a health food store and a glass dropper from a pharmacy. Using the dropper, put several drops of the oil into the ear canal, while lying on your side. You can irrigate your own ears or have someone do it for you.

Tips

• Move your jaw around to work the oil down the canal, says Coconut Oil Central, and keep it from leaking by covering the ear opening with a piece of cotton. As this procedure may also drain protective wax from the ear, avoid getting water in your ears, even when bathing, for at least four or five days, says ENT Nursing.

Warning

• Coconut oil works well as ear maintenance and as a remedy for mild to normal bacterial infection. Do not use coconut oil if your ear drum has become punctured, says Coconut Oil Central. A thick yellow fluid coming from the ear would be a sign that the eardrum has burst. It can heal on its own.