Garlic & Ear Problems
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: David
Posted on: April 5, 1998

I have heard that garlic extract is good for ear problems. Could you let me know if this has worked for you? And how you should use it, and how often?

It is important to have ear problems checked by a qualified medical practitioner to ensure adequate treatment is being followed to avoid damage to the ear.

Garlic has antibiotic properties that are effective in ear infections. It can be applied by shaping a peeled clove to fit into the ear and placing a cut surface of the clove against the ear drum. Alternatively, a garlic capsule may be broken and the oil dropped into the ear or you can make ear drops by soaking a crushed garlic clove in extra-virgin olive oil, straining carefully and applying a few drops to the affected ear. The ear should then be kept dry and covered with cotton wool. An onion can be effectively used as an alternative to garlic.

The onion or garlic clove should be replaced daily until the infection has cleared. You should consult a medical practitioner if pain lasts longer than a day. Ear pain can be a symptom of a problem outside the ear, such as pressure from sinus or nasal congestion. Swallowing a slightly crushed garlic clove, 3 times a day is a very effective antibacterial and anti-viral treatment. There are no adverse side effects to daily ingestion of fresh garlic for any period of time.

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