Basil Essential Oil study on Ear Infections
Here’s a study that indicates Basil essential oil can be helpful for ear infections. Of course, we NEVER put oils directly into the ear!! but if you put a few drops on a cotton ball and rest the cotton ball on the ear, the aromatic vapors will gently work into the ear and do their wonderful healing. Grapefruit oil is also helpful for ear issues. Do the cotton ball thing, and also rub a drop of the oil on the mastoid process and around the outer ear. (Extra benefit: basil oil and citrus oils also have relaxing qualities. So if you have a little one (or one who’s not so little!) who is uncomfortable and irritable from an ear infection, these oils can give a double whammy of benefits!
Essential oils may cure ear infections
Journal of Infectious Diseases, June 2005
Applying certain essential oils to the ear canal appears to be an effective treatment for ear infections.
If toxicity studies confirm the safety of (anti-bacterial) essential oil components for use in the ear, then a significant advance can be made in the treatment of ear infections. The vapors that are released by essential oils, such as oil of basil, have been shown to have rapid bacteria-killing effects. Topical therapy for ear infections is usually not recommended because most drugs are in a liquid form that cannot penetrate the eardrum to reach the infected middle ear. However, the vapors from essential oils may be able to diffuse through the eardrum and destroy the microbes present.
To investigate, researchers from the Landspitali University Hospital in Reykjavik, Iceland, tested oil of basil, various essential oil components, and an inactive placebo on rats with experimental ear infections. It was found that treatment with the oils cured up to 81 percent of the animals. With placebo, by contrast, cure rates did not exceed 6 percent.
The team noted that, based on their properties, essential oils may be able to destroy a variety of bacteria that can cause ear infections. They also point out that essential oils are generally considered to be safe.
Discover all the benefits of Basil essential oil for yourself.
Note: Information provided here is for EDUCATION PURPOSES ONLY and is in NO WAY intended to replace proper medical advice. IT IS NOT for diagnostic or prescriptive use or to be construed as instruction on how to cure or treat any condition, illness or disease. Every individual is different, thus what may work for one may not work for another person. Consult with the professional health authorities of your choice. Remember, taking responsibility for your health is your own personal decision: do your research and choose wisely.
