How to Use Garlic to Treat Ear Infections

Ear infections are extremely common ailments, especially for children. The problem is, kids don't like to take medicines, and many parents don't like to administer pharmaceuticals to their children. For parents who prefer a natural route, garlic may be a viable alternative.

Instructions

1

Use garlic to treat ear infections and earaches in small children. Garlic contains a substance called allicin that has antimicrobial properties. It has been used in traditional medicine since before history was recorded and modern science now supports many of the claims about its antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral characteristics.

2

Extract oil from a clove of garlic or purchase garlic essential oil over the counter. Heat the oil until it is warm. Apply the warm garlic oil to the ear. This will help treat the infection and lessen the pain.

3

Apply the warm garlic oil with a cotton swab or fingertip. Do not pour the oil directly into the ear. Do put too much garlic oil in your ear.

4

Use a garlic supplement to treat an ear infection. You can do this by purchasing liquid supplement capsules at your local grocery store or pharmacy. Heat the capsule by placing it in warm water. When the garlic liquid is warm (about a minute or two), simply use a needle to poke a hole into the capsule. Then squeeze a few drops into your ear. This is an easy solution and one that does not require a lot of cleanup.

5

Use garlic as part of a preventative medicine plan. Garlic can be an effective immune system booster, so if you take it regularly, you may be able to stop an ear infection before it starts.