Ear infections? Ugh, the absolute worst. Whether it’s that dull ache that won’t quit or the sudden sharp pain out of nowhere, it can throw your whole day off. But before you run to the pharmacy, let us put you on to something people have been using for centuries: mullein garlic ear oil.
This oil is something we recommend always having in your medicine cabinet. Mullein helps ease discomfort, garlic has some serious germ-fighting properties, and together they make a solid combo for ear care. It’s one of those simple, tried-and-true herbal recipes that just makes sense, especially when you’re trying to avoid unnecessary meds.
How to Know If It’s an Ear Infection (and When to Call the Doc)
Alright, let’s talk about how to tell if you’re actually dealing with an ear infection. Because sometimes it’s just a little pressure or fluid buildup, and other times, it’s something that needs a closer look.
Here are some signs it might be an ear infection:
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That dull, throbbing ache in your ear
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A feeling like your ear’s full or plugged up
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Sounds suddenly feel muffled
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Some kind of fluid leaking out (especially if it’s yellow or white)
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Children getting extra fussy or having a hard time sleeping
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Fever, dizziness, or nausea (usually in more intense cases)
A lot of mild ear stuff clears up on its own or with a little herbal support. But if things are getting worse or just feel off, don’t wait it out. Here’s when it’s time to call your doctor:
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The pain is sharp and keeps getting worse
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There’s discharge that looks bloody or smells funky
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You or your little one has a high fever
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It’s been a few days, and nothing’s improving
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The area around the ear looks swollen or feels hot
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Hearing seems like it’s just gone and isn’t coming back
Bottom line? Trust your instincts. We’re all about the herbs, but I’m also all about staying safe. Use your best judgment, and when in doubt, get it checked out.
Or Try This Homemade Recipe
If you’re into DIYs (and we know a lot of y’all are), our mullein garlic ear oil recipe is super simple to make and works like a charm when you need a little ear support.
Let’s talk about the two main ingredients real quick before we get into how to make it:
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
Mullein is one of those herbs you’ve probably walked past a dozen times without realizing it. It grows tall with soft, velvety leaves and small yellow flowers that bloom up the stalk one by one. It loves sunny, open spaces and you’ll often find it along roadsides, trails, or disturbed soil.
This plant has a long history of use for the lungs and ears. The flowers, in particular, are known for being gentle and soothing, which is perfect when things feel inflamed or irritated. Infused into oil, they’re a go-to in many herbal households for calming ear discomfort.
If you like to forage, mullein is a great plant to get familiar with. In its first year, it grows low to the ground in a big rosette of soft leaves. In the second year, it shoots up a tall flowering stalk. The yellow blooms appear throughout the summer and can be harvested as they open. Just make sure you're gathering from a clean area and leaving plenty behind for the pollinators and the plant to keep doing its thing.
For this oil, we’re using those yellow flowers. They pair beautifully with garlic and together, they make a simple, time-tested blend for supporting ear health naturally.
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Garlic is one of those herbs that does the most, in the best way. It’s probably already in your kitchen, but this little bulb is a serious MVP in the world of natural wellness. It’s been used for thousands of years across cultures to support immunity, circulation, digestion, and more. And when it comes to ear care, garlic brings the heat (in a good way).
Garlic is a potent antiviral and antibacterial herb, helping the body naturally handle unwanted bacteria and viruses, and it gets things moving. It’s warming, stimulating, and can help improve circulation, which is key when you're trying to clear up that clogged, achy ear feeling. That spicy smell and flavor? It’s thanks to sulfur compounds called allicin that get activated when you crush or chop the clove. So, if you're using it in oil, give it a little time to sit before infusing to really let those compounds come alive.
Mullein Garlic Ear Oil Recipe
This recipe is simple, effective, and perfect to keep on hand, especially if you’ve got little ones prone to earaches.
Ingredients:
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6 garlic (Allium sativum) cloves, peeled and chopped
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1/4 cup dried mullein (Verbascum thapsus) flowers
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Olive oil to cover (about 1 cup)
Instructions:
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Start by peeling and chopping your garlic cloves. Then let them sit out for about 10 minutes before adding them to the oil. This step is key because it gives the garlic time to activate the allicin so you get the most out of it.
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Add your chopped garlic and mullein flowers to a clean, dry glass jar or a heat-safe bowl. Pour in enough olive oil to fully cover the herbs (about 1 cup).
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Create a double boiler by placing a heat-safe bowl or jar over a pot of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the top container doesn’t touch the water. Keep the heat low and steady.
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Let the mixture warm gently for about 6 hours. Stir occasionally and make sure the water in the bottom pot doesn’t evaporate. You don’t want the oil to get too hot, just warm enough to gently pull out all the plant goodness.
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Once the oil is infused and smells fragrant, let it cool slightly. Then strain it through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to remove the plant material. Pour the finished oil into a clean, dry bottle and label it with the date.
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Store in a cool, dark place. It should last about 6–12 months.
How to Use Mullein Garlic Ear Oil
Alright, so you’ve made your oil. Now, let’s talk about how to actually use it. It’s super easy, but there are a few tips to make sure you’re using it safely and getting the most out of it.
Here’s what to do:
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Warm it up a little. You don’t want to put cold oil in your ear. Just place the bottle in a mug of warm water for a few minutes. Make sure it’s nice and cozy (not hot) by testing a drop on your wrist first.
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Lay on your side. Have the person you’re helping lie down with the sore ear facing up. You can do this yourself too! Just grab a towel and get comfy.
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Add a few drops. Use a clean dropper to put 2 to 3 drops of the warm oil in the ear. Gently massage around the ear and jaw to help it settle in.
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Let it soak. Chill there for about 5 to 10 minutes. You can place a little cotton at the opening to keep the oil from dripping out when you sit up.
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Repeat if needed. You can use this oil 2 to 3 times a day for a few days, as long as things are starting to feel better. If it’s not helping (or the pain’s getting worse) go ahead and call your doc.
A few things to keep in mind:
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If there’s any chance the eardrum might be ruptured, like if there’s blood, pus, or sudden hearing loss, don’t use the oil. That’s definitely a time to get medical help.
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Always use clean tools and don’t let the dropper touch the ear.
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If you’re using this on a baby or toddler, it’s best to check with a pediatrician first just to be safe.
Nature’s Got Your Back
Making your own herbal blends has a way of bringing you back to yourself. You’re in the kitchen, working with your hands, thinking about what your body or your child might need. And that intention? That care? It carries through.
This ear oil is one of those simple things that can make a big difference, and there are plenty of other recipes like it to explore on our blog if you’re building up your natural care stash:
How to Make a Sinus Steam for Congestion
DIY Chest Rub for Respiratory Support
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This article has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and this information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
