Saturday Solutions: Garlic Ear Drops

If you have children then chances are that you too have been awakened in the middle of the night with a crying sick child.  This is not fun for anyone and mom's can sometimes feel helpless.

If one of our children wakes crying in the middle of the night complaining of an ear ache or pulling on their ears then I go right for my garlic ear drops.  We've been using them for years, they are safe, natural and have been very effective for us.  Usually, we have all been able to return to sleep.

There have been times that I have taken our children to the doctor's, been told that they have an ear infection and then been given a prescription.  I politely decline and explain that we have garlic drops at home.  We have in the past used the garlic ear drops and returned to the doctors for a follow up, the results have been excellent. 

Usually I buy the garlic ear drops from a health food store but am starting to make them on my own.  Here is the recipe I am using:

1/2 cup of olive oil
1 head of fresh garlic - peel and slice all cloves
small glass jar, like a mason jar
small square of cheese cloth - enough to cover the top of your jar

Gather your supplies.  Peel and slice all of your garlic cloves and place in the jar.  Pour the 1/2 cup of olive oil over the cloves.  Place the cheese cloth on top and secure with a rubber band.  Give a little swirl to mix.

Keep in a warm place.  Every day or 2 give a little swirl to mix, do this for 2 weeks.  After the 2 weeks are up, strain the oil through the cheese cloth and into a a small glass jar with a lid (preferably a small dark glass jar where the lid has a built in dropper).


Using the Garlic Ear Oil:

Place the glass jar into a bowl full of hot water.  Heat the oil to a nice warm temperature but be VERY CAREFUL NOT TO MAKE IT TOO HOT!!  Check the temp on your wrist.  Place a few drops in each ear and then use a cotton ball.  After a few minutes the cotton balls can be removed.  It is also helpful to rub the oil around the lymph nodes and neck. 

CAUTION:  DO NOT USE EAR DROPS IF THE EAR DRUM IS RUPTURED! 

Please note that I am NOT a doctor, just a mom.   I am just offering a suggestion that has worked for us in our home.  Please use your own judgement in caring for your children.  Obviously, if the drops are causing additional pain STOP using them and see your doctor. : )