Itchy Ears: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Itchy ears, also known as otitis externa or eczema of the ear canal, is a common condition characterized by redness, swelling, and intense itching sensation in the outer ear and ear canal.

This discomfort can be caused by a buildup of earwax, fungal or bacterial infections, exposure to allergens, dry skin, or even an allergic reaction to certain products. If left untreated, itchy ears can lead to infections, hearing loss, and even permanent damage to the ear canal. To alleviate this condition, herbal remedies such as tea tree oil, aloe vera, and chamomile can be used to soothe and calm the irritated skin.

However, it's essential to dilute the oils with a carrier oil and perform a patch test before applying them to the affected area to avoid any adverse reactions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of itchy ears, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of itchy ears?

The main causes of itchy ears are typically associated with earwax buildup, eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis, which can lead to inflammation and discomfort.

Excessive earwax, also known as cerumen, can accumulate and push against the eardrum, causing itching and discomfort. Allergies, particularly to pollen or dust, can also cause itchy ears due to postnasal drip, which can irritate the ear canal. Infections, such as otitis externa (swimmer's ear), can cause itching and discomfort in the ear.

Additionally, fungal infections, like otomycosis, can also contribute to itchy ears, especially in individuals who wear hearing aids or earplugs.

• Eczema: Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that can cause itchy ears due to inflammation and dryness of the ear canal and surrounding skin.
• Wax Buildup: Wax buildup, also known as cerumen impaction, occurs when excess earwax accumulates in the ear canal, causing itching and discomfort due to the wax's natural antiseptic and lubricating properties.
• Fungal Infection: Fungal infections, such as otomycosis, can cause itchy ears due to the overgrowth of fungi in the ear canal, leading to inflammation and irritation.
• Bacterial Infection: Bacterial infections, such as otitis externa, can cause itchy ears due to the invasion of bacteria in the ear canal, leading to inflammation, redness, and discharge.
• Allergies: Allergies to certain substances, such as metals in earrings or certain shampoos, can cause itchy ears due to an allergic reaction and subsequent inflammation in the ear canal and surrounding skin.
• Dry Skin: Dry skin, also known as xerosis, can cause itchy ears due to the lack of moisture in the ear canal and surrounding skin, leading to irritation and discomfort.
• Skin Conditions: Other skin conditions, such as psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis, can cause itchy ears due to the inflammation and irritation of the skin in the ear canal and surrounding area.
• Foreign Objects: Foreign objects, such as cotton swabs or small toys, can cause itchy ears due to the irritation and inflammation caused by the object's presence in the ear canal.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy or menopause, can cause itchy ears due to the changes in skin moisture and sensitivity.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin B or omega-3 fatty acids, can cause itchy ears due to the impact on skin health and inflammation.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for itchy ears?

The main medicinal herbs used for itchy ears are Melaleuca alternifolia, Calendula officinalis, Aloe vera, Ginkgo biloba, Echinacea purpurea, Ocimum basilicum, Eucalyptus globulus, Aloe ferox, Aloe barbadensis, Silybum marianum.

Melaleuca alternifolia contains tea tree oil, which has antimicrobial properties that help reduce inflammation and combat bacterial infections causing itchiness in the ears. Calendula officinalis and Aloe vera have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that aid in reducing irritation and promoting healing of the affected area. Ginkgo biloba and Echinacea purpurea possess antioxidant properties that help protect the ears from oxidative stress and promote overall ear health.

Additionally, Ocimum basilicum, Eucalyptus globulus, Aloe ferox, Aloe barbadensis, and Silybum marianum have various properties that help to reduce inflammation, combat infections, and promote healing in the ears, making them effective remedies for itchy ears.

• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as tea tree oil, helps with itchy ears due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce inflammation and combat fungal infections that can cause ear itching.
• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, helps with itchy ears due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which soothe and protect the skin around the ear, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps with itchy ears due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which calm and cool the skin around the ear, reducing inflammation and itching caused by fungal or bacterial infections.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba does not have a proven effect on itchy ears, as its primary use is for improving memory and cognitive function, and reducing inflammation in blood vessels.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea does not have a proven effect on itchy ears, as its primary use is for boosting the immune system and reducing the severity of colds and flu.
• Ocimum basilicum: Ocimum basilicum, also known as sweet basil, does not have a proven effect on itchy ears, as its primary use is for culinary and medicinal purposes, including reducing stress and improving digestion.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus helps with itchy ears due to its decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce inflammation and promote drainage of the ear canal, alleviating itching and congestion.
• Aloe ferox: Aloe ferox, also known as Cape aloe, helps with itchy ears due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which calm and cool the skin around the ear, reducing inflammation and itching caused by fungal or bacterial infections.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis, also known as Aloe vera, helps with itchy ears due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which calm and cool the skin around the ear, reducing inflammation and itching caused by fungal or bacterial infections.
• Silybum marianum: Silybum marianum, also known as milk thistle, does not have a proven effect on itchy ears, as its primary use is for liver protection and detoxification.

What are the main herbal preparations used for itchy ears?

The main herbal preparations used for itchy ears are Tincture, Cream, Decoction, Salve, Capsule, Ointment, Gel, Poultice, Suppository, Oil.

Tincture of Aloe vera is used due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which helps in soothing the skin. Cream or Ointment of Plantain, Chamomile, or Calendula is applied topically to provide a barrier against external irritants and reduce itching. Decoction of Echinacea and Goldenseal is made to treat the underlying infection causing the itchiness, while Salve or Suppository of Mullein oil is used for its analgesic properties.

Capsule or Oil of Tea tree oil is taken orally or applied topically to combat fungal infections causing ear itching.

• Tincture: A tincture of Calendula officinalis, rich in triterpenoid saponins, is applied topically to itchy ears to soothe and calm the skin, while its antimicrobial properties help combat any underlying infections.
• Cream: A cream of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis), containing aloin and aloe-emodin, is applied to itchy ears to reduce inflammation and alleviate itching, while its soothing properties calm the skin.
• Decoction: A decoction of Echinacea purpurea root, rich in caffeic acid and chicoric acid, is used to create a topical application for itchy ears, where its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness and discomfort.
• Salve: A salve of Plantago lanceolata, containing astringent tannins, is applied to itchy ears to reduce inflammation and itching, while its soothing properties calm the skin.
• Capsule: A capsule of Silybum marianum seeds, rich in silymarin, is taken orally to treat underlying conditions causing itchy ears, such as liver disease, by promoting liver health and detoxification.
• Ointment: An ointment of Hypericum perforatum, containing hypericin and hyperforin, is applied to itchy ears to soothe and calm the skin, while its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness and discomfort.
• Gel: A gel of Cetraria islandica, containing polysaccharides and terpenoids, is applied to itchy ears to reduce inflammation and itching, while its soothing properties calm the skin.
• Poultice: A poultice of Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) leaves, containing allantoin and rosmarinic acid, is applied to itchy ears to reduce inflammation and itching, while its soothing properties calm the skin.
• Suppository: A suppository of Plantago major seeds, containing astringent tannins, is inserted into the ear canal to reduce inflammation and itching, while its soothing properties calm the skin.
• Oil: An oil of Lavandula angustifolia, containing linalool and linalyl acetate, is applied to itchy ears to reduce inflammation and itching, while its soothing properties calm the skin and promote relaxation.