By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 19, 2024
10 Best Herbal Creams For Ear Infection
Herbal creams for ear infection are topical preparations made from natural herbs that help alleviate symptoms of ear infections, such as pain, inflammation, and discharge.
These creams work by reducing inflammation, fighting bacterial and fungal infections, and promoting healing. Examples include aloe vera, tea tree oil, and calendula creams, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
They provide relief, reducing earache and discomfort, allowing people to resume their daily activities and improve their overall quality of life.
The following article describes in detail the most important creams for ear infection, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Calendula officinalis
- 2. Echinacea angustifolia
- 3. Aloe vera
- 4. Glycyrrhiza glabra
- 5. Symphytum officinale
- 6. Matricaria chamomilla
- 7. Stachys byzantina
- 8. Verbascum thapsus
- 9. Plantago major
- 10. Euphorbia peplus
- What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for ear infection?
- What ailments similar to ear infection are treated with herbal creams?
1. Calendula officinalis
Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, creams helps with ear infection because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The cream's active compounds, such as triterpenoids and carotenoids, have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi that can cause ear infections.
Additionally, calendula's soothing and protective effects can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the affected area, making it a potential natural remedy for ear infections.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis creams that help with ear infection.
- Triterpenoids: These compounds help reduce inflammation and promote the healing of the eardrum, which is often damaged in ear infections.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids in Calendula officinalis creams have antimicrobial properties, which help combat the bacterial or fungal infection causing the earache.
- Carotenoids: These antioxidants help protect the eardrum and surrounding tissues from oxidative damage and promote the healing process, reducing the risk of further complications.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make creams for ear infection.
- Flowers: They are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds, which help to soothe and protect the ear canal.
- Leaves: They are used as a secondary source of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and carotenoids, which contribute to the overall anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of the creams.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for ear infection.
- Harvest fresh calendula flowers at peak bloom when they are vibrant yellow and have a strong herbal aroma.
- Dry the calendula flowers using a dehydrator or by spreading them on a paper bag in a warm.
- Infuse the dried calendula flowers in a carrier oil like sweet almond oil using a double boiler setup.
- Mix the infused calendula oil with a thickening agent like beeswax and a preservative like vitamin e oil.
- Pour the mixture into small containers and let them cool and solidify before storage.
2. Echinacea angustifolia
Echinacea angustifolia, also known as Kansas coneflower, creams helps with ear infection because of its potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
The active compounds in Echinacea angustifolia, such as alkylamides and caffeic acid, inhibit the growth of pathogens that cause ear infections, while also reducing inflammation and swelling in the ear canal.
This natural remedy promotes a healthy ear environment, allowing the body's natural defenses to fight off the infection, ultimately leading to faster recovery and relief from ear infection symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea angustifolia creams that help with ear infection.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and alleviate symptoms associated with ear infections.
- Alkylamides: These bioactive compounds have immunomodulatory effects, which can help stimulate the body's immune response to fight off infections and promote recovery from ear infections.
- Cichoric acid: This phenolic compound possesses antimicrobial properties, which can help combat bacterial or fungal infections that cause ear infections, promoting a speedy recovery.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of kansas coneflower used to make creams for ear infection.
- Roots: They are used due to their high content of alkaloids, specifically echinacin, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Leaves: They are utilized for their antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, helping to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Rhyzomes: They are employed for their ability to stimulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, making them effective in treating ear infections.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic kansas coneflower for ear infection.
- Harvest 25-30 grams of dried echinacea angustifolia roots from a reputable supplier or cultivate them yourself.
- Weigh and combine 10 grams of the dried echinacea angustifolia roots with 100 grams of beeswax in a double boiler.
- Add 50 grams of coconut oil and 25 grams of shea butter to the double boiler and stir until melted.
- Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly before adding 5-7 grams of vitamin e oil and 1 gram of preservative.
- Whip the mixture until it thickens and reaches a desirable consistency suitable for application to the skin.
3. Aloe vera
Aloe vera, also known as aloe, creams helps with ear infection because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
The gel extracted from the aloe vera plant contains compounds like aloin and aloe-emodin, which have been shown to reduce swelling and combat bacterial growth. The cream's soothing properties can also help ease pain and discomfort associated with ear infections. Additionally, its moisturizing properties can help to keep the ear canal hydrated and free from bacteria.
This makes it a popular natural remedy for ear infections.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera creams that help with ear infection.
- Saponins: Saponins have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help reduce pain and inflammation in the ear, while also inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause ear infections.
- Vitamins a and c: These antioxidants and free radical scavengers help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the ear, promoting healing and reducing the severity of ear infections.
- Glucomannans: Glucomannans have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help reduce pain and inflammation in the ear, while also inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause ear infections.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make creams for ear infection.
- Leaves: The gel extracted from aloe vera leaves is commonly used due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which help soothe and heal ear infections.
- Leaves: Aloe vera leaves also contain aloin, a compound that has been shown to have antiseptic properties, which aid in reducing inflammation and fighting off bacterial infections in the ear.
- Leaves: The juice extracted from aloe vera leaves contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that promote healing and help to reduce pain and discomfort associated with ear infections.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic aloe for ear infection.
- Harvest 100g of aloe vera gel from 3 mature leaves with a sharp knife.
- Mix the aloe vera gel with 100g of coconut oil and 50g of beeswax in a double boiler.
- Add 10g of vitamin e oil and 10g of essential oil to the mixture and stir well.
- Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool to 40°c before whipping with an electric mixer.
- Pour the whipped mixture into a glass jar and store in a cool dark place for 24 hours.
4. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice, creams helps with ear infection because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
The active compound glycyrrhizin in Glycyrrhiza glabra has been shown to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with ear infections. Additionally, the cream's ability to create an environment that discourages the growth of bacteria and fungi helps to prevent the spread of infection, promoting a faster recovery.
This natural remedy has been used for centuries to soothe and heal ear infections effectively.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra creams that help with ear infection.
- Glycyrrhizin: It helps with ear infections by reducing inflammation and swelling in the ear canal, which can be caused by bacterial or fungal infections.
- Licoric acid: It has antimicrobial properties that can help combat bacterial and fungal infections in the ear canal, reducing the severity and duration of ear infections.
- Flavonoids: They possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help soothe and calm the ear canal, reducing pain and discomfort associated with ear infections.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make creams for ear infection.
- Roots: The roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used to make creams for ear infection due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Barks: The barks of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used to make creams for ear infection due to their antioxidant and soothing effects on the skin and ear canal.
- Leaves: The leaves of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used to make creams for ear infection due to their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that help reduce pain and inflammation.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for ear infection.
- Gather 1 cup of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots and 2 tablespoons of sweet almond oil.
- Grind 2 tablespoons of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots into a fine powder using a spice grinder for 30 seconds.
- Combine 2 tablespoons of the powdered glycyrrhiza glabra with 2 tablespoons of beeswax and 2 tablespoons of sweet almond oil.
- Heat the mixture in a double boiler for 10 minutes or until the beeswax is fully melted.
- Pour the mixture into a glass jar and let it cool and thicken for at least 30 minutes.
5. Symphytum officinale
Symphytum officinale, also known as comfrey, creams helps with ear infection because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
The active compounds in comfrey, such as allantoin and rosmarinic acid, help to reduce inflammation and fight off bacterial infections in the ear. Comfrey creams also promote healing and tissue repair, which can help to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with ear infections.
This natural remedy has been used for centuries to soothe earaches and promote recovery.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Symphytum officinale creams that help with ear infection.
- Alkaloids: This constituent helps reduce pain and inflammation in the ear by blocking the production of pain-causing chemicals in the body.
- Flavonoids: These constituents possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help combat ear infections caused by bacteria or viruses.
- Saponins: Saponins in Symphytum officinale have been shown to have antimicrobial properties, helping to reduce the severity of ear infections by inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of comfrey used to make creams for ear infection.
- Leaves: The leaves of Symphytum officinale are often used in creams to treat ear infections due to their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
- Roots: The roots of Symphytum officinale are commonly used to create creams for ear infections because of their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve pain and reduce swelling.
- Stems: The stems of Symphytum officinale are sometimes used in creams to treat ear infections due to their ability to provide a soothing and protective barrier on the affected area.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic comfrey for ear infection.
- Harvest 20-30 grams of dried leaves and flowers of symphytum officinale from a reliable source.
- Mix the dried plant material with 100 grams of beeswax and 200 grams of coconut oil.
- Heat the mixture in a double boiler at 160-180 degrees fahrenheit for 30-40 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a clean container and discard the solids.
- Allow the mixture to cool and thicken for 2-3 hours before applying to the skin.
6. Matricaria chamomilla
Matricaria chamomilla, also known as chamomile, creams helps with ear infection because of its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
The active compounds present in chamomile, such as apigenin and luteolin, have been shown to reduce swelling and combat bacterial and fungal infections in the ear. Chamomile creams can help soothe and calm the ear canal, promoting a healthy environment for the ear to heal.
Additionally, its analgesic properties can provide relief from ear pain and discomfort associated with ear infections.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Matricaria chamomilla creams that help with ear infection.
- Flavonoids: These plant compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce swelling and soothe pain in the affected ear, providing relief from ear infections.
- Chamazulene: This terpene has antimicrobial properties that can help combat the underlying bacterial or fungal infection causing the ear infection, promoting a faster recovery.
- Apigenin: This flavonoid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can reduce the risk of complications and promote healing in the affected area, helping to resolve ear infections.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make creams for ear infection.
- Flowers: They are used due to their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help soothe and protect the ear from infection.
- Leaves: They are used for their antimicrobial properties, which aid in fighting off bacterial and fungal infections in the ear.
- Seeds: They are used due to their high content of apigenin, an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory compound that helps reduce swelling and fight off infection in the ear.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile for ear infection.
- Gather 100g of dried matricaria chamomilla flowers and 500ml of cold-pressed coconut oil for infusion in a clean glass jar.
- Infuse the dried flowers in the coconut oil for 2-3 weeks in a cool dark place with occasional shaking.
- Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass container.
- Mix 20g of beeswax with 50g of shea butter and 50g of sweet almond oil in a double boiler.
- Combine the infused oil mixture with the beeswax mixture and heat until smooth and well combined.
7. Stachys byzantina
Stachys byzantina, also known as lamb's ear, creams helps with ear infection because of its natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
The cream's active compounds, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, work together to reduce inflammation and combat bacterial and fungal growth in the ear canal. This helps to alleviate symptoms such as pain, itching, and discharge associated with ear infections.
The soothing properties of lamb's ear cream also promote a healthy environment for the ear to heal and recover.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Stachys byzantina creams that help with ear infection.
- Rosmarinic acid: A phenolic compound that exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help combat bacterial and fungal infections in the ear, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
- Carnosic acid: A diterpenoid that has been shown to possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities, which can help prevent the growth of pathogens in the ear, reducing the risk of infection and promoting a healthy environment for healing.
- Ursolic acid: A triterpenoid with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and combat bacterial and fungal infections in the ear, promoting a healthy environment for the ear to recover from infection.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of lamb's ear used to make creams for ear infection.
- Leaves: They are used due to their antimicrobial properties, which help fight bacterial infections in the ear.
- Roots: They are used due to their anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling and pain in the ear.
- Stems: They are used due to their ability to soothe and calm the skin, providing relief from ear infections.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lamb's ear for ear infection.
- Harvest 1 cup of dried stachys byzantina flowers when they are in full bloom at the peak of their potency.
- Infuse 2 cups of distilled water in a saucepan with 1 cup of dried stachys byzantina flowers for 10 minutes.
- Strain the infused liquid through a cheesecloth into a clean glass container and discard the solids after 5 minutes.
- Combine 1/2 cup of beeswax and 1/2 cup of shea butter in a double boiler over medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Mix the infused liquid with the melted beeswax and shea butter mixture and pour into small containers to cool and set within 30 minutes.
8. Verbascum thapsus
Verbascum thapsus, also known as mullein, creams helps with ear infection because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
The cream's active ingredients, such as saponins and flavonoids, have been shown to reduce swelling and fight off bacterial and fungal infections in the ear canal. Additionally, mullein's soothing properties help to calm inflammation and ease discomfort, making it a natural remedy for ear infections.
This has led to its use in traditional herbal medicine for centuries.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Verbascum thapsus creams that help with ear infection.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which help to reduce inflammation and combat bacterial infections in the ear.
- Verbascoside: This iridoid glycoside has been shown to have potent antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, helping to protect the ear from infection and oxidative stress.
- Miltirone: This compound has been found to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can help to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation in the ear.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of mullein used to make creams for ear infection.
- Leaves: They are used to make creams for ear infections due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
- Roots: They are used to make creams for ear infections due to their antimicrobial properties.
- Stems: They are used to make creams for ear infections due to their ability to reduce inflammation.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic mullein for ear infection.
- Harvest 50g of fresh verbascum thapsus flowers and leaves from a pesticide-free area.
- Dry the harvested plant material in a well-ventilated area at 40c for 2 hours.
- Use a mortar and pestle to grind 10g of dried verbascum thapsus into a fine powder.
- Mix the powdered verbascum thapsus with 50g of beeswax and 50g of coconut oil in a double boiler.
- Stir the mixture for 10 minutes then pour it into a glass jar and let it cool for 30 minutes.
9. Plantago major
Plantago major, also known as plantain, creams helps with ear infection because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
The cream is derived from the leaves of the Plantago major plant, which have been traditionally used to treat various infections. The active compounds in the cream, such as aucubin and allantoin, help to reduce swelling and combat bacterial and fungal growth in the ear canal, promoting a speedy recovery from ear infections.
It also helps to soothe the discomfort and pain associated with ear infections.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Plantago major creams that help with ear infection.
- Apolypodin: A triterpene saponin found in Plantago major, which has been shown to exhibit antimicrobial properties, helping to combat bacterial and fungal infections in the ear.
- Aucubin: A phenylethanoid glycoside present in Plantago major, known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which may help reduce swelling and prevent secondary infections in the ear.
- Luteolin: A flavonoid found in Plantago major, with known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help soothe and protect the ear tissue from damage caused by infection.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of plantain used to make creams for ear infection.
- Leaves: They are rich in mucilage, a thick and protective substance that helps soothe and protect the ear canal.
- Stems: They also contain mucilage, which can aid in reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the ear canal.
- Roots: They have a higher concentration of mucilage compared to other parts, making them a valuable source for creating creams to treat ear infections.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic plantain for ear infection.
- Harvest 100g of dried plantago major leaves that have been stored in an airtight container for 6 months.
- Combine the dried leaves with 100ml of jojoba oil in a double boiler and heat the mixture for 30 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth and discard the solids to create a liquid infusion.
- Mix 10g of beeswax and 10g of shea butter with 20ml of the liquid infusion in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool and solidify for 30 minutes before applying.
10. Euphorbia peplus
Euphorbia peplus, also known as radium weed, creams helps with ear infection because of its potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The cream's active compound, ingenol mebutate, has been shown to combat bacterial growth and reduce inflammation in the ear, thereby alleviating symptoms of ear infections such as pain, redness, and swelling.
Additionally, its antifungal properties help to prevent the overgrowth of fungi that can contribute to ear infections, promoting a faster recovery and reducing the risk of complications.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Euphorbia peplus creams that help with ear infection.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids in Euphorbia peplus creams have antimicrobial properties that help combat bacterial infections causing ear infections, thereby promoting healing and reducing inflammation.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids present in Euphorbia peplus creams have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help alleviate ear pain, swelling, and inflammation associated with ear infections.
- Tirucallol: Tirucallol, a triterpenoid saponin found in Euphorbia peplus, has been shown to exhibit potent antimicrobial activity against various pathogens, including those responsible for ear infections, thereby aiding in the recovery process.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of radium weed used to make creams for ear infection.
- Leaves: Used due to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain and inflammation in ear infections.
- Stems: Used for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which aid in reducing ear pain and inflammation.
- Roots: Used due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help combat bacterial infections and reduce inflammation in the ear.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic radium weed for ear infection.
- Harvest fresh euphorbia peplus leaves and roots to obtain the required 100g of plant material.
- Dry the harvested euphorbia peplus plant material in a well-ventilated area for 7-10 days.
- Combine 100g of dried euphorbia peplus powder with 100g of vegetable oil and heat the mixture.
- Mix the cooled euphorbia peplus oil with 100g of beeswax and 100g of shea butter.
- Fill sterilized containers with the final cream mixture and label them properly.
What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for ear infection?
The best combination of herbal creams that help with ear infection is a blend of Tea Tree Oil, Calendula Oil, and Echinacea Oil.
Tea Tree Oil's antibacterial properties combat the infection, while Calendula Oil's anti-inflammatory properties reduce swelling and discomfort. Echinacea Oil boosts the immune system, aiding in the body's natural healing process. Apply a small amount of this combination to a cotton ball and gently place it in the affected ear to alleviate symptoms and promote recovery.
Consult a healthcare professional before using any new treatments.
What ailments similar to ear infection are treated with herbal creams?
Ailments similar to ear infection that are treated with herbal creams are eczema, acne, and skin allergies.
Herbal creams containing ingredients like tea tree oil, aloe vera, and chamomile can help soothe and calm irritated skin, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
These creams can also be used to treat conditions such as minor burns, scrapes, and cuts, providing natural relief from pain and discomfort.