Ear Blockage: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Ear blockage, also known as ear congestion or ear fullness, is a condition characterized by a feeling of blockage or pressure in the ear, often accompanied by discomfort or pain.

It can be caused by factors such as excessive earwax, allergies, sinus infections, colds, or even a side effect of certain medications. If left untreated, ear blockage can lead to hearing loss, vertigo, or even more severe complications. To alleviate ear blockage, herbal remedies like garlic oil, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus oil can be used in the form of ear drops, ear baths, or compresses.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using any medicinal herbs, especially if you have a perforated eardrum or are allergic to certain substances, and to follow proper precautions to avoid further irritation or infection.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of ear blockage, 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 ear blockage?

The main causes of ear blockage are often attributed to a combination of anatomical, physiological, and pathological factors.

Eustachian tube dysfunction, which prevents the normal exchange of air and pressure in the middle ear, is a common cause of ear blockage. Middle ear infections, such as otitis media, can cause fluid buildup and blockage in the ear. Allergies, sinus infections, and colds can also lead to ear blockage due to the production of excess mucus.

Additionally, earwax buildup and nasal congestion can further contribute to ear blockage by obstructing the ear canal and Eustachian tube.

• Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Eustachian tube dysfunction occurs when the tube that regulates air pressure in the middle ear becomes blocked, swollen, or fails to open properly, leading to a buildup of fluid and mucus that can block the ear.
• Earwax Buildup: Earwax buildup occurs when the production of earwax in the ear canal exceeds its normal clearance rate, causing a blockage that prevents sound from entering the ear.
• Allergies: Allergies can cause the nasal passages and sinuses to become inflamed, leading to postnasal drip that can flow into the Eustachian tube and cause ear blockage.
• Cold or Sinus Infection: A cold or sinus infection can cause the nasal passages and sinuses to become inflamed, leading to postnasal drip that can flow into the Eustachian tube and cause ear blockage.
• Swimmer's Ear: Swimmer's ear, also known as otitis externa, occurs when bacteria or fungi infect the ear canal, causing inflammation and blockage.
• Middle Ear Infection: Middle ear infection, also known as otitis media, occurs when bacteria or viruses infect the middle ear, causing fluid buildup and blockage.
• Anatomical Abnormalities: Anatomical abnormalities, such as a narrow ear canal or a deviated septum, can cause ear blockage by restricting the flow of air and mucus.
• Tumors: Tumors can cause ear blockage by growing in the ear canal or middle ear and blocking the normal flow of air and mucus.
• Foreign Objects: Foreign objects, such as cotton swabs or earplugs, can cause ear blockage by pushing earwax or other debris deeper into the ear canal.
• Aging: Aging can cause ear blockage by reducing the production of earwax and changing the shape of the ear canal, making it more prone to blockage.
• Genetic Disorders: Genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, can cause ear blockage by affecting the development of the ear and Eustachian tube.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for ear blockage?

The main medicinal herbs used for ear blockage are Eucalyptus globulus, Zingiber officinale, Ocimum basilicum, Echinacea purpurea, Calendula officinalis, Cymbopogon citratus, Aloe barbadensis, Mentha x piperita, Ginkgo biloba, Hyptis suaveolens.

Eucalyptus globulus oil's eucalyptol constituent helps break down earwax, reducing blockage, due to its surfactant properties. Zingiber officinale's gingerols inhibit inflammatory pathways, alleviating pain and swelling associated with ear infections. Ocimum basilicum's linalool and Ocimum basilicum's estragole exhibit antimicrobial properties against pathogens causing ear infections, while Echinacea purpurea's alkylamides enhance immune response against these pathogens.

Calendula officinalis's triterpenoids and Cymbopogon citratus's geraniol possess anti-inflammatory properties, reducing swelling and promoting earwax drainage, while Aloe barbadensis's aloe-emodin soothes and calms the ear canal, allowing for easy earwax removal.

• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus may help with ear blockage due to its decongestant properties, which are attributed to the presence of eucalyptol, a compound that helps to reduce swelling and mucus production in the nasal passages and sinuses, potentially alleviating ear blockage symptoms.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale may help with ear blockage due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which are attributed to the presence of gingerols and shogaols, compounds that help to reduce inflammation and swelling in the Eustachian tube, thereby alleviating ear blockage symptoms.
• Ocimum basilicum: Ocimum basilicum may help with ear blockage due to its antimicrobial properties, which are attributed to the presence of eugenol and linalool, compounds that help to combat bacterial and fungal infections in the ear canal, potentially alleviating ear blockage symptoms.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea may help with ear blockage due to its immune-modulating properties, which are attributed to the presence of alkylamides and caffeic acid, compounds that help to stimulate the immune system and reduce inflammation in the body, potentially alleviating ear blockage symptoms.
• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis may help with ear blockage due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which are attributed to the presence of triterpene acids and flavonoids, compounds that help to reduce inflammation and swelling in the ear canal, potentially alleviating ear blockage symptoms.
• Cymbopogon citratus: Cymbopogon citratus may help with ear blockage due to its decongestant properties, which are attributed to the presence of citronellal and geraniol, compounds that help to reduce swelling and mucus production in the nasal passages and sinuses, potentially alleviating ear blockage symptoms.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis may help with ear blockage due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which are attributed to the presence of aloin and aloe-emodin, compounds that help to reduce inflammation and swelling in the ear canal, potentially alleviating ear blockage symptoms.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita may help with ear blockage due to its decongestant properties, which are attributed to the presence of menthol and menthone, compounds that help to reduce swelling and mucus production in the nasal passages and sinuses, potentially alleviating ear blockage symptoms.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba may help with ear blockage due to its vasodilatory properties, which are attributed to the presence of flavonoids and bilobalide, compounds that help to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation in the Eustachian tube, potentially alleviating ear blockage symptoms.
• Hyptis suaveolens: Hyptis suaveolens may help with ear blockage due to its antimicrobial properties, which are attributed to the presence of thymol and carvacrol, compounds that help to combat bacterial and fungal infections in the ear canal, potentially alleviating ear blockage symptoms.

What are the main herbal preparations used for ear blockage?

The main herbal preparations used for ear blockage are Oil Capsule, Decoction, Tincture, Salve, Suppository, Cream, Ointment, Cerumen Softening Gels, Ear Drops, Poultice.

Oil capsule preparations often contain herbal oils such as garlic, mullein, and tea tree oil which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties to dissolve and remove earwax. Decoctions made from herbs like sage, thyme, and eucalyptus are used to soften earwax and reduce inflammation, while tinctures of herbs like mullein and lobelia are applied topically to ease pain and discomfort. Salves, suppositories, creams, and ointments containing herbs like aloe vera, chamomile, and calendula are applied directly to the affected area to soothe and protect the skin, while cerumen softening gels like those containing hydrogen peroxide are used to dissolve earwax.

Ear drops and poultices made from herbs like garlic, onion, and plantain are used to draw out infection and reduce inflammation in the ear.

• Oil Capsule: The oil from the seeds of the plant Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) helps to dissolve and flush out earwax blockage when administered in oil capsule form.
• Decoction: A decoction made from the bark of the plant Rhamnus cathartica (American buckthorn) has been traditionally used to dissolve and eliminate earwax blockage due to its anthraquinone content.
• Tincture: A tincture of the roots of the plant Polygala senega (Seneca snakeroot) has been used to help dissolve and clear earwax blockage due to its saponin content.
• Salve: A salve made from the leaves of the plant Plantago lanceolata (English plantain) helps to moisturize and soften the ear canal, making it easier to remove earwax blockage.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the resin of the plant Commiphora molmol (Myrrh) helps to dissolve and flush out earwax blockage due to its oleoresin content.
• Cream: A cream made from the flowers of the plant Calendula officinalis (Calendula) helps to soothe and moisturize the ear canal, making it easier to remove earwax blockage.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the roots of the plant Allium cepa (Onion) has been used to help dissolve and clear earwax blockage due to its sulfur content.
• Cerumen Softening Gels: Cerumen softening gels made from the leaves of the plant Petroselinum crispum (Parsley) help to break down and soften earwax blockage, making it easier to remove.
• Ear Drops: Ear drops made from the oil of the plant Ricinus communis (Castor oil plant) help to dissolve and flush out earwax blockage due to its ricinoleic acid content.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the leaves of the plant Aloe vera (Aloe vera) helps to soothe and moisturize the ear canal, making it easier to remove earwax blockage.