An old school earache remedy

Today, there is more knowledge available about essential oils than our elders ever had access to, yet we still don't know much about using them. I hope to share a bit of info about them here, especially as they relate to common ailments. Please note that essential oils are not a replacement or substitute for medical advice. If you have a persistent condition, please consult your primary care provider for treatment. 

My grandmother was from the south. She grew up with many old school remedies for common ailments. One of them was essential oils. Fortunately for me, she used those same ancestral remedies on her grandchildren. No one really understood why or how this old wisdom worked, it just did.

For an earache, Nana's remedy was to add a drop of eucalyptus oil to a clean cotton ball and place just inside the ear. In addition to oils, we were fed well-balanced warming meals, encouraged to drink only water with lemon and hot tea with honey, get plenty of rest.

If we had to go out for school or church, and it was a particularly windy day, we were instructed to cover our ears with either a hat, ear muffs, or a scarf. Within no time the ear pain would subside and we'd be back to playing outdoors. No big deal. 

Over time, I adapted my grandmother's remedy to include other beneficial oils and added a few notes...

1. NEVER EVER pour or put essential oils directly inside the ear.

2. For best results, be sure to use the pure essential oils (not fragrance oils). They tend to cost more because they are very carefully distilled to keep the healing benefits intact. 

What to do:

• Starting with the eucalyptus, place 1-2 drops of oil on your finger

• Rub the oil lightly behind and below the ear

• Trail the fingers downward along the neck to the center of the throat 

• Repeat on the other side

• Wait a minute or two for the oil to absorb

• Repeat with the rosemary (optional)

• Repeat with the lavender (optional)

Afterwards, it is helpful to wrap or cover the ears, neck and throat to encourage the oils to penetrate deeply.

Did you know?

Essential oils are powerful and as such only small amounts are needed in an application. Anyone using an essential oil for the first time, should do sensitivity testing a small patch of skin prior to general use. Additionally, it's usually best to dilute with a carrier oil (pure jojoba, coconut, olive, etc). For more information, consult a certified aromatherapist (CA), traditional naturopath (TN), or a naturopathic doctor (ND).

How to use essential oils

Essential oils can be used in many ways. Incorporating multiple methods throughout the day are most effective for healing. Here are a few methods.

AROMATHERAPY

Essential oils are powerful, so in most cases a few drops are all that's needed (more is not better!).

How: add a few drops to a bowl of hot or warm water. Bend over the bowl, placing a towel or other cloth over your head, creating a tent. Breathe slowly and deeply to inhale the vapors. 

How: essential oils can be diffused in several ways. There are many types of diffusers on the market, however, the ones that do not involve heat are best as heat can destroy the oils properties. My favorite is an electronic diffuser. 

SKIN CONTACT

When using an oil for the first time, always test on a small patch of skin for reaction. Oils can be diluted with a good quality carrier oil (like fractionated coconut), if desired.

How: rub one or two drops on the desired area. The soles of the feet often produce great results for children.

INTERNAL

Only some essential oils can be taken internally. Many cannot. Be sure to know how the oils you have can be used.

How: place a few drops in a glass, add water, and drink. Or place a 1, 2, or 3 drops under your tongue.

*For healing, be sure to use pure essential oils from a trusted company or source. As always, experiment slowly and do what works best for you.

Did you know?

Essential oils are powerful and as such only small amounts are needed in an application. Anyone using an oil for the first time, should do sensitivity testing a small patch of skin prior to general use. Additionally, a carrier oil may be necessary and beneficial to dilute the oil if it not tolerated well. For more information, consult a certified aromatherapist (CA) or naturopathic doctor (ND).

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[Full Disclosure: Aqiylah Collins is a dōTERRA Wellness Advocate]