Mullein garlic oil has been used for centuries as a simple herbal remedy for earaches. Making it at home is affordable, practical, and allows you to know exactly what goes into the ear oil you’re using for yourself or your kids.
What is Mullein and Why Use It?
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a tall, fuzzy-leaved herb with bright yellow mullein flowers. You’ll often see it growing along roadsides, meadows, and fields across much of North America.
According to the USDA, mullein is a naturalized plant found in nearly every U.S. state, and its flowers and leaves have been traditionally used to support respiratory health and earaches. Mullein also grows wild across much of Canada.
Caution: Keep all medicinal plants, natural and herbal remedies and medicines safely out of the reach of children. Talk to your trusted healthcare provider l before using dandelion tincture or dandelion extract. It may interact with other medicines or prompt allergic reactions.
Mullein is a great plant to search for if you are getting started with foraging. If you want to forage for mullein, look for the tall flower spike in midsummer when it blooms.
Harvest mullein flowers carefully, leaving plenty behind for pollinators. You can also find dried mullein flower online, at health food shops, or through herb suppliers like Herb Pharm and Pharm Mullein products.
Mullein has mild anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. When combined with garlic (Allium sativum), known for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial qualities, you get a simple herbal oil that has long been a staple in home apothecaries.
And then there's garlic. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) notes that garlic has been widely studied for its antimicrobial potential.
The combination of mullein flower, garlic bulb, and certified organic olive oil is a well-known natural treatment for earaches, and joins fire cider as one of my favorite go-to home remedies. In the winter, I also make sure we have a good supply of elderberry syrup for general well-being and soothing colds and sore throats.
How to Make Mullein Garlic Oil for Ear Aches
This homemade recipe makes about four ounces of herbal oil. It’s inexpensive to make and stores well in a dark glass dropper bottle.
You don’t need to spend much, and the ingredients are easy to find at a local shop, online through Amazon, or from certified organic suppliers.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy garlic mullein oil to use for earaches.
- 6 cloves fresh garlic bulb (Allium sativum)
- 5 tablespoons dried mullein flowers
- 1 cup certified organic olive oil (extra virgin if possible)
Directions
This is a simple process you can manage in your kitchen with just a few steps. Give yourself a few minutes to prepare and then let nature do the work as the herbs infuse into the oil.
- Chop the garlic cloves into smaller pieces to release the natural oils.
- Place mullein and garlic into a clean glass jar.
- Pour certified organic olive oil over the herbs until they’re completely covered.
- Seal the jar and let it sit in a warm, dark place for about six weeks. Shake gently every few days.
- After six weeks, strain the herbs through cheesecloth into a clean container.
- Transfer the infused oil into a dark dropper bottle for storage.
To use: Warm the ear oil slightly (test carefully to avoid burns). Add two to three drops into the affected ear, then lie on your side for ten minutes.
Place a cotton ball at the ear opening to catch any excess. Warning: do NOT use if the eardrum is ruptured.
Safety Notes
Earaches can be caused by different issues, from infections to fluid buildup. While garlic mullein oil is often used as a traditional home remedy, always check with a healthcare provider before using it, especially with kids' mullein products. And remember, never place ear oil in the ear if you suspect a ruptured eardrum.
Garlic Mullein Ear Oil FAQs
Have questions about mullein garlic oil? You’re not alone. I’ve listed the most common ones here, and if you don’t see your question answered, feel free to leave it in the comments.
How long does mullein garlic oil last?
If stored in a dark, cool place, mullein garlic oil will keep for about a year. Using a dark glass dropper bottle helps extend shelf life and keeps the oil fresh.
Can I use mullein garlic oil for kids?
Yes, but check with your pediatrician first. Many parents use pharm kids ear oil products that include mullein garlic. Always test a small amount and confirm there’s no rupture in the eardrum before use.
Where can I buy mullein garlic oil if I don’t want to make it?
You can find ready-made garlic mullein ear oil online at Amazon, natural health shops, or directly from suppliers like Herb Pharm. These products may include a mix of mullein, garlic, calendula officinalis, and St. John’s wort in certified organic olive oil. Prices vary, but honestly, I think homemade is usually the best option for value.
Making Garlic Mullein Oil at Home is Easy
Making your own mullein garlic oil is an easy way to bring natural health remedies into your home. With just a garlic bulb, mullein flower, and certified organic olive oil, you'll create a herbal oil that has been trusted for generations. Whether you forage mullein yourself or buy dried herbs, this simple preparation offers a practical way to care for your family’s health.
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Mullein Garlic Ear Oil
Equipment
- 1 mason jar Ball Regular Mouth Mason Jars
- measuring spoons measuring spoons
- measuring cup Measuring Cups
Materials
Ingredients
- 6 garlic cloves
- 5 tablespoons mullein flowers
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Instructions
- Cut up your garlic cloves into smaller pieces.
- Add mullein and garlic into a glass container. Cover with olive oil. Let sit for 6 weeks. Then strain.
- Pour into a container with a dropper bottle.