Can garlic fried in oil help cure your ear infection?

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Can garlic fried in oil help cure your ear infection?

Home remedies are a generational staple in desi households, but this one is a gift from abroad. Digital creator Hannah Slay, in a playful nod to “things your aunt says that are weirdly true,” shared a rather unusual remedy—adding a couple of drops of garlic-infused olive oil to the ear to cure infections. Surprised? So were we! We spoke to an otorhinolaryngologist (relax, we meant an ear, nose, throat specialist) to uncover the truth behind this claim.

Frying garlic in oil and putting in your ear is a popular home remedy however , it has no scientific evidence of safety profile and ENT specialists who believe in evidence based medicine, cannot recommend these remedies,” said Dr Aparna Mahajan, consultant- ENT, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.

In fact, Dr Mahajan pointed out several potential risks associated with this remedy: “If the eardrum is perforated, any vegetative material can increase the likelihood of fungal or bacterial infections. Even in cases where the eardrum is intact, there’s still a possibility of infections in the external ear canal,” she said.


ear Frying garlic in oil and putting in your ear is a popular home remedy (Source: Freepik)

The types of ear infections

According to Dr Mahajan, ear infections can be broadly classified into three categories: external ear, middle ear, and inner ear infections.

“External ear infections include simple boils or furuncles which are bacterial infections that can be easily treated with antibiotics. There’s also bacterial otitis externa, which requires attention from an ENT specialist who may apply medicinal packs in the ear canal,” she said.

Festive offer

Middle ear infections can lead to pain, discharge, and even hearing loss, and can be triggered by a cold or flu. Inner ear infections are rare, but these can have symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, and hearing loss, and require urgent medical attention, according to Dr Mahajan.

Mahajan also stressed the importance of early consultation for individuals with underlying conditions like diabetes, where ear infections can rapidly worsen, especially otitis externa.

“In the rainy season, fungal infections in the external ear become more common. They typically start with itching, followed by pain and a blocked sensation,” she said.

Taking good care of your ears is essential for overall well-being. Neglecting ear health can lead to infections, balance problems, hearing loss, and other complications.

*DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.*



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