Fact Check: Can a mixture of garlic and olive oil cure pain in ears?

An Instagram reel claims that a mixture of garlic and olive oil cures pain in the ears. This claim is False.

Claim

An Instagram post claims that a mixture of garlic and olive oil cure pain in the ears. In a reel posted by ai.gharelu_tips the user says to put garlic in your ear. The user advises taking a clove of garlic, peeling it, and slicing it thinly. The garlic slices should then be cooked in olive oil until golden brown, after which the mixture is poured into a container. Further, a small piece of cotton is soaked in the oil mixture and placed in the ear. As per the user, this remedy will help cure ear pain, discharge from the ear, ear boils, and any other ear-related issues from the root. The reel can be accessed here. 

Fact Check

The claim that a mixture of garlic and olive oil cures pain in the ears is FALSE.

About Ear Pain

Ear pain, also known as otalgia, can be categorized into two main types based on its cause: primary and secondary otalgia. Both forms involve various differential diagnoses, making a thorough and systematic evaluation critical. Primary otalgia originates from issues within the ear itself, such as infections, mechanical problems, tumors, or inflammation affecting the external, middle, or inner ear. On the other hand, secondary or referred otalgia is caused by conditions outside the ear. These can be divided by organ systems, with local and regional sources including dental issues, temporomandibular joint disorders, and pharyngeal problems. At the same time, distant causes might involve cardiac, gastrointestinal, or pulmonary conditions. The ear's sensory innervation is part of a complex neural network, shared with various other organs due to its intricate embryological development, which accounts for the many potential sources of referred ear pain.

About Garlic and Olive Oil

Traditionally Garlic (also known with the scientific name as Allium sativum L.) is a spice, widely used in medicine mainly because of organosulfur compounds. In an article published in 2023 by Silvana Zugaro et. al. in Bioactives and Inflammation wide range of therapeutic effects of garlic has been observed. Garlic also possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunostimulant properties exerted by the bioactive compounds of garlic. Garlic may help with inflammation as it has anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic can have enhancing effects on the immune system as stated by Georgia Schäfer in Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry. Another article published by S Ankri et. al., Microbes and Infection, highlighted that one of the active compounds found in crushed garlic “Allicin” exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic and antiviral activities. The antimicrobial effect of allicin is due to its chemical reaction with thiol groups of various enzymes present.

Olive oil and its bioactive compounds have demonstrated a variety of beneficial effects in addressing inflammation and various disease conditions. It may serve as an effective approach for preventing and managing numerous nutritional and health disorders. Additionally, olive oil may help as an anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, renoprotective, and anti-neurodegenerative agent. It may also support overall well-being and aid in the prevention of chronic diseases. The high content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) is one of the key nutritional advantages of olive oil.

Can a mixture of garlic and olive oil cure pain in the ears?

Limited scientific evidence suggests that Garlic possess certain antimicrobial activity against ear-related microorganisms while olive oil may enhance lubrication and aids in wax removal. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting the claim that mixture of garlic and olive oil can cure pain in the ears.

A study published in the Turkish Archives of Otorhinolaryngology reported that garlic compounds, allicin and S-allyl cysteine, exhibited certain antimicrobial activity against microorganisms linked to external ear canals and chronic middle ear infections. These compounds may be used as potential treatments for these infections in the future.

National Library of Medicine noted, "Warm olive oil can help in softening ear wax in the outer ear canal and make it easier to remove."

An experimental study by Rosemary Rodgers et al. found that lubricating the ear canal with olive oil increased its contents and spraying olive oil into the ears just before wax removal facilitated complete wax extraction. Further research is needed to strengthen the evidence for its use in ear care.

Most of the evidence that we could find on benefits of  application of olive oil and garlic were related to cleanliness and ear wax removal and lubrication. There is no evidence that application of this mixture may cure ear pain that may arise due to multiple reasons including infections. Medical Dialogues spoke to experts who warned that blind application may worsen symptoms of infection and cause even more pain in the ear. 

Dr. Chanchal Pal, Senior Consultant Department of ENT and Head & Neck Surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital responded to the claim and said, "I have never used it and never found anyone using in 35 years of practice, however, some people come after putting sarson oil heated with garlic for ear cleaning. Scientifically putting oil inside the ears is not advisable, Ears have a self-cleaning mechanism of their own and don’t need any interference except in wax accumulation. For wax, we also have solvent drops available; on the other hand, if you put oil in the ears, there are high chances of fungal infection. Having said since the practice is prevalent when pharmaceutical agents for ears were not available, it’s possible they can give some relief in pain if put in emergency with other resources at hand."

Dr. Sheetal Radia, Consultant Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Oncosurgery, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road further explained, "Applying garlic or olive oil in the ear canal can lead to irritation, a burning sensation, and in some cases, tingling or numbness. This is especially concerning if the individual has an ear infection or a perforated eardrum, as the oil can seep into the middle ear, potentially spreading infection. The skin of the middle ear is particularly delicate, and exposure to these substances can cause swelling (edema). Additionally, the external ear canal is sensitive, and warm garlic or olive oil can result in chemical burns. Given these risks, the use of oils in the ear is not recommended. It's important to consult an ENT specialist for proper diagnosis and safe treatment options for any ear-related issues."

Dr. Sheetal Radia also explained the harmful effects of Garlic in ear. She said, "Harmful effects of Garlic used as a home remedy for ear problems. Garlic is used due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties but it can lead to potentially harmful effects like:

• Skin Irritation and Burns: Garlic contains compounds like allicin that can cause chemical burns or irritation when applied a directly since the skin inside the ear is delicate and can easily get damaged.
• Infection: Introducing foreign substances like garlic into the ear can increase the risk of infection, especially if it irritates the ear canal. Bacteria may easily enter the ear if the skin becomes damaged.
• Allergic Reactions: Putting it in the ear may trigger an allergic reaction, causing swelling, redness, or itching inside the ear.
• Blockage of the Ear Canal: Solid pieces of garlic or garlic oil can block the ear canal, potentially making the ear issue worse and affecting hearing.
• Damage to the Eardrum: If garlic or garlic oil is inserted too deeply into the ear, it could potentially damage the eardrum. This is very dangerous if there is already a perforated eardrum or if a person pushes it in too far accidentally.
•  Worsening of Ear Conditions: like ear infections, using garlic may not only be ineffective but could also worsen the situation by delaying proper medical treatment.

If someone is experiencing ear pain or problems, it’s generally safer to consult an ENT specialist or ear professional rather than relying on home remedies like garlic. Proper diagnosis and treatment can help avoid further complications."

Medical Dialogues Final Take 

There is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support the claim that a mixture of garlic and olive oil can cure pain in the ears. On the other hand, there can be serious side effects of using garlic in ears such as skin irritations, burns, infections, allergic reactions, Blockage of Ear Canal, Damage to Eardrum and Worsening of Ear Conditions like ear infections. 

Thus, the claim that mixture of garlic and olive oil cure pain in the ears is FALSE.