Castor oil is a wonder oil that works in different aspects of a person’s life. It is a remedy and a soothing relief to simple things. But, does this mean you can put castor oil in your ear?
You must be looking for a homemade remedy for an ear problem. Well, castor oil does work for your ear issues. However, not the way you would expect.
If you would like to know the steps, precautions, and what castor oil can do for your ear issues, read this full article to get more insight.
What is castor oil?
Castor oil is a medicinal vegetable oil gotten from castor beans. The beans are primarily found in tropical areas of Asia and Africa.
The oil is derived through a cold-press method. It has many anti-inflammatory and antioxidant purposes, which is why you find them in beauty, skincare, and medicinal components or products.
The oil falls between colorless or pale yellow in hue. Its viscosity is often why people often mistake it as comedogenic, but it’s not.
The benefits of castor oil are vast, as it provides relief to both skin and body. These benefits include:
- It acts as a laxative
- It moisturizes the skin
- Protects from free radicals due to its antioxidant properties
- Reduces bacteria due to its antibacterial properties
- The oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the skin
- Stimulates hair growth and health
Can you put castor oil in your ear?
Yes, you can.
Castor oil benefits not only the body and skin; it also works for the ear. You’ve most likely heard of oils being used for different reasons concerning the ear.
Thankfully, castor oil works in treating some of these ear issues. So if you have a bottle of castor oil at home, you can use the oil for your ear problems.
Castor oil in ear benefits
Castor oil helps to treat different ear issues. Some benefits you will get from using the versatile oil include:
1. Castor oil is good for ear infection
Castor oil has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. The fatty acids present in the oil provide relief to ear infections. Using the oil reduces these fungal infections in the ear with regular application.
To use it for ear infections:
- Warm up your castor oil.
- Add a few drops of warm oil to your infected ear (do this with your head tilted and infected ears upwards).
- For better results, use a cotton plug to cover your ear.
- Sleep with the ear plug with the affected ear facing upwards.
- Clean ear the ear in the morning with a cotton ball.
2. Apply castor oil to the ear for earache
You can also apply castor oil to your ear to ease the pain you are feeling; however, these homemade remedies for earaches add relief, but it is not long-lasting. Moreover, it does not work alone. You need black pepper along with it.
To use for earache:
- Add a few drops of warm castor oil to a cotton ball.
- Sprinkle black pepper flakes on it.
- Apply the combination around your ear where it hurts (not in it).
- You can leave it for an hour or two.
Note: Use ear plugs to avoid the oil and pepper slipping into your ear.
3. Castor oil in the ear for removing wax
You can also use castor to remove wax buildup in the ear. It helps to dissolve and promote ear health. The oil also moisturizes the skin of your inner ear, enhancing ear health.
How to use castor oil for wax removal:
- Dip a cotton swab in castor oil
- Gently twirl the swab in your ear.
- Move deeper slowly until you get to the rims of the outer ear.
- Take out the cotton swab, then throw it away. Do this for the other ear.
4. Castor in the ear for tinnitus
Tinnitus is also commonly known as ringing in the ears. It’s a form of hearing impairment with a constant hollow or ringing sound ringing over everything you hear. The superimposition causes discomfort but is not a life-threatening disability.
Castor oil can help reduce the superimposition of the ringing noise you hear over any sound. Massaging your outer and inner ear can help make these sounds bearable.
Is it safe to put castor oil in your ear?
Yes, it is.
It is safe to use castor oil for your ears for different reasons. The remedy helps the ear stay hydrated, clean, and soothing.
However, avoid using excess oil in your ear; it may likely plug your ears. Use a cotton ball or swab to apply the oil in and around your ears always.
Can you put castor oil in dogs’ ears?
Yes, you can.
You can apply castor oil for a dog’s ear infection and also remove ear wax. The antibacterial and antifungal properties work just the same for dogs.
They are safe to use on your pet dogs when it comes to ear application. However, do not let your dog ingest this oil. It is toxic to their digestive system.
Is castor oil good for blocked ears?
Yes, it is.
You can use castor oil for blocked ears. Blocked or clogged ears happen due to excess wax or water getting into the ears.
To apply, use a dropper to apply a few drops of castor oil to your oil. Tilt your head with ear-filled castor oil upwards, and leave for a few seconds, then tilt the opposite way, with the filled ear now facing downwards.
Let the oil drip out. You can do this three times a day until the clog is gone or you feel relieved.
Side effects of putting castor oil in the ear?
Castor oil is a safe oil to use. You can apply it in and around your ear without experiencing side effects.
However, if you are sensitive, especially your skin, you might experience irritation. Furthermore, this can sting a bit. If you experience this, remove every bit of oil with a cotton ball or swab.
To avoid this, patch-test the oil on your lobes to see if you get a reaction. If you do not, it is safe to use. If you do, discontinue use.
You can also experience blocked ears if you use the oil excessively. You only need a few drops for each use.
FAQs
Is castor oil better than olive oil for ears?
They both work effectively.
While olive oil dissolves wax faster, castor oil moisturizes the inner skin better and slips easily too.
Will castor oil help stretch your ear?
No, it won’t.
Instead, it reduces the effect of earlobe stretch. Moisturizing your ears and the skin around them prevent the weakening of your earlobes. Furthermore, it prevents the tearing of the lobe skin.
How often should you put castor oil in your ear?
You can use it anytime you like, but using it twice a day is the best.
You can apply it in the morning and evening. However, if you are using it for infections, use it at night to give the oil enough time to moisturize and heal your skin.
Can you use castor oil for piercing infections?
Yes, you can.
Piercing infection can be treated with castor oil due to its antifungal properties. All you have to do is dip a cotton ball in castor oil and apply it to the infected area. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse it off with water.
Conclusion
Castor oil has many uses for the body and skin. The ears are not left out too. You can use castor in ears for different reasons, including infections, tinnitus (ringing ear), removing wax, and more.
You can also use it to hydrate your inner ear skin, providing antibacterial solutions and soothing relief. However, avoid using the oil in excess or if you feel a tingling sensation or discomfort.
Castor oil provides a healthy relief option for your ear probe, so don’t be afraid to use it.
Thanks for reading.
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