Originally published February 11 2014
Mullein oil, a simple remedy for earaches
by Elisha McFarland
(NaturalNews) The common mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.), is in the snapdragon family. The plant is rich in calcium phosphate, iron, magnesium, potassium and sulfur. It is a practical and medicinal plant readily found along roadsides, meadows and pastures. This plant has been used to treat pulmonary problems, inflammatory diseases, asthma, spasmodic coughs, diarrhea and migraine headaches. Although it has been used medicinally since ancient times, the popularity of common mullein has been increasing commercially for the past few years. Today, the dried leaves and flowers, capsules, alcohol extracts and the flower oil of this plant can easily be found in health stores in the United States. The use of common mullein extracts in folk medicine has recently begun to be supported by an increasing number of research studies.
Study results regarding mullein
The flower infusion of mullein shows antiviral activity against several influenza A strains, influenza B strain and Herpes simplex virus. (1)
A study done with 100 children at pediatric ambulatory centers, ages 6-18 with acute otitis media (AOM) yielded some impressive results. The children were divided into two groups. One group received naturopathic ear drops with Allium sativa, Verbascum Thapsus (mullein), Calendula flores, and Hypericum perforatum in olive oil. The other a pharmaceutical containing ametocaine and phenazone in glycerin to determine the management of ear pain associated with AOM. The conclusion was that Otikon, an ear drop formulation of naturopathic origin, is as effective as anesthetic ear drops and was proven appropriate for the management of AOM-associated ear pain. (2)
In 2003 a total of 171 children who were aged 5 to 18 years and had otalgia and clinical findings associated with middle-ear infection were studied. The children were randomly assigned to receive treatment with Naturopathic Herbal Extract Ear Drops (NHED) or anesthetic ear drops, with or without amoxicillin. Patients who were given ear drops alone had a better response than patients who were given ear drops together with amoxicillin. Results were better in the NHED group than in the controls. (3)
Mullein oil recipe for earaches
Note: Never harvest mullein from alongside roads or areas that are prone to pesticide, herbicide, auto exhaust or other toxin exposures. Harvest mullein you have grown so you are assured of its safety, or better yet purchase it from an organic herb supplier.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup fresh mullein flower (you can also use dried flowers)
olive oil
Directions:
1. Place the mullein flowers in a small glass jar with a lid.
2. Cover the mullein flowers with olive oil and allow to sit in a warm area for several days.
3. If you are using fresh mullein flowers, cover your jar with cheesecloth rather than a lid to allow moisture to escape.
4. Strain the oil through cheesecloth and store your oil in a small dropper bottle in the refrigerator. Be sure to label and date your oil.
To use:
Warm the oil to body temperature by placing the bottle of oil or in a glass of hot water for a few minutes. Insert 2-3 drops in the affected ear 2-3 times per day.
Sources for this article include:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1666504
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11434846
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12728112
From The Shepherd's Purse by Max G. Barlow
Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth by Sharol Tilgner ND
The Herbal Medicine-Maker's Handbook by James Green
The New Age Herbalist by Richard Mabey
About the author:
After sixteen years of struggling with MCS, Elisha McFarland recovered her health through alternative and natural healing methods. It was this experience that encouraged her to pursue an education in natural health. She has received the following designations: Doctor of Naturopathy, Master Herbalist, D.A. Hom., B.S. in Holistic Nutrition, Certified Wholistic Rejuvenist and EFT-ADV. You can visit her website at: http://www.myhealthmaven.com or follow her on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/myhealthmaven
After sixteen years of struggling with MCS, Elisha McFarland recovered her health through alternative and natural healing methods. It was this experience that encouraged her to pursue an education in natural health. She has received the following designations: Doctor of Naturopathy, Master Herbalist, D.A. Hom., B.S. in Holistic Nutrition, Certified Wholistic Rejuvenist and EFT-ADV. You can visit her website at: http://www.myhealthmaven.com or follow her on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/myhealthmaven
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