Contributed by Joy Victoryeditor-in-chief, Healthy Hearing
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Essential oils have recently experienced a resurgence in popularity, largely due to increased interest in alternative medicine and the concurrent rise of multi-level marketing companies, such as DoTerra and Young Living, that sell essential oils .
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are concentrated liquids extracted from plants, including herbs and fruits. Common essential oils include lemon, peppermint, and lavender, but there are dozens, if not hundreds, of essential oils. They have been around for centuries and are frequently used in foods and other products to add flavor or a pleasant scent.
Many health claims online have been made regarding essential oils, which are not regulated by the FDA. Due to lax regulation in the United States, this is a market where buyers should be wary, similar to the markets for other popular alternative therapies, such as CBD oil and homeopathy.
Overall, there is very little clinical evidence demonstrating the medical benefits of essential oils, particularly for hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo Or ear infections. Use caution if using essential oils for any of these health conditions.
They are also known as “ear essence”, “ear oil”, “ear drops” and other terms, and there are many brand names.
Are essential oils effective for hearing loss?
Search online and you’ll find websites claiming that several types of essential oils can help with hearing loss, according to one essential oil hearing loss claims review compiled by Dr. Robert M. DiSogra, New Jersey audiologist. For example, he found sites claiming:
- Cajeput oil, geranium oil, lavender oil, and tea tree oil might help Sensorineural hearing lossAnd
- Helichrysum Oil May Help Both Conductive and Sensorineural Deafness
But is there any evidence that this oil will be useful? No, DiSogra emphasizes in a separate review article on essential oils and hearing loss, tinnitus and dizziness for audiology today. This means that very little (if any) clinical research has been done on these essential oils, and most claims are either unsubstantiated or based on people’s self-reports.
“Audiologists should not recommend essential oils for hearing loss,” he said in the article.
Can essential oils help with tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the name for a persistent ringing in the ears. DiSogra discovered unproven claims that the following essential oils may relieve tinnitus: cypress oil, ginseng oil, helichrysum oil, juniper oil, lavender oil, lily oil, olive oil, onion oil, petitgrain oil, rehmannia oil and spotted orchid oil, among others.
Only one of these, lavender oil, was associated with health benefits in the published medical literature, and these were for potential anti-inflammatory effects on the central nervous system, not tinnitus. .
What about CBD (cannabidiol) oil? Technically, it is not an essential oil, as a different extraction process is used. However, it’s one of the few supplements that has undergone rigorous research: The FDA has approved a CBD prescription drug for severe types of epilepsy, for example. When it comes to tinnitus, we found preliminary but conflicting research showing CBD Oil May Help.
What about essential oils and dizziness?
DiSogra also found numerous online health claims related to essential oils and dizziness, including claims regarding basil oil, bergamot oil, bitter orange (neroli) oil, CBD oil, clary sage oil, cypress oil, geranium oil, ginger oil, lavender oil, lemon balm oil, peppermint oil, rose oil, rosemary oil, tangerine. oil and thyme oil. None had clinical evidence of their effectiveness.
Is there any evidence that essential oils treat ear infections?
Not a lot. As with hearing loss, tinnitus, and dizziness, DiSogra has discovered similar unproven claims about essential oils helping with ear infections. These included claims for lavender oil, olive oil, tea tree oil, oregano oil, basil oil, thyme oil, bishop’s grass oil, peppermint oil, mustard oil, and a mixture of sesame oil and castor oil.
Preliminary laboratory research suggests that certain essential oils may have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. A little 2014 clinical test suggests a potential benefit for acute ear infections. In this study, adult participants received either a standard antibiotic ear drop (ciprofloxacin 0.3%) or an herbal product containing a combination of three essential oils: lavender, clove and Geranium robertianum. After one week, both groups had similar improvements in symptoms and the cultures showed equal reductions in the number of microorganisms.
However, this 7-day study did not explore whether or not ear infections returned. Additionally, the authors of this study noted that more research is needed and longer follow-up is needed to rule out possible adverse effects.
It is always best to consult a healthcare professional in case of an ear infection.
Risks of essential oils
For the most part, essential oils are not extremely dangerous and, when used carefully, are not likely to cause permanent damage.
Ultimately, if you want to try any of these essential oils, you should use them with caution and be aware that they can cause problems if used improperly, including skin reactions.
If you want to try essential oils, use them with caution and be aware that they carry risks.
“For example, cumin oil is safe in food, but can cause blisters on the skin,” notes DiSogra. “Some citrus oils used safely in foods may be harmful in cosmetics, especially when applied to sun-exposed skin.”
Additionally, some essential oils can affect hormones and are not safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Others can affect the cardiovascular system.
When it came to conditions affecting the ear, some websites he looked at urged people to put oil in their ears.
But, he explained, “(essential oils) should never be placed in the ear canal, as the oil can burn the sensitive mucous membranes inside the ear if used undiluted.” , DiSogra noted.
The financial harms of essential oils
Last but not least, keep in mind that essential oils can hurt your bank account: They can be expensive, especially for brands that claim to use only organic and non-GMO products. Since the FDA does not regulate these products, even such claims regarding product purity may be false.
If you need hearing care
Despite what you can find online, there isn’t much real evidence that an essential oil could help with hearing problems. This may change if researchers decide to study essential oils more closely.
Meanwhile, there are many effective and proven treatments for hearing and balance problems. If you or a loved one needs hearing care, our consumer-rated hearing clinic directory is a good next step.
This article was medically reviewed by pharmacist Patricia Weiser, PharmD. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She also contributes to Healthy Hearing.
