Garlic Ear Oil

Garlic is a powerful natural medicine.  For centuries, it's been used for its antibiotic, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties.  Garlic ear oil is an ancient Ayurvedic medicine that’s easily made on our stove tops.  I first came across it in a talk I listened to by Dr John Dullard, an Ayurvedic Doctor and Teacher.

It's worth taking the 5 minutes to gather the garlic and oil and let them simmer away together for 20 minutes or so to create this traditional elixir.  Especially with the changing seasons and when the cold and flu bugs are running rampant.   Use the oil for prevention as well as medicinal.   Such an easy remedy, check out the recipe below.

What

• 1-2 bulbs of peeled garlic, slightly crushed with the palm of your hand or the blade of a knife (about 8-10 medium sized cloves)
• 1/2 cup of sesame oil
• A small bottle & dropper

How

1. In a saucepan, add the oil and the garlic cloves. Bring to a simmer, and allow to bubble and spit for approximately 20 minutes. (Don't let the garlic burn).  At the end of the 20 minutes the garlic was slightly caramelised (which we then eat)!
2. Remove the pan from heat and allow to cool.
3. Slowly pour just the oil into the bottle, and store at room temperature.
4. To use the oil, lay head on a pillow (covered with a towel).
5. Tilt the head to the side and gently squeeze 3 - 5 drops of warm oil into the ear.   Allow it to rest for about 5 to 10 minutes.
6. Drain the oil onto a tissue and repeat in the other ear.

For prevention try the oil once a day or if trying to combat a cold or flu symptoms try the oil twice a day e.g. morning and night.

The inspiration for this recipe comes from Dr John Doulliard at http://lifespa.com