Sweet Oil for Ears: What Is It & Why Is It Used + Additional Uses
When looking for new natural remedies for common health and beauty problems, sweet oil has probably been brought up. This ingredient is most commonly known as olive oil, but it has many more uses than the ones many may be accustomed to. Aside from its outstanding nutritional value, sweet oil has a few benefits not to overlook.
Sweet oil, or olive oil, is a product derived from cold pressed olives. When used to treat common health issues like ear infections, earaches, and ear wax accumulation, it can be greatly effective. Other uses include wrinkle treatment, snoring therapy, and cuticle softening.
Find out all about sweet oil, the different types, and their uses below!
What Is Sweet Oil?
Loyal fans of olive oil won’t be surprised about the many health and beauty benefits of sweet oil. The adjective “sweet” comes from the fact that olive oil is generally considered much sweeter than other types of oils, like vegetable oil or canola oil.
Derived from high-quality olives, this ingredient is famous in cooking and leveraged for its delicious taste and unparalleled health benefits. Within its best qualities, olive oil is rich in antioxidants and monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health.
The main difference between cooking-grade olive oil and sweet oil is that the latter is usually made through a cold pressing process. This ensures it is pure and of the highest quality.
Sweet oil can also refer to a blend of pure olive oil with essential oils or almond oil. However, for a more budget-friendly option for home remedies, high-quality olive oils provide the same results.
In terms of uses, sweet oil is mainly used to treat some ear-related conditions or as a beauty treatment against wrinkles. However, there are a few other uses that could come in handy.
Sweet Oil Nutrition Facts
The following nutrition facts by the USDA are based on just one tablespoon or 14 grams of sweet oil.
- Calories: 119
- Total Lipid (fat): 13.5g
- Calcium: 0.135mg
- Iron: 0.076mg
- Potassium: 0.135mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Many of the fats in sweet oil are considered good fats. Most of them are monounsaturated fats that can help boost good cholesterol levels. There is also some saturated fat in sweet oil as well, which might help prevent dry skin, inflammation, and even premature aging.
What Is Sweet Oil Used For?
High-quality, pure sweet oil finds uses in other aspects apart from the kitchen, especially in the health and beauty departments.
Sweet oil is beneficial in reducing the symptoms of certain ear problems, such as infections and aches. Moreover, this ingredient can be used as a moisturizer and conditioner for nails, skin, and hair.
While it is important to always speak to a doctor or physician before using it, sweet oil can be an excellent naturopathy alternative to standard medications.
Sweet Oil for Ear Infection
One of the most common uses of sweet oil is in the treatment of ear pain and infections. An ear infection can affect the inner, outer, or middle ear. While some infections – especially to the middle ear – are likely to clear up on their own after a while, others can lead to an excess of fluids, fever, and ear pain.
The right treatment for an ear infection mainly depends on its cause. Some infections might derive from fungi, bacteria, or viruses. Depending on its severity, you could experience ear pain or inflammation and fluid accumulation.
Some studies – such as the one published in Pediatrics – have shown that using warm sweet oil can be beneficial in treating and alleviating the symptoms of ear infections.
Users should note that this cannot entirely replace the use of medications, especially if your health is affected by a severe infection.
How to Use Sweet Oil for Ear Infection
This natural remedy and method is best used for mild pain and symptoms:
- Place the oil in a clean pot and warm the ear drops for about 15 seconds.
- Using a thermometer, verify that the oil’s temperature is not higher than your body temperature.
- Grab an ear dropper filled with the solution and lay on your side.
- Let a few ear drops enter the ear canal of the affected ear, then cover it with a cotton ball.
- Let the sweet oil solution rest in the affected ear for about 10 minutes.
- Remove any liquid in excess carefully with a cotton swab.
The oil can work to reduce ear issues, including irritation, but keep in mind that the evidence for this use is limited. As an alternative, try tea tree oil.
Outer Ear Infection
The sweet oil helps soften and loosen earwax, which is often associated with the discomfort and mild pain with an outer ear infection. Avoid placing anything directly inside the ear canal. Rather, ear drops are applied at the entrance of the ear and gravity is used to naturally guide the ear drops into the outer ear canal.
Inner Ear Infection
Inflammation and infection behind the eardrum are common for an inner ear infection. These infections generally aren’t treated with sweet oil or other home remedies. Instead, an inner ear infection is most often treated with antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional.
May Help Resolving Earache
When dealing with an earache, it is essential to understand what has caused it. Some of the most common reasons for suffering from this condition include:
- Infections
- Ear wax accumulation
- Pressure or altitude change
- Eardrum rupture
- Sinus infection
- Sore throat
- Foreign objects
The causes can vary, and, in some cases, sweet oil might not be particularly effective. However, sometimes, it can help reduce the symptoms of a specific condition because of its antibacterial properties.
Find some tips to alleviate your earache pain in the video below:
May Aid in Earwax Removal
It is entirely normal for ears to produce ear wax – also known by the formal name of “cerumen.” When the production of ear wax is balanced, this substance can help the ear remain protected from bacteria, water, or even possible infections.
While people’s bodies know how to get rid of excess earwax, sometimes accumulations of earwax (impactions) can happen. This condition is recognized due to symptoms like itching, ringing noises, pain, or even temporary hearing loss.
If the symptoms become extremely severe, should see a doctor, as using sweet oil might just not be enough.
While some studies have confirmed that sweet oil is beneficial for clearing out excessive ear wax, this may still not be as efficient as medications for an infected ear. However, it proves to be a more effective option than using no treatment at all.
If the earwax buildup continues, you will want to make an appointment with your healthcare provider for a cleaning. They may also recommend other beneficial ear wax softening options in addition to olive oil or sweet oil like mineral oil or saline.
It May Help With Snoring
While up to 40% of men and 24% of women snore, this condition can be extremely inconvenient. So, it is only reasonable to always be on the lookout for a solution that can help change this aspect.
Sweet oil is a strong inflammatory and can:
- Reduce throat swelling
- Ease the throat tissue
- Clear air passage
- Reduces soreness
- Reduce vibrations in the throat
When combined, these aspects can help reduce your snoring. For better taste, mix the sweet oil with a teaspoon of honey.
May Be Used to Soften Cuticles
Just like other oils, olive oil can be used to maintain nails and keep skin healthy and strong. Indeed, olive oil can be an excellent solution for repairing brittle nails and encouraging growth.
For the best results, dip fingertips and nails in warm olive oil for up to 30 minutes. During a manicure, a similar technique can be applied to soften cuticles and nails.
Useful for Repairing Damaged Hair
Using sweet oil as part of a healthy hair routine is nothing new. Olive oil has been used as a hair conditioner for centuries due to its property of leaving the hair shiny, soft, and healthy.
Of course, today, we can count on higher-quality, purest products that will only be even more beneficial for the hair. If the smell of sweet oil isn’t a favorite, add some essential oil to have shiny and perfumed hair.
When moisturizing hair with sweet oil, keep in mind that one spoon will be enough to repair and improve the look of the hair’s ends. Massage the oil into the scalp and rinse for the best results.
It Can Be a Substitute for Shaving Cream
Shaving with olive oil rather than shaving cream can take some time to get used to, but it can be extremely beneficial for the skin. Indeed, when using a razor, it is common for the skin to become irritated.
Applying olive oil to the skin before the shaving process and letting it soak through for a few minutes can moisturize and lubricate the skin. Rinse the skin thoroughly after shaving.
It May Be Used to Support Wrinkle Reduction
Sweet oil is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids and can be successfully used as an anti-aging cream. Of course, the results of this natural treatment are not likely to be visible immediately, but they have been proven.
Olive oil can also be applied the night before prolonged exposure to the sun in order to protect it from damage. However, you should wash the whole area before heading to the beach.
Beneficial for Stretch Marks
Sweet oils, including olive oil, coconut oil, or almond oil, can also be used as a home remedy to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. These oils are natural moisturizers that can help improve the skin’s elasticity.
Can Be Used as a Makeup Remover
Some people use sweet oil as a natural makeup remover. It effectively dissolves makeup, including those tougher to remove waterproof products.
Use as Massage Oil
Sweet oil can also be used as a massage oil because of its smooth texture. It’s also often used in aromatherapy massages as a carrier oil for essential oils.
Uses of Sweet Oil Inside the House
Lastly, there are some curious applications of sweet oil that not even the fans of these ingredients know: furniture maintenance. Even if you are already using olive oil in the kitchen due to its health benefits, there is a little more to consider.
For leather furniture or wooden items, use sweet oil to clean the pieces and get a nice shine. In the case of leather, olive oil can be used as a wax, but it is recommendable to use minimum quantities and only on fresh stains.
In both cases, completing a spot test on the not-so-noticeable side of your furniture is essential.
Are There Different Types of Sweet Oil?
While we refer to sweet oil as olive oil, it actually comes in different types. Olive oil just happens to be one of the most well-known sweet oils.
- Mineral Oil: This oil is clear, colorless, and odorless and is derived from petroleum. It is often used in cosmetics, as a lubricant, and for softening ear wax.
- Almond Oil: Sweet almond oil is a really popular choice when it comes to skincare applications and massage. It’s rich in vitamins and is known for its pleasant, sweet scent.
- Coconut Oil: This oil is also considered a sweet oil and is most often used as a skin moisturizer and in hair care routines.
- Grapeseed Oil: This oil is often used as a carrier oil for massage and aromatherapy.
- Avocado Oil: This oil is mild and slightly sweet. While it is often used in cooking, it is also great for skin care because of its high monounsaturated fat content.
Potential Side Effects of Sweet Oil
While it can be greatly beneficial in many aspects, using sweet oil – or olive oil – for some of the applications seen above can have some risks. Here are the ones to consider:
- It might not be as strong as medications.
- It increases the chances of burns – especially if you heat it before the application.
- It can cause infections due to the microorganisms present in foods and ingredients.
What to Consider Before Using Sweet Oil as a Home Remedy
Before using any kind of sweet oil, including olive oil, coconut oil, or almond oil, as a home remedy, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Skin Sensitivity
Before using sweet oil on the skin, test a small area. Wait 24 hours to make sure there is no allergic reaction, redness, itching, or irritation.
Skin Type
Different oils are best suited for different skin types. Coconut oil, for example, is a sweet oil that can prove to clog pores for some, while sweet almond oil might be better suited for sensitive skin. Find the oil that best suits your skin type.
Oil Quality
Always use a high-quality, pure oil. Cold pressed oil or extra virgin olive oils are preferred because they retain more of their natural properties.
Medical Conditions
Suppose you have an underlying skin condition or allergy or you are taking certain medications. In that case, you want to consult with a healthcare professional before you use sweet oil as a home remedy.
Conclusion
Using sweet oil to enhance health and beauty can be an excellent choice, especially if you always prefer to use natural home remedies and naturopathy treatments.
Sweet oil, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, can be extremely helpful in treating ear infections, earache, and ear wax accumulation.
Other uses include snoring and wrinkle treatment. And when applied to hair, nails, and skin, it can have a regenerative effect, especially on brittle hair or nails. Some precautions include checking the oil’s temperature before application and speaking to a doctor before use.
Sweet Oil for Ears FAQ
Is sweet oil safe for the ears?
When used properly and in a clean form, sweet oil is generally safe to use for the ears. However, make sure the oil is at an appropriate temperature and not too hot when it is dropped into the ear canal.
Can I use any type of sweet oil for my ears?
Olive oil is the most commonly suggested sweet oil to use for earwax removal. Other oils, including coconut oil or almond oil, may also be used. Just make sure to choose an oil suitable for your skin type and make sure it is pure and good quality.
Can I use sweet oil for tinnitus or hearing loss?
Sweet oil isn’t a treatment for tinnitus or hearing loss. If you experience either of these ear issues, you want to consult with a professional for proper treatment.
Is it safe to use sweet oil in a child’s ear? Yes, it can be used with proper care and guidance, especially if the child is younger.