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    Home » Natural Remedies

    Published: Aug 21, 2022 · Modified: May 3, 2024 by Kristen Wood · This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. ·

    How to Make Garlic Mullein Oil

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    With this homemade Garlic Mullein Oil, you can have a simple and easy-to-make remedy on hand when you need it.

    A dropper bulb filled with yellow oil being pulled out of a small blue glass bottle.
    A clear glass jar filled with oil, garlic and flowers rests on a dark tabletop.

    What is Garlic Mullein Oil Used For?

    Mullein and garlic oil have a long history of being used by herbalists to treat a wide spectrum of ear problems. When combined, this blend of herbs in an oil extraction may help reduce swelling, moisture, and congestion within the lymph system, allowing fluid to flow and releasing any build-up in the ears which often causes ear pain.

    In addition to the main use of the infused oil, the olive oil itself can help soften the earwax making it easier to remove, especially if you are prone to excessive wax. Plus, garlic is a natural aid against bacteria that may be festering in the ear canal and helps to promote good ear health. So, it’s easy to understand why so many people swear by the use of this oil for ear infections and other afflictions of the ear.

    While there is no scientific evidence (to date) to support these claims, many people find relief when using this home remedy.

    A blue dropper bottle rests on a wooden table scattered with yellow flowers.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • It's super duper easy to make.
    • You only need a few relatively common ingredients to make it.
    • It stores well.
    • You can use this garlic mullein oil in a large variety of ways.
    A dropper bulb drips yellow oil on a dark wood table.

    Ingredient Notes

    Carrier oil: When it comes to choosing a carrier oil, you have a few different options. I like to use organic extra virgin olive oil or jojoba oil, but hemp seed oil is also another good option. Ultimately, use the oil that best suits your preferences. I prefer using high-quality organic oils for this purpose.

    Garlic cloves: Take a fresh garlic bulb (Allium sativum), separate the cloves, and either crush them or mince them to extract the most compounds in the oil. The leftovers make a great accompaniment to pasta (no, really!)!

    Dried mullein flowers: Dried mullein flowers (Verbascum Sp.) work perfectly to make this herbal remedy. You can use fresh wildcrafted mullein flowers that you've dried or you can purchase dried mullein flowers from a high-quality seller. You can find lots of great sellers on Etsy. For help with mullein identification check out my mullein guide!

    How to Make Garlic Mullein Oil

    An open glass jar filled with oil and yellow mullein flowers.
    A metal mesh strainer filled with garlic cloves and mullein flowers rests on a big silver mixing bowl.
    A silver mixing bowl filled with yellow oil.
    A green silicone funnel rests on a dark table.
    A dark blue dropper bottle resting on a wooden table.
    1. Combine the mullein and minced or crushed garlic in a clean jar.
    2. Fill the jar halfway with oil, then carefully layer in the garlic and mullein. Allow for at least one inch of head space at the top of the jar to allow for expansion (garlic can release liquid).
    3. After you cover the jar with a cheesecloth or screw on a lid, allow it to infuse for at least 2 weeks. Remember to shake or stir the contents every few days.
    4. Ready? Strain the garlic and mullein flowers from the oil. Then, funnel the oil into dropper bottles and screw on the lid(s) tightly.
    A blue glass dropper bottle resting on a dark tabletop scatter with small dried yellow flowers.

    How to Use Mullein Garlic Oil

    To use mullein garlic oil as a remedy in any form, be certain to consult with a medical professional to ensure it does not contraindicate with any existing health conditions or medications you may be taking.

    Here is How I Use Garlic Mullein Oil for Ears:

    For adults, simply dribble 1-2 drops of slightly warmed (body temperature) oil into the ear canal with a dropper and let it rest with the affected side up for ten minutes.

    To test the oil before use, apply a small amount to your wrist—this is especially important for children.

    Next, gently plug the ear canal with a cotton ball to catch the oil and any sediment or infection. Continue to rest with the afflicted side down for another ten minutes, then remove the soiled cotton ball and throw it away. You can do this every hour or so.

    The most important thing is to not leave the cotton ball in for too long, as this can lead to further irritation of the ear canal. If you notice any discharge other than clear oil, discontinue use and consult a doctor as you may have a severe ear infection. Never use if you have a perforated eardrum as with any other treatment.

    If administering to children, I recommend simply massaging a small amount of oil into the outer ear canal, rather than using a dropper bulb.

    A hand grasps a dropper bulb filled with oil.

    Storage

    Once you have added the oil to a dropper bottle, store it somewhere cool and dark. The oil should be at its optimal peak for around 12 months but always check before using. Keep out of the reach of children.

    A dropper bulb dripping oil onto a dark wood table.

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    Print Pin
    5 from 43 votes

    Garlic Mullein Oil

    Ear aches, pain and infection are a common problem for many people but with this homemade Garlic Mullein Ear Oil you can have a simple and easy-to-make cure on hand when you need it.
    Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
    Infusion Time: 14 days d
    Total Time: 14 days d 10 minutes mins
    Yield: 6 ounces
    Author: Kristen Wood
    Cost: $2

    Equipment

    • Olive Oil

    Materials

    • 6 garlic cloves peeled and crushed or chopped
    • ⅓ cup dried mullein flowers
    • carrier oil to cover about 1 cup, I like to use olive oil
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • In a clean jar, combine the garlic and mullein flowers.
    • Pour the oil into the jar until the garlic and mullein are just covered, ensuring you leave at least one inch of space at the top of the jar to allow for expansion.
    • Cover the jar with a cheesecloth or screw a lid on and leave it to infuse for at least two weeks (and up to 3 months). Give the jar a shake or stir every few days or so.
    • When ready, strain the garlic and mullein flowers from the oil and funnel the oil into dropper bottles and screw the lid(s) on tightly.
    • Store in a cool, dry place for up to one year.
    • To use: use the dropper bulb to dispense 2-3 drops into the outer ear canal. Alternatively, place the oil on a fingertip or q-tip and gently massage into the outer ear canal. Do not stick the dropper into your ear or dispense internally. Please see the full post above for information about administering.

    Notes

    If you would like to store this oil for more than a year, then I recommended adding a few drops of pure vitamin E oil before storing.
    Also see: Foraging Mullein.
     

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    About Kristen Wood

    Kristen is a plant lover, gardener, certified functional nutritional expert, cookbook author, writer, and photographer. Her work has been featured in many online and print publications including Willow & Sage Magazine, Forbes, NBC, New York Daily News, Healthline, MSN, Elle, Yoga Journal, and many more. She is also a syndicated writer for The Associated Press.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Gina Perfetto says

      September 16, 2022 at 12:29 pm

      Question. May I SLOW COOK the garlic and mullein on warm or low?

      Reply
      • Kristen says

        September 18, 2022 at 11:08 am

        Hi! Yes, most definitely! On low heat, you can simply slow cook for at least 4 hours. The oil will smell very fragrant when ready. I hope this helps! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Gina Perfetto says

      September 16, 2022 at 12:35 pm

      Can I use coconut oil?
      Thank you

      Reply
      • Kristen says

        September 18, 2022 at 11:09 am

        Hi, Gina! Yes, you can definitely use coconut oil. Just keep in mind, it may solidify in cooler temperatures - this won't impact the effectiveness or anything, simply liquify by holding the bottle under warm running water. I hope this helps! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Kathryn says

      November 17, 2022 at 8:51 pm

      Does this have to be made with the mullein flower specifically? Or will it work using dried mullein leaf?

      Reply
      • Kristen says

        November 28, 2022 at 2:56 pm

        Hi, Kathyrn! You can used dried mullein leaves for certain. Mullein flowers are a more traditional choice when it comes to ear oil, but mullein leaves contain many of the same properties.

        Reply
    5 from 43 votes (43 ratings without comment)

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    About Kristen Wood

    Kristen is a plant lover, gardener, certified functional nutritional expert, cookbook author, writer, and photographer. Her work has been featured in many online and print publications including Willow & Sage Magazine, Forbes, NBC, New York Daily News, Healthline, MSN, Elle, Yoga Journal, and many more. She is also a syndicated writer for The Associated Press.

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