Evidence supporting the use of: Geranium
For the health condition: Ear Infection or Earache
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Geranium (Pelargonium spp.), particularly in the form of geranium oil or extracts, has been used traditionally as a folk remedy for a variety of ailments, including ear infections and earache. In some cultures, a few drops of geranium oil or a poultice made from the leaves is placed at the entrance of the ear canal to help reduce pain and inflammation. The rationale behind this traditional use is primarily based on geranium’s purported antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which are recognized in herbal medicine for their general benefits in treating minor wounds, infections, and inflammation.
However, there is very limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of geranium specifically for ear infections or earache. Most available studies focus on the general antimicrobial properties of geranium oil against various bacteria and fungi in laboratory settings, rather than clinical trials in humans with ear infections. There are no well-conducted clinical studies demonstrating that geranium is effective or safe for treating otitis media or other ear conditions. Additionally, direct application of essential oils to the ear canal is not recommended due to the potential for irritation or damage.
In summary, while geranium has a historical and traditional use for ear complaints, this practice lacks robust scientific validation, and the evidence is rated as 1 out of 5, based solely on anecdotal and traditional reports rather than clinical research.
Other ingredients used for Ear Infection or Earache
myrobalanbetel
blackberry
chamomile
Coptis chinensis
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
goldenseal
onion
Indian tinospora
mustard seed
oregano
plantain
rosemary
schizonepeta
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
xylitol
mullein
xanthium (cockleburs)
gastrodia
papaya
Indian bael
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
anise
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
myrrh
sweet flag
sweetgums
morinda
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
paw paw
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
Achyranthes
Anamu
Alchornea
Asafoetida
Aerva lanata
Alsonia scholaris
Asteracea
Abuta
Amor seco
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bombax
Bergenia
Borneol
Coconut
Calendula
Cinnamomum
Calotropis gigantea
Cajuput
Centipeda
Calamus
Costus
Celosia
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Devil's Club
Erodium cicutarium
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Eugenol
Goldthread
Garlic
Little ironweed
Mallow
Poppy
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by geranium
AbrasionsAbscesses
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Anxiety
Arthritis
Athlete's Foot
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Fungal Infections
Gas and Bloating
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gonorrhea
Headache (general)
Hemorrhoids
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Injuries
Insect Repellant
Itching
Kidney Infection
Lice
Mastitis
Nervousness
Pain (general remedies for)
Poison Ivy or Oak
Rashes and Hives
Scratches and Abrasions