What is sweet oil, and why has it been deemed “a success” on the Internet? What are its possible side effects, and what do medical experts think about its safety? About this article, let’s find out.
What is Sweet Oil?
Olive oil is one of the most popular oils because of its distinct taste. The oil can also be used for cooking, as it has a special quality that makes its dishes healthier and more flavorful. It has become popular as both a beauty product and health supplement as well.
Note: In commercial terms ‘sweet oil’ is often a blend of olive oil with almond or essential oils. Also, please don’t confuse sweet with sweet almond oil – this is oil from an unrelated plant!
Using Sweet Oil for Ears
The use of sweet oil in to combat earaches and ear infections is often suggested by herbalists and alternative medicine practitioners. However, there is limited scientific research on the subject.
Sweet Oil for Earache
Earaches are often associated with a dull or sharp pain in one or both of your ears, and for serious and prolonged cases, it is best to consult a doctor before resorting to home remedies. There are many possible causes associated with an earache, such as arthritis of the jaw, sinusitis, ear infection, an ear injury due to a change in air pressure or tooth infection.
Children with otitis media can also experience earaches due to irritation from cotton-tipped swabs or soap in the ear. For children experiencing mild ear pain, there is one clinical trial that found that sweet-oil could be used as you would use conventional drops — though further studies have since been inconclusive.
Sweet Oil for an Ear Infection
Ear infections occur due to viral and bacterial infection in the middle ear. They are most common in children but can occur in adults, especially if they’ve been exposed to a virus on the same day they develop an ear infection.
While some ear infections get better on their own, others require medical intervention with antibiotic or antiviral therapy.
There is some evidence that adding drops of sweet oil may reduce the pain associated with ear infections in children, although this has not yet been scientifically tested. To deal with pain from an infection, we recommend talking with your doctor first, rather than trying out a DIY remedy.
Sweet Oil for Earwax
Earwax is a naturally occurring substance that helps to protect your ears from water and infection. Slipping or getting entrapped ear wax can lead to dented or crushed eardrums, sticky itching, and other unpleasant symptoms. Most people will use cotton swabs to remove excess product effectively. But the issue with this method is that it pushes the stuff further into your ear canal leaving some of it trapped. The most common way prescribed by doctors for removing excess wax is the use of triethanolamine polypeptide, more commonly known as cerumenex.
However, an article from McGovern Medical School in Texas suggests otherwise. They find olive oil and sweet oil as ineffective methods for removing earwax.
However, as soon as you notice any of these symptoms, it would be best if you see a doctor instead of using one of these methods that are likely to cause harm in your ears.
Where to Buy Sweet Oil?
A study published in the Food Microbiology journal suggests that even filtered olive oil may contain a certain amount of microorganisms.
If you’re using your own oil for earaches and infections, make sure to be mindful of the quality and get it from a reputable source. Ensure you sterilize any equipment that is used with this oil as well.
Many oils come with a limited shelf life, so do check the expiry date while you’re purchasing them. Sweet oil is regular olive oil, and it’s most popular for uses other than culinary. It can also be found in supermarkets or online stores.
