Evidence supporting the use of: Myrrh
For the health condition: Ear Infection or Earache
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Myrrh has a long history of use in traditional medicine, including in the treatment of ear infections and earaches. Ancient medical texts from various cultures, particularly in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, describe using myrrh resin—often in the form of infusions, oils, or poultices—for its purported antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. The rationale behind myrrh's application for ear complaints stems from its known use as a remedy for wounds and infections, given its ability to inhibit bacterial and fungal growth in laboratory studies.
However, while myrrh is a staple in herbal and folk medicine for treating minor infections, there is scant direct scientific evidence supporting its efficacy or safety specifically for ear infections (otitis media or otitis externa) in humans. Most evidence is anecdotal or based on in vitro studies demonstrating activity against certain pathogens. There have been no robust clinical trials evaluating myrrh's effectiveness or safety profile when used in or around the ear. Modern medical guidelines do not recommend myrrh for ear infections, instead favoring evidence-based treatments such as antibiotics or analgesics as appropriate.
In summary, myrrh’s use for ear infections or earache is rooted primarily in tradition, with minimal scientific validation for this specific indication.
Other ingredients used for Ear Infection or Earache
AbutaAchyranthes
Aerva lanata
Alchornea
alpinia galangal
Alstonia scholaris
Amor seco
anamu
anise
asafoetida
Asteraceae
balsam
Barleria
Bergenia
betel
bishop\'s weed
bitter grass
blackberry
blackboard tree
Blepharis
Bombax
borneol
Butea monosperma
Caesalpinia crista
cajuput
calamus
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Celosia
Centipeda
chamomile
Cinnamomum
Clerodendrum indicum
coconut
Coptis chinensis
costus
devil\'s club
Didymocarpus
divi-divi
elephant\'s head
Erodium cicutarium
eucalyptus
eugenol
Euphorbia
ferula assafoetida
Ficus religiosa
Ficus simplicissima
fleabane
forsythia
garlic
garlic bulb
gastrodia
geranium
ginger
Gnaphalium
golden eardrops
goldenseal
goldthread
Guava
Hedychium spicatum
Helicteres isora
Indian bael
Indian coraltree
Indian tinospora
indigo leaves
labrador tea
Laggera pterodonta
Lantana camara
Lebbek
Lesser speargrass
Litsea
little ironweed
Lophira lanceolata
Lycopodium
mallow
Malva sylvestris
marigold
Marjoram
Marking Nut Tree
Matapalo Tree
Matico
melaleuca alternifolia
Morinda
Mullein
mustard seed
Myrobalan
Myrrh
Neem tree
Nimbidin
nut grass
onion
oregano
papaya
Patrinia
paw paw
Pentatropis capensis
Petiveria
Physalis angulata
Plantago
plantain
Plectranthus amboinicus
Pluchea
Plumbago zeylanica
poppy
Portulaca
Pulsatilla
Rhus coriaria
rosemary
rue
schizonepeta
Sensitive Plant
Sicklepod
Solanum indicum
Spanish Needle
Sphaeranthus indicus
Stereospermum
Storax
Streptococcus salivarius
sweet flag
sweetgums
Tamarind
thyme
Thymus
Tulbaghia
Vervain
Winter Savory
xanthium (cockleburs)
Yerba buena
zanthoxylum
Zedoary
Zingiberene
Other health conditions supported by Myrrh
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Afterbirth Pain
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Emphysema
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gonorrhea
Gout
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Injuries
Kidney Infection
Liver Detoxification
