Evidence supporting the use of: Storax
For the health condition: Ear Infection or Earache
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Storax (also known as Styrax or liquidambar resin) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in regions such as the Middle East, Mediterranean, and parts of Asia. Historically, storax has been included as an ingredient in various topical formulations, including certain ear drops, intended to alleviate earache or mild ear infections. The rationale for its use stems from its aromatic, mildly antiseptic, and purported anti-inflammatory properties as recognized in pre-modern pharmacopeias and traditional medical texts. However, scientific validation of storax for ear infections or earaches is lacking; there are no modern clinical trials or robust pharmacological studies confirming its efficacy or safety for this indication. Most references to storax's use for ear conditions are found in historical or ethnobotanical sources, often alongside other herbs and resins. Contemporary medical guidelines do not recommend storax for any ear-related conditions. Its use today is rare and largely of historical interest. Thus, while the use of storax for earache has traditional precedent, the level of evidence supporting its efficacy is very low, and it should not be considered a validated or recommended treatment by modern standards.
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 Storax
Abdominal PainAnxiety
Asthma
Bites and Stings
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Dermatitis
Ear Infection or Earache
Eye Infections
Fungal Infections
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Itching Ears
Pain (general remedies for)
Rashes and Hives
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (infections)
Staph Infections
Ulcerations (external)
Wounds and Sores