| Antiseptic essential oils such as lavender and tea tree can be diluted in olive oil and rubbed around the outside of-never in-the ear and over the lymph nodes on the side of the neck. If the ear problem is caused by a throat infection, be sure to also use an antiseptic gargle. Hot compresses soothe pain in the ears. Always treat both ears, even if only one hurts, and continue treatment for several days after the pain is gone to make sure the condition does not return.
Aromatherapy Ear Rub
3 drops lavender
3 drops tea tree
6 drops Roman chamomile
1 ounce carrier oil
Rub around the ear and down the side of the neck. Apply one drop to a piece of cotton and place in the ear after application of the Herbal Ear Oil (below). For children use half this dilution (6 drops total of essential oil in 1 ounce carrier).
Garlic is antibacterial, eases the pain and inflammation of a simple ear infection, and is the remedy of choice for the fungal infection called "swimmer's ear," a condition that typically creates lots of itching.
Herbal Ear Oil
1/2 ounce each:
garlic-infused oil
calendula-infused oil
mullein blossom-infused oil
Use olive oil as the carrier for this infusion. Warm the oil before dropping it into the ear. Heat a spoon under hot water, dry it and drop the oil into the warm spoon; now draw the drops back into the dropper and place two drops in each ear.
For eye problems such as sties or inflammation, use a compress soaked in anti-inflammatory hydrosols such as lavender, chamomile or rose water, a popular eyewash in the Middle East. If hydrosols are not available, tea bags of chamomile or regular black tea provide a quick compress. Steep them in warm water for a few minutes, place a tea bag over each eye and cover with a cloth.
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Kathi Keville has studied herbs since 1969. Her attraction to fragrant plants led to an involvement in aromatherapy. Her other books include Herbs for Health and Healing; The Illustrated Encyclopedia of 
