Nature’s Remedy: How to Use Honey for Ear Infections and the Benefits of Manuka Honey Ear Drops

Health Mar 13, 2025 13 Add to Reading List

Ear infections can leave you feeling miserable, whether you’re dealing with constant pain, pressure, or even drainage from the ear. While traditional treatments like antibiotics are often used, there’s a natural, effective alternative that’s been around for centuries—honey. Yes, honey! Not just any honey, but the unique and powerful manuka honey.

If you’ve ever wondered how to use honey for ear infection, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll dive into the benefits of honey, specifically manuka honey ear drops, and show you how you can harness the healing powers of nature to treat ear infections safely and effectively.

Why Honey for Ear Infections?

When most people think of honey, they think of it as a sweet addition to tea or toast. But honey—especially manuka honey—has long been revered for its medicinal properties. It’s packed with natural compounds like methylglyoxal (MGO), which give it strong antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. These qualities make manuka honey an excellent remedy for ear infections, which are often caused by bacteria.

So, how exactly does honey help with ear infections? When applied topically or used in ear drops, honey works to:

Fight Bacterial Infections: Honey is a natural antibiotic that helps target and kill the bacteria responsible for causing ear infections. The antibacterial action of manuka honey is especially powerful, thanks to its high MGO content.
Reduce Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of honey can help reduce swelling and relieve the pain and discomfort associated with ear infections.
Promote Healing: Honey has been used for centuries to help wounds heal faster. When applied to the affected area, it can speed up the healing process and help repair damaged tissues in the ear canal.

The Benefits of Manuka Honey for Ear Infections

When it comes to using honey for ear infections, manuka honey is the go-to choice. Unlike regular honey, manuka honey comes from the nectar of the Leptospermum Scoparium plant, which grows in New Zealand and parts of Australia. This honey is known for its higher concentrations of MGO, making it a stronger antimicrobial agent than other types of honey.

Here’s why manuka honey ear drops are so effective for treating ear infections:

Stronger Antibacterial Properties: The high MGO content in manuka honey gives it superior antibacterial properties. This makes it effective against the common bacteria that cause ear infections, including Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae.
Natural Pain Relief: Along with its antibacterial properties, manuka honey’s soothing nature helps reduce pain and discomfort, which can be a major relief when dealing with the constant irritation of an ear infection.
Healing and Regeneration: Manuka honey can help promote tissue regeneration, which is especially helpful in cases where the infection has caused any damage to the ear canal or eardrum.

How to Use Honey for Ear Infection: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re wondering how to use honey for ear infection, there are a few different ways you can apply this natural remedy. Let’s take a look at some of the best methods:

1. Manuka Honey Ear Drops

One of the most effective ways to use manuka honey for ear infections is through ear drops. Manuka honey ear drops are designed to deliver the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits directly to the site of the infection. If you’re dealing with an ear infection, these drops can provide fast relief and promote healing.

How to use it:

Purchase manuka honey ear drops from a reputable brand that offers UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) certification. This ensures the honey is genuine and potent.
Gently warm the ear drops to body temperature. Never use drops that are too hot, as this can cause further irritation.
Lie on your side with the infected ear facing upward.
Using a clean dropper, place 3-4 drops of the manuka honey solution into the affected ear.
Stay in the same position for 5-10 minutes to allow the honey to penetrate the ear canal.
Sit up and gently tilt your head to allow the excess liquid to drain out.

For best results, use manuka honey ear drops 2-3 times a day until symptoms improve.

2. Manuka Honey and Olive Oil Mixture

If you don’t have ear drops available, you can make your own honey ear solution at home by mixing manuka honey with olive oil. Olive oil not only helps to soothe the ear canal, but it also softens earwax and provides additional moisture to the area.

How to use it:

Mix 1 teaspoon of manuka honey with 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a small container.
Warm the mixture slightly to body temperature, but be sure it’s not too hot.
Use a clean dropper to place 3-4 drops of the honey-oil mixture into the infected ear.
Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before tilting your head to drain the solution out.

This remedy provides the healing benefits of manuka honey combined with the soothing effects of olive oil.

3. Topical Application Around the Ear

If you prefer not to put anything inside your ear canal, you can still enjoy the benefits of manuka honey by applying it to the outside of the ear. This method can help reduce pain and swelling around the ear canal and promote healing without the need for drops.

How to use it:

Apply a thin layer of manuka honey to the outer ear and the skin around the ear canal.
Gently massage the honey into the skin and leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
Rinse off with warm water.

This method is perfect for mild ear infections or if you’re looking for a gentle way to relieve symptoms without directly treating the inner ear.

How Often Should You Use Honey for Ear Infection?

When using manuka honey for ear infections, consistency is key. For mild infections, applying honey 2-3 times a day should help alleviate symptoms and promote healing. For more severe or persistent infections, you may want to increase the frequency of application, but always consult with a healthcare professional if symptoms don’t improve after a few days or if they worsen.

Remember, while manuka honey is incredibly effective, it may take a little time to see significant improvement. If your ear infection is accompanied by severe pain, fever, or discharge, it’s important to seek medical attention as it may indicate a more serious condition.

When to Seek Medical Help

While manuka honey can be an excellent natural remedy for ear infections, it’s important to be aware of when medical attention is necessary. Here are some signs that you should consult a healthcare professional:

Persistent Pain: If the pain doesn’t subside after a few days of using honey or worsens, it’s time to see a doctor.
Severe Fever: A high fever may indicate a more serious infection that requires medical treatment.
Hearing Loss: If you experience hearing loss or a sensation of fullness in the ear, it’s essential to get checked out by a healthcare provider.
Thick Discharge: If you notice a thick, pus-like discharge from the ear, seek medical help immediately.

Conclusion:

Using manuka honey as a natural remedy for ear infections is a gentle, effective way to relieve pain and speed up the healing process. Whether you use manuka honey ear drops, a honey-olive oil mixture, or apply honey topically, this natural remedy offers many benefits without the side effects of traditional medications.

Next time you find yourself dealing with an ear infection, consider trying manuka honey—nature’s sweet solution. It’s an easy, accessible remedy that may help restore comfort and health to your ears. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional.