Fact Checkup
Home remedies
FC-0023 · Home remedies28 Sep 2026

Claim

For ear pain, warm mustard oil should be put into the ear.

VerdictFalse
Can be harmful

Checked against WHO, NHS

No. Putting warm mustard oil or any oil into the ear is not advised for ear pain. It can be unsafe and can delay proper care.

What experts say

  • Ear pain often comes from an ear infection, hard ear wax, or an injury to the ear.12
  • No oil or other fluid should be put inside the ear unless a doctor or health worker has prescribed it.12
  • Ear pain should not be treated with home remedies such as hot or cold oil, or with medicines that were not prescribed.1
  • Most earaches get better on their own, but medical help is needed if it does not improve in 2 to 3 days or if there are other worrying signs.2
  • Putting oil or other things into the ear is not safe; objects can push wax deeper, damage the eardrum, or cause infection.1

Why people believe it

Warm oil feels soothing, and many families have used it as a traditional remedy for ear pain. So it is easy to believe it will help.

What to do

  • Do not put oil or any fluid inside the ear.12
  • You can put a warm cloth on the ear from outside to ease the pain.2
  • A painkiller that is safe for you can help with the pain; ask a doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.2
  • See a doctor or health worker if the pain does not get better in 2 to 3 days, or sooner if you are worried.12

See a doctor if

  • Fluid or pus coming from the ear.12
  • Ear pain lasting more than 2 to 3 days or not improving.2
  • High fever, feeling very unwell, or swelling around the ear.2
  • Hearing loss or a change in hearing.12
  • Something stuck in the ear, or a child under 2 with pain in both ears.12

Sources

  1. 1Deafness and hearing loss: Ear carewho.int
  2. 2Earachenhs.uk

Updated 28 Sep 2026

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