mullein oil for earache

From time to time, I get a mild ear infection.  An itching sensation in the right ear, like ants, crawling about inside and a deep swelling feeling like a softball is trying to grow its way out of the side of my head.  The ear, nose and throat doctor suggested a drop of olive oil from time to time, but for the most part, these things are supposed to clear up on their own.  The olive oil helps a bit, but the sensation never really goes away.  I started looking for other solutions.

One day I found this ginormous plant growing in my field.  It had big fuzzy leaves and a five-foot-tall flower stock.  Could this be mullein?

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Yes!
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Meet mullein, a plant with many uses.  The leaves are dried for tea to treat respiratory distress or used fresh as cowboy toilet paper (but not both).  Parts of the plants are transformed into tinctures for addressing various issues, but in my case, I'm after the oil.  

​To make mullein blossom oil, we pluck the ripe flowers from the stock.  Place them in a jar and cover the flowers with olive oil then seal the jar with a lid.  I put the jar on my desk where I will see it, but out of the direct sun, and shake it at least twice a day.  After a week or two (depending on how many flowers I put in it), it's ready.  I strain the flowers and whenever my ear hurts, I put a drop or two in my ear. 

Mullein oil works wonders for the pain and itch.  I've also tried it on eczema and is quick to sooth the swelling.

I'm glad to have mullein  flowers again this year.  It's a biannual so I've only been getting blossom every other year.  I'll probably make an extra batch later in the summer to get me through next year.