How to Make Garlic Mullein Herbal Oil in the LEVO Machine
Garlic Mullein Oil is an excellent herbal remedy to make at the first signs of an ear infection. The problem is, this remedy is best used fresh, which means waiting 4-6 weeks using the folk method to infuse the oil isn’t really going to work. Using the LEVO machine, you can make this remedy quickly to have, right when you need it. I will also demonstrate another QUICK way to make garlic mullein oil if you do not have a LEVO machine.
Just a reminder that herbal remedies are REAL remedies. They work, but they can also interact with any over-the-counter or prescription medicines you may be taking. Always ask your medical professional before trying a new herbal remedy. I am NOT a medical professional. I just like to share what we use and love in my own home.
The Power of Garlic and Mullein
Garlic and mullein together are a strong remedy and have unique properties to aid in ear infections caused by congestion. In Herbs for Common Ailments, Rosemary Gladstar says that mullein flowers help fight infection and offer pain relief.
Garlic has both antiviral and antibacterial properties. Healthline offers several benefits of using garlic in the ear, but does suggest a few possible risks as well. First, do not use if you have a ruptured eardrum, and second, make sure to use sterile equipment so you don’t introduce harmful bacteria into the ear.
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Easy Sourcing for Garlic and Mullein
The best part about these herbs… they are easy to come across! Garlic can easily be purchased at your local grocery store and mullein is commonly found in the summer months in all 50 States in the U.S. Of course, if you cannot find mullein when you need it, you can easily order online from a reputable source such as Starwest Botanicals.
Listen to Episode 54 of The Homestead Challenge Podcast and join our community in gathering herbs to build up our herbal stash before cold and flu season hits.
Garlic Mullein Ear Oil Recipe
This garlic mullein ear oil recipe is quick and easy to make at home using a LEVO machine or the double boiler method. Make it fresh when you need it in just a few short hours to stop an ear infection when you first notice symptoms.
Ingredients
- 3 TBSP chopped fresh* garlic
- 3TBSP friend mullein (flowers are best, but I have used the leaf with good results).
- Olive oil to cover (at least 4oz)
*Please note, when making herbal oils, the rule of thumb is almost always to use dried herbs only. However, in this case, we use fresh garlic to maximize the herbal benefits. Because of this, it is best to store it in the fridge.
Tools
- 4oz dropper bottle
- small funnel
- LEVO machine OR double boiler
- Small strainer if using double boiler
Recipe
Preparation
- Chop the fresh garlic cloves finely and measure out 3 tablespoons.
- Measure out 3 tablespoons of dried mullein flowers.
Double Boiler Method
- Fill the bottom pot of the double boiler with about 2 inches of water.
- Place the top pot or a heat-safe glass bowl over the bottom pot. Pour the olive oil into the top pot or bowl.
- Add the chopped garlic and mullein flowers to the oil.
- Gently heat the mixture on low heat. Ensure the water in the bottom pot does not touch the bottom of the top pot or bowl.
- Maintain a low heat and let the oil infuse for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure an even infusion and prevent the herbs from sticking to the bottom.
- After 2 hours, remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Place a cheesecloth or fine strainer over a clean, dry bowl.
- Pour the infused oil through the cheesecloth to strain out the garlic and mullein flowers.
- Squeeze the cheesecloth to extract as much oil as possible.
LEVO Method
- Add the chopped garlic and mullein flowers into the herb pod of the LEVO machine.
Place the herb pod into the LEVO machine. - Put the machine on the activate setting at the lowest temperature possible (200F).
- Once activation is complete, pour the olive oil into the reservoir of the LEVO machine.
- Set the temperature to 160°F (70°C) and the time for 3-4 hours.
- Start the machine and let it infuse the oil with the herbs.
- Once the infusion process is complete, the LEVO machine will automatically strain the oil when you dispense into your dropper bottle. I used a funnel in case my aim was off.
How to Use Your Garlic Mullein Ear Oil
Garlic Mullein Ear Oil Dosage
Garlic Mullein ear oil is best used fresh at body temperature. To use, warm in a glass cup of hot water for a few minutes. For kids 10 and under, use 2 drops, 2-3 times per day. Over the age of 10, use 2-3 drops, 2-3 times per day. Try to lay on your side to let it soak in. You should have a towel on hand as if it drips out, it may cause oil stains on clothing.
How to Store Garlic Mullein Ear Oil
Store for up to 6 months in the refrigerator. While this product does not HAVE to be refrigerated, it is highly recommended to keep as fresh as possible as well as to reduce the risk of botulism. I recommend making small batches at a time.
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Final Thoughts on the LEVO Machine
Please note, this article is not sponsored by LEVO (but I did add in some affiliate links). I recently bought this machine to speed up my herbal oil process and to make a more consistent product. So far, I’m loving it! I do feel like my oils are not quite as strong, but I don’t mind considering the fact that the “set it and forget it” buttons make this sustainable for my busy lifestyle. Feel free to DM me on Instagram with any questions on it.
About the Author:
I’m Brittany, totally modern and mainstream turned crunchy mama!
Read more here about how I went from a totally incompetent cook and hyper-consumer to striving to live a more meaningful life from scratch.
I can’t wait to share my modern homesteading journey with you and I hope I inspire you to join along!