Ear, nose and orthopharynx

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Chapter 24 Ear, nose and orthopharynx

Infections of the ear, nose and throat are treated under medical supervision with antibiotics, but a number of soothing and antiseptic preparations from plant sources are available for use. Decongestants have already been discussed in Chapter 16.

The ear

Infections of the ear are treated with either topical or systemic antibiotics. However, the removal of wax from the ear is achieved with the aid of softening agents such as almond, arachis or olive oil (BNF), sometimes followed by ear syringing. For details of arachis oil, see Chapter 22.

Almond oil, Prunus amygdalus Batsch (Oleum amygdali)

Almond oil is obtained from the seed of Prunus amygdalus Batsch (Rosaceae). It is a fixed oil, also known as sweet almond oil, and consists of triglycerides, mainly triolein and trioleolinolein, together with fatty acids, including palmitic, lauric, myristic and oleic acids.

Olive oil, Olea europea L. (Oleum olivae)

Olive oil is expressed from the fruits of Olea europea L. (Oleaceae). Virgin (or cold-expressed) olive oil has a greenish tinge and is used as a food; refined oil is yellowish. Both have a characteristic odour. Olive oil is a fixed oil containing glycerides of oleic acid (about 70–80%), with smaller amounts of linoleic, palmitic and stearic acid glycerides.

The orthopharnyx

Simple oral and throat irritation can be treated with an antiinflammatory and antiseptic mouthwash, including the thymol type associated with a visit to the dentist. Many essential oils are used as oral antiseptics, deodorizers and antiinflammatory agents, including mint, clove, eucalyptus and lemon oils, as well as menthol and thymol. These can be incorporated into artificial saliva products, used for relieving dry mouth, which are composed of either animal mucins or hydroxymethoxycellulose derivatives.

Thymol

Thymol (Fig. 24.1) was originally extracted from thyme (Thymus spp.) and is present in many oils, including ajowan, but is now more easily synthesized chemically. It is antiseptic, deodorizing and antiinflammatory and is widely used in dental products (e.g. compound thymol glycerin). Thymol causes irritation in high concentrations when applied externally, and should not be swallowed in significant amounts. Normal doses associated with the herb do not normally cause problems.