Fact Check: Can pouring cow ghee into nose cure chronic earache? No

Hyderabad: Several social media users claim that putting a few drops of cow ghee through the nasal cavity can cure a severe earache.

Ghee is used in tandem with herbal medication as a part of Ayurveda, a centuries-old form of alternative medicine practiced in India. Beyond its believed spiritual and medicinal properties, ghee has recently gained traction as a healthier alternative to standard butter. However, while there is an increase in scientific studies confirming its health benefits, more research is needed.

But can ghee combat severe earache?

Fact Check

NewsMeter found the claim to be false.

According to a popular blog on Ayurvedic treatments, 'medicinal ghee/oil can be used to remove impurities and toxins from the entire body through specific cleanses, such as oil pulling, oil in ears and belly button, netra vasti (medicated ghee for eye purification) and, of course, nasya. Nasya is the application of medicated ghee up the nose to cleanse the nasal cavity of any impurities, and it is said to help with headaches, moisturize and lubricate the passageway and eliminate excess kapha.’ However, this blog does not talk about it being a cure for earache.

As we could not find any scientific evidence or research done on the nasal treatment for earache online, we contacted Dr Priyajeet Panigrahi, ENT Specialist to debunk the claim. He said, “Ghee contains lipids, mainly fatty acids both PUFA and SFA. Putting this into the nostrils may keep the nasal mucosa oily, to which the microorganisms can stick and be prevented from entering the body. However, it has no role in the treatment of any ear drum-related issues, rather if the oil gets stuck inside the eustachian tube it might lead to further blocking.

Hence, the claim that pouring cow ghee into the nose can cure earache is false.