Is it possible to make a candle out of ear wax

However, in reality, earwax can not produce a candle that's any good. This "myth" was attempted to be reproduced by the friendly gang of Mythbusters a serial show on Discovery Channel , episode air date: Dec 28, The earwax burned with some sparking and sputtering.

In the end, they attributed this poor result to the fact that the earwax material did not melt as smoothly as the paraffin. In a study published in the Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology , scientists noted the experience of a year-old women who came to an ear clinic because of pain inside her ear.

After doctors examined her, they found a yellowish mass in the ear canal. She mentioned that she had recently undergone an ear candling procedure at a massage center. Doctors determined the mass was formed from candlewax that had dropped into her ear. While there is no reliable evidence showing any benefits of ear candling, there is plenty showing its potential risks and harms. The U. Food and Drug Administration FDA has issued a warning to consumers and healthcare providers not to use ear candles because they can cause serious injuries, even when used according to directions.

The FDA adds that they have found no valid scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of ear candling. Instead, they have received reports of people who experienced these negative effects from using ear candles:. Ear candling can be especially dangerous for small children.

The FDA notes that children and babies are at increased risk of injuries and complications from ear candles. Although some people go through the process of ear candling without significant injury, the practice requires time and money. Ask your doctor about methods other than ear candling for removing wax buildup. Often, your doctor can arrange a flushing that can remove earwax. If you need more than this, you might try the following:. If you have any other problems with your ears, you should make an appointment with an otolaryngologist, a doctor who specializes in conditions of the ears, nose, and throat.

Ear candling is thought to remove earwax and treat health conditions. Wax is not dripped into the ear. People use ear candles to remove wax, improve hearing, and cure ear infection s. It can also do more harm than good. An ear candle is a hollow, cone-shaped piece of cotton soaked in beeswax, paraffin, or a mix of the two. The candle is about 10 inches long. Ear candling is usually done by an herbalist, massage therapist, or a beauty salon specialist.

You should never try it on yourself, even if you know how to use an ear candle. This will only increase your risk of injury. Generally, the candle is inserted through a foil or paper plate.

The plate is supposed to catch hot wax. The suction is supposed to pull earwax and debris into the candle. However, in , the U. Ear candling can also make earwax buildup even worse. The FDA reports that ear candles are associated with dangerous side effects. Ear candling increases the risk for the following accidents and issues:. The safest way to remove earwax is to see your doctor for a professional cleaning. Your doctor can clean your ears with:. You can also try home remedies for earwax removal.

These options are safer than ear candling:. It will indicate how many drops you should use and how long you should wait. Find ear wax removal drops for sale here. Some people use oil to soften earwax. What do experts say about ear candling? What are the dangers? Our ears naturally do a fair amount of cleaning, according to Dr.

About our Expert Dr. Physician Directory Search the Mass. Find a Doctor. Eye and Ear is now offering virtual visits to patients in Massachusetts. Learn More. Reply Cancel. Jen 1 year, 9 months ago Interesting article! Ryan Jaslow 1 year, 8 months ago Hi Jen, thanks so much for reading the post and your comment. Derek Smedley 9 months ago Tried the ear wax candles did absolutely nothing for me — put them in the bin. Ryan Jaslow 8 months, 1 week ago Hi Jean, thanks for reading.

J v 3 months ago I just discovered the fact that these candles do not work as I burnt one over the sink and the contents were the same as when I put one in my ear to draw out what I thought was ear wax, so it is obviously a con and you think it has drawn out ear wax when it is the wax from the candle having melted down into the bottom of the candle.