Assessing the common ancient traditions prescribed by herbalists for otitis media treatment

Aims: Old traditions are still being practised by many people to cure illnesses.The aim of this research was to evaluate the natural oils activity used randomly by people to treat otitis media.Methodology and results: Thirteen samples from otitis media patients were collected from which 21 bacterial isolates were obtained.Two new species, Sphinomonas paucimobiles and Enterococcus faecium were found to cause otitis media infection.Five natural oils (olive, castor, bitter almond, black seed and garlic oils) were used.The results revealed that black seed oil was the only oil that showed inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion, significance and impact of study:The study showed that the oils used have failed to cure otitis media, with the exception of black seed oil against one isolate only.Based on the results of the present study, society should be aware that the physician is the only trusted medical source in charge.