To make a small amount of oil, use 3-5 cloves and a few tablespoons of olive oil. You can also make larger batches with a large head of garlic and a cup of oil.
Place the garlic in a non aluminum pan (stainless, enamel, cast iron) on the lowest possible heat and add olive oil. Other liquid oils can be used but olive is preferred. No coconut please. The longer the better but simmer softly for at least an hour. If no rush leave the oil to simmer longer or turn off the heat and let garlic sit over night (I use cast iron and make this in the oven. Then it sits warm all night and is protected from dust.)
When done strain and squeeze out garlic by filtering it through a cloth. Pre-moisten cloth with oil if you make only a tiny batch to maximize your yield. Pour it into a dropper bottle ( if you strain directly into a measuring cup its easy to pour).
Store in refrigerator when not in use and it will last over a year. To use place bottle in a mug of hot water shaking periodically to warm. Test on your arm as you would a baby bottle prior to use. It should be warm not hot. Lie the head of the patient down with ear facing up. Place 1-3 drops in ear being careful not to touch dropper to ear. You can plug with cotton if desired after letting it sit in the ear a few minutes. Treat both ears even if only one hurts.
Note: NEVER place anything in ear if you see blood, pus, discharge or suspect rupture.
Other uses (besides salads): place in ears prior to swimming to avoid swimmers ear or water in ears; or use on cuts or scrapes.
