If you’ve ever had an earache—or watched a child suffer through one—you know the desperation for quick relief. Alongside warm compresses and over-the-counter painkillers, you’ve probably heard the old home remedy: warm olive oil.

Use olive oil for pain relief while seeing a doctor for a proper diagnosis. For children under 2, always consult a pediatrician before putting anything in the ear.

But does it work? And more importantly, is it safe?