Benefits of Clove Oil

Did you know that clove oil is one of the most popular and effective remedies in providing toothache pain relief? This is because it is a natural analgesic or pain killer.

The buds, leaves and twits of the clove plant or also known as syzygium aromaticum contain eugenol which is an essential oil. The aroma and healing effect of cloves come from eugenol. It is one of the main ingredients used in the popular Indonesian kretek or clove cigarettes. Beside eugenol, cloves contain flavonoids, oleanolic acid, stigmasterol, tannins and several other plant compounds.

Clove is used as natural expectorant. It has the ability to dissolve thick mucus from the lungs, bronchi, and trachea and get rid of the phlegm.

Clove oil is also a carminative. It is used to treat indigestion, upset stomach and may prevent intestinal gas or flatulence.

Cloves also have anti inflammatory and anti-microbial or antiseptic properties. It may provide pain relief for arthritis, sprains and rheumatism. It is used as a natural treatment for sore throat, mouth inflammation and diarrhea that is caused by food poisoning. Other uses of oil of clove include providing relief from nausea and vomiting.

It was used by the ancient Chinese to mask bad breath. Now, the oil of clove is added to some toothpaste to provide fresh breath and may provide relief for people with sensitive gums and teeth. The oil of clove is also used as an ingredient in certain perfumes such as Kouros by Yves Saint Laurent.

Clove may also help treat parasitic worms because it is a natural anthelmintic and is able to expel flukes, round worms and tapeworms. However, do not give clove oil to children who are below 5 years old.

A study was done to ascertain its effectiveness in treating premature ejaculation by applying clove bud extract plus several other herbs such as ginseng and cinnamon. The result found that clove has the potential to be effective but with the combination of other herbs.

Clove essential oil is used in aromatherapy to provide relief from congestion and respiratory problems. It may help people who suffer from asthma, bronchitis, flu and the common cold. It is also used as a remedy for anxiety and to fight fatigue.

Cloves can be taken internally or applied topically. When treating a tooth ache, you can apply it directly. As a topical application for other ailments, it is advisable to dilute the oil in water or with any carrier oil and then only apply, rub or massage the oil on the affected area.

To take it internally, you can add a few drops of oil of clove and dilute in water. To make your own clove tea using the whole clove buds, just use 2 or 3 of them. You can steep the whole buds in hot water or crush them first.

Even though there are quite a number of health benefits of clove, it is not recommended to take a high dosage. This is because eugenol may damage the kidney and liver. The US has banned clove cigarettes because some studies found that inhaling the cigarette smoke may cause breathing problems and lung infections.

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