Clove is an evergreen tree, which produces a flower bud that has numerous medicinal properties. It is often referred as clove bud. Clove bud has a shaft and a head and hence it has the Latin name clavus meaning nail. Clove was extensively used in the ancient Indian and Chinese civilizations and it spread to other parts of the world, including Europe, during the seventh and eight centuries.
Clove is rich in minerals such as calcium, hydrochloric acid, iron, phosphorous, sodium, potassium, and vitamin A and vitamin C. The health benefits of clove oil include the following:
Dental Care: The most prominent use of clove oil is in dental care. The germicidal properties of the oil make it very effective for relieving dental pain, tooth ache, sore gums and mouth ulcers. Clove oil contains the compound eugenol, which has been used in dentistry since numerous years. Gargles with diluted clove oil help in easing the throat. The characteristic smell of clove oil helps in removing bad breath. Clove is also effective against cavities. Traditionally, in India, clove oil was added to a small cotton ball and put at the end of the tooth which has cavity daily before sleeping. The cavity would vanish in a few days. As a result, clove oil is added to numerous dental products and medications, including, mouth wash and tooth pastes. Dentists also mix clove oil with zinc oxide and prepare a white filling material as a temporary alternative to root canal. Take care, clove oil is very strong and can cause burns to your mouth.
Infections: Due to its antiseptic properties, clove oil is useful for wound, cuts, scabies, athlete’s foot, fungal infections, bruises, prickly heat, etc. It can also be used for treating insect bites and stings. Clove oil is very strong in nature and hence should be used in diluted form. Further, it should not be used on sensitive skin.
Skin Care: Clove oil is often recommended for skin care, especially to acne patients.
Stress: Clove oil is aphrodisiac in nature and hence serves as an excellent stress reliever. It has a stimulating effect on the mind and removes mental exhaustion and fatigue. When taken internally, in appropriate amounts, it refreshes the mind. Clove oil also induces sleep and is helpful to insomnia patients. It is useful for treating mental problems such as loss of memory, depression and anxiety.
Headache: Clove oil when mixed with salt, and applied on the forehead, gives a cooling effect and helps in getting relief from headache.
Respiratory Problems: Clove oil has a cooling and anti inflammatory effect, and thereby clears the nasal passage. This expectorant is useful in various respiratory disorders including coughs, colds, bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, and tuberculosis. Chewing a clove bud eases sore throats.
Earache: A mixture of warm clove oil and sesame oil is a good remedy for earaches.
Indigestion: Clove oil is effective in stomach related problems such as hiccups, indigestion, motion sickness, and flatulence. Hence, clove one of the important spices added in Indian dishes.
Nausea: Clove oil is helpful in case of nausea and vomiting and is often used for pregnancy related vomiting.
Blood Circulation: Clove oil is increases your body metabolism by increasing blood circulation and reducing body temperature.
Blood Purification: Clove oil also helps in purifying the blood.
Diabetes: Along with blood purification, clove oil also helps in controlling the blood sugar levels and hence is useful to diabetics.
Immune System: Both clove and clove oil are useful for boosting the immune system. Its antiviral properties and ability to purify blood increases your resistance to diseases.
Premature Ejaculation: Research has indicated that clove can be useful for treating premature ejaculation. Further research needs to be carried out to confirm these results.
Cholera: It is believed that clove oil is useful for treating cholera.
Sty: Clove and clove oil is a very effective home remedy for treating sty. Sty is an inflammation on the eyelash and is a very irritating condition. Sty is not only painful, but also causes difficulty in the proper functioning of the eye.
Be careful while using clove oil. Clove oil is strong in nature and hence should be diluted before application.
Therapeutic uses:
Airborne bacteria, arthritis, asthma, bad breath, bronchitis, burns and cuts, chest infections, colds and chills, diarrhea, exhaustion, flu, muscle pain or spasms, nausea, toothache, rheumatism, stress, tired limbs and warts.
Essential Oil Applications:
To fight against airborne bacteria, use 2-3 drops in a diffuser.
For arthritis, muscle spasms, and rheumatism, add 1 drop to 1 ounce of carrier oil and massage on affected areas.
For asthma, bronchitis, chest infections, and other respiratory problems, use 2-3 drops in a steam inhalation. Can also use a few drops in a diffuser.
For burns, cuts, and warts, mix 2-3 drops to 1 ounce of carrier oil and dab on affected area.
For colds, chills, and flu, add 2-3 drops to 1 ounce of carrier oil and massage on chest.
To help with diarrhea, use 2-3 drops in 1 ounce of carrier oil and massage on lower back and abdomen.
To help alleviate exhaustion, stress, and to strengthen mental function, add 2-3 drops in a diffuser. Can also add 2-3 drops to 1 ounce of carrier oil and massage on body.
As a mouthwash to help knock out bad breath, dilute in water or clear alcohol (1% clove oil). Swish in mouth, spit out, and rinse with water.
For toothache, put 2-3 drops on a cotton swab and place directly on tooth. Can also add 1 drop to 1 ounce of carrier oil, and massage into jaw line.