Clove oil is naturally extracted from clove flower buds; the oil has a strong fragrance and is dark brown in color. Clove oil is commonly used in aromatherapy, medicine, and also a flavoring oil, it contains a compound known as Eugenol. Eugenol acts as an anesthetic and antibacterial agent and is effective at combating several known oral bacteria. You can use this homemade oil as a natural home remedy for toothache, dry skin, hair fall, fatigue, boost the immune system, acne, and bad breath.
It is very easy to use cloves; you can use it whole by simply placing one on the affected part of the body. You can grind them into a smooth powder and used it for cooking or making essential oil.
Table of Contents
Other names of the clove plant
Clove oil is known by the following names: Bourgeon Floral de Clou de Girofle, Bouton Floral de Clou de Girofle, Caryophylli Flos, Clavo de Olor, Clous de Girolfe, Ding Xiang, Feuille de Clou de Girofle, Fleur de Clou de Girofle, Flores Caryophylli, Gewurznelken Nagelein, Girofle, Giroflier, Huile de Clou de Girofle, Kreteks, Lavang, Lavanga, or Tige de Clou de Girofle.
Uses and health benefits
- Traditionally, clove oil is a natural remedy for toothache; to treat toothache with this oil, dip a cotton bud into the oil, and place it at the affected tooth.
- This natural oil has antimicrobial properties and therefore can help destroy bacteria; it is effective in treating skin infections such as ringworms or acne.
- It can help relieve inflammation therefore it is effective in treating muscle pains.
- To thicken your hair, you can try using this oil on your hair; it helps to stimulate the hair follicles and improve hair growth.
- This oil is very helpful in treating digestive problems such as stomach upset.
- You can add a few drops of clove oil to your tea and drink or simply combine clove with ginger to make ginger tea, it helps in relieving respiratory conditions like cough and asthma.
- Other uses of this oil that have not been proven by research include its ability to reduce symptoms of a “dry socket” after oral surgery.
How to use clove oil
- You can simply apply clove oil at the affected part, whether it is on painful teeth or at a sprained muscle, it can be inhaled when mixed with hot water. The steam can be inhaled to treat cough, cold, flu, or asthma (generally effective for respiratory problems). You can rub it on your body to repel mosquitoes, this will only work for 5 hours.
- Clove oil is very potent and is not recommended for children as it can lead to severe side effects such as liver problem and seizures
- Do not use this oil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as it can slow down blood clotting and therefore results in bleeding.
- Keep in mind children should not take clove oil via the mouth as it can cause severe side effects like seizures as it contains eugenol, which slows blood clotting.
Where to buy clove oil
It is very easy to order clove oil online alternatively, you can buy it from pharmacies, chemists, supermarkets, and health food shops near you. However, you can simply make your own homemade clove oil using cloves and carrier oil, any good oil like olive, almond or coconut oil can be used for this. Below is the video on how to make clove oil at home, also, you can see the steps below.
How to make clove oil at home
- Measure 3 tablespoons of dried clove into a mortar; crush the seeds using a pestle and then transfer into a small glass jar.
- Add olive oil or coconut oil to reach the middle of the jar. The oil should be enough to last you for a couple of weeks.
- When done, close the lid of the bottle and shake it gently to mix the content appropriately.
- Place the jar on a sunny window, and make sure to shake it every day to infuse the oil.
- At the end of the seventh day, you will notice the oil has taken over the fragrance and the color of the cloves; shake it one more time to mix it up.
- Open the jar and pass the oil through a strainer to collect the clove residues.
- Transfer the oil into an airtight container and store it; you can use it as a temporary remedy for toothache, painful gum, acne, or any inflammatory conditions.
Disclaimer:
Repeated use of clove oil on the gum or mouth could result in irritation, sensitivity; it may cause damage to the mucous membranes. Therefore, it is best you consult your doctor or dentist first before using clove oil on any part of your body.