Clove oil: three uses that you do not know yet

Cloves

You can find out what are the effects of clove oil as a home remedy.

What is clove oil?

Clove oil is made from the dried stems, flowers, and buds of cloves native to Southeast Asia. The precious essential oil is extracted from dried cloves using a special steam distillation process. This oil is not only aromatic. Because in addition to the spicy aroma and sweet and spicy taste, the oil mainly contains ingredients that offer us unexpected health support.

The main component of clove oil is eugenol, which can have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anesthetic and antibacterial effects. The substance is also found in basil, laurel and allspice, but up to 95 percent it is the most important component of clove oil. Here we reveal what clove oil can be used for besides flavouring.

3 ways to apply clove oil

Clove oil for toothache

Clove oil is an effective home remedy for toothache and gingivitis. Diluted as a mouthwash or as a diluted application for the topical treatment of inflammation, it can be effective against thrush and sometimes prevent the development of tooth decay. A number of studies have examined the effectiveness of clove oil as a home dental treatment. In a 2016 study, researchers found that clove oil worked better against mouth ulcers than other natural home remedies such as tea tree oil, ginger extract, eucalyptus oil, or green tea. Clove oil also has an anesthetic effect, so it can help relieve toothache. In a 2006 study, researchers found that clove oil appeared to have the same pain-relieving and anesthetic effects as the active ingredient benzocaine, which is commonly found in ointments used to locally numb mucous membranes.

Protection against mosquitoes and insects

Clove essential oil is a real terror for insects due to its intense aroma. In fact, a pot of diluted clove oil placed strategically in front of a window can deter mosquitoes and other unwelcome insects from entering uninvited. You can also mix a drop of clove essential oil with a skin care cream of your choice and apply it to the skin. This keeps mosquitoes away outdoors and protects you from itchy bites. If you have already been stung, clove oil can be applied to the sting in a diluted form due to the anesthetic effect previously mentioned. This will relieve the itching and prevent bacteria from infecting the bite.

Alternative treatment for respiratory infections

Clove oil can be used in many ways and can sometimes be effective against cold and flu viruses due to its antibiotic components. Antibacterial and antifungal effect can also be achieved using clove oil. In a 2018 study, researchers noted that clove oil can be very effective for respiratory conditions when taken diluted or added to steam inhalation. It was less effective than similar antibiotics. As an alternative, natural application, clove oil can be particularly beneficial when it comes to avoiding the emergence of multi-resistant pathogens.

Be careful when using it

Clove oil should never be used undiluted on the skin or mucous membranes. The essential oil is very irritating in its undiluted state and can damage nerves and tissue. Therefore, always mix the oil with enough water or apply it directly to the skin mixed with skin lotions in small doses. Very small amounts are also sufficient for inhalation. One drop per pint of water is already sufficient. Because the oil can sometimes have strong irritating effects, children and pregnant women should not use it.