Clove oil is one of the most popular essential oils widely available in pharmacies and drugstores. Its smell is very distinctive and can evoke strong reactions - not only stimulating the mind and energizing the libido, but also almost immediate retreat reaction - of all nasty bugs - those visible and invisible. In this case, we have a really powerful ally in our arsenal.
The plant from which the oil is distilled originates in Indonesia, and now is widely cultivated in many countries with an equatorial climate due to its wealth of valuable ingredients. One of the most powerful is eugenol. It has strong analgesic, disinfecting, anti-inflammatory and even anti-cancer properties. Science confirms many traditional uses of clove essential oil.
Clove oil for Healthy Teeth
It is included in dental and oral hygiene products. It is widely used in dentistry as a component of many disinfectants and anesthetics. Dentists use the oil as part of the medications and agents for temporary tooth fillings, for example.
It can temporarily replace the dentist - it helps with toothache and inflammation. Use an ear bud stick for this, apply 1 drop and put it onto the aching tooth, without touching the gums, so as not to irritate the delicate skin.
If the problem is deeper, it is better to use a cotton ball soaked in a carrier oil
(sunflower oil or olive oil) and 1-2 drops of clove oil. Put it in the vicinity of the sick tooth.
Very often this method makes the toothache go away in just a few seconds. When it comes back apply another shot of clove oil. When the pain is unbearable and covers the entire jaw, you can combine two drops of essential oil with a teaspoon of olive oil or other oil and rinse your mouth. Absolutely do not swallow, and after spitting it out, do not eat or drink anything for at least half an hour.
Research shows that clove oil fights microbes that cause infection and tooth decay. Of course, we must know that this is a temporary solution and you should make an appointment with the dentist, anyway.
For recurring gum problems, you can rinse your mouth with a solution of 100 ml of water and a few drops of the clove oil. This rinsing solution will help remove inflammation and will refresh your breath. It is also an anti-cancer prevention in the oral cavity.
Clove oil is invaluable in the fight against bacteria and mycoses
Research suggests that its antibacterial abilities may be even better than that of some antibiotics. Inhalations help people with respiratory ailments, even pneumonia. Boil a cup of water, add a few drops, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the vapour for a couple of minutes, with your eyes closed.
It is worth trying the topical application of clove oil if you are suffering from any small body inflammation, instead of immediately reaching for antibiotics. A few drops and a bit of base oil are enough to apply to the skin, regularly throughout the day or at least in the mornings and evenings.
Clove oil is also one of the best antifungal medications. Helps to remove Candida albicans that cause athlete's foot, oral thrush or vaginal infections, among others.
Research studies have also shown that using clove oil is far more effective in treating hemorrhoids than using lignocaine creams and internal stool softeners.
For the above purposes, also use oil which has been diluted with the base oil. Coconut, almond and olive oil are very good, but remember that these should be cosmetic oils, not food oils! Apply regularly to the infected area on a tissue and massage gently into the skin.
Massage with Clove Essential Oil
A massage with a few drops of clove oil and base oil warms the skin, improves circulation and helps relieve pain and itching of various origins.
When massaged into the chest, it acts as an antiseptic, strengthens the immune system, helps fight infections, and clears the respiratory tract.
You can try it for headaches by gently massaging your temples with 1-2 drops of oil. Massaged onto the stomach, it helps to regulate the digestive process, relieves nausea, and abdominal pain. It can also raise the appetite when someone needs to (kids or the elderly).
This massage can also support the urinary tract, preventing urinary tract infections. There are reports that it can help regulate blood sugar and bad cholesterol levels but these may be far fetched. It can raise your libido and increase your sensuality, but that's an individual matter.
In addition, this massage destroys free radicals - the cause of many diseases and early signs of aging.
Of course, it is difficult to say whether massages can affect the prevention of cancer, especially of internal organs, because the tests were carried out in laboratory conditions. Nevertheless, they showed that clove oil is able to destroy cancer cells very quickly - in a direct reaction and on laboratory glass. Due to the fact that the oil must not be taken orally, it may be worth reaching for the clove spice and adding it more regularly to your meals.
However, it is worth checking whether the action of the oil can support any lesions on the skin, which may develop into something much more unpleasant. Just remember that the oil should be 100% natural, from a known, trusted source, and that it should be diluted according to the application - the further away from the face and mucous membranes, the more drops you can use. Everyone is different, so it's best to start with low doses and increase them gradually.
Effective air refreshment - and help for allergy, asthma, depression, and for smokers
If you spend your time mostly indoors - it is worth adding regularly the aroma of clove essential oil to the room. It cleans the air of bacteria, viruses and mites. So it makes life easier for all the people with allergies to dust or suffering from asthma. Spread in the air, clove oil vapour promotes better breathing.
You can add a few drops of another oil for this purpose, if the scent of clove is not very pleasant to you. I recommend citrus essential oils. Such an aroma mix improves the mood, acts as a mild antidepressant, stimulates the senses, and gives more energy.
The aroma of clove essential oil has an interesting plus point - discouraging cigarette smoking. It helps to reduce the desire to reach for a cigarette. While quitting smoking it also relieves the nervous tension that accompanies it.
Insect repellent
It is worth knowing that the smell of clove oil effectively repels flying and crawling insects. Mainly, it is a natural remedy against mosquitoes. It will also relieve pain from a bite and reduce skin inflammation.
Try different doses - the larger the room, the more diffusing power you need. You can use the spray every few hours and see if it works just as effectively. It certainly reduces the number of insects, and when used regularly, it can completely discourage them from visiting our home.
Clove oil for skin and hair care
It is suitable for the treatment of many skin inflammations, from acne to psoriatic lesions. Add a few drops of this essential oil to 100 ml of distilled water, hydrogen peroxide, rose water or neutral face cleansing oil. Wash your skin with this solution, preferably twice a day. You can add the oil to your favorite cream or balm and check its effects, in minor conditions.
Clove oil is also useful for the care of mature skin. It has anti-wrinkle and rejuvenating properties. As mentioned above - it slows down the aging process. It has an astringent, toning, nourishing and brightening effect on the skin, making the face look more fresh and smoother.
Hair that tends to dry out can benefit from clove oil. You can use a few drops in coconut oil for a hair mask. Try adding it to a shampoo or conditioner, as a quick use. It will make the scalp less flaky, will prevent dandruff and leave a feeling of pleasant coolness.
Clove oil as a perfume
I recommend making your own fragrance blends. Clove oil is one of the most interesting and basic elements in home-made perfumes.
Its spicy aroma lasts a long time, and when diluted with other oils, it strengthens their aroma, especially those with lower fragrances, allowing for the creation of interesting aroma notes.
You can use it in combination with citrus oils for refreshing, intensive effects. This combination is not only a perfume, but also an excellent mood uplifter, especially during autumn and winter mornings. The effect is immediate. It's like applying a liquid sun to brighten the mind!
Cautions
Clove oil is often recommended for aromatherapy baths. This shouldn't be recommended. Do not use it for bathing because it does not dissolve well in water. It may leave brown spots in the bathtub that are virtually impossible to remove.
Like all essential oils, it can cause allergic reactions, so before using it on the body, you should test a small piece of the skin. Do not use it for young children, chronically ill, or during pregnancy.