Are you suffering from an excruciating toothache? Are you experiencing a pounding headache? Are your joints aching? If so, consider trying out nature’s duct tape: Clove oil.
Clove oil is used in many medications, toothpastes, and professional grade anesthetics. Available behind the counter at most pharmacies, pure clove oil can be used to relieve many types of pain and digestive ailments. Usually sold in small vials, this natural oil extract is potent and highly effective in small doses. Like many other natural herbs and oils, clove oil can be dangerous or fatal when used improperly. Always check with a pharmacist or doctor before using clove oil.
Derived from the bud of the clove plant, clove oil contains a unique chemical known as eugenol. While eugenol has many health benefits, it is also the toxic component in clove oil. Eugenol is least prevalent in the bud of the plant, which is why clove oil is created from the bud. It’s beneficial to have a small amount of eugenol, but not too much.
Clove oil is used in commercial cosmetics, medicines, perfumes, and food. In fact, clove oil has long been used in medicine because of its multitude of treatment properties. Clove oil numbs nerve endings, kills parasite and fungus, and cleans wounds of bacterial debris. A natural solution to common ailments makes clove oil a popular essential oil in many countries throughout the world.
Clove Oil Properties:
- Anesthesia
- Antiseptic
- Antiparasitic.
- Antimicrobial
- Antifungal
- Antiviral
- Aphrodisiac
- Other stimulating properties
Clove Oil Safety
- Never swallow clove oil unless directed to do so by a physician.
- Clove oil can cause skin irritation – always use a 1% dilution.
- Use the smallest amount possible.
Topical Uses for Clove Oil
(Apply directly to the painful area.)
- Toothache
- Mouth ulcers
- Cold SoresFever Blisters
- Headache
- Joint Pain
- Insect bites
- Athletes foot
- Acne
Internal Uses
(Consult a physician.)
- Respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis.
- Sore throat – Chewing on a clove bud is said to help irritation in the throat.
- Cough – Clove oil numbs the throat, preventing the urge to cough.
- Congestion – Clove oil aroma can be inhaled and relieve congestion.
Other Uses
- Flatulence
- Blood Circulation
- Immune System Booster
Aside from preventable safety concerns, clove oil is well suited for applications from headache relief to aromatherapy. Using clove oil as a topical skin anesthetic is most common, but it can also help with colds, flu, and other respiratory issues. Inhaling the aroma of clove oil is a popular home remedy respiratory therapy. All topical applications should include 99% neutral oil (olive oil, vegetable oil, etc.) and 1% clove oil.
