Clove Oil Uses

Native to the Indian subcontinent, clove is used widely world over as a spice for culinary practices. The clove is harvested from the evergreen green clove tree. It is basically a flower bud that turns a bright red from green. It generally reaches the height of 1.5 to 2 cm long before it is harvested. The clove has quite a pretty appearance with a long calyx, that spreads into four sepals with a small ball in the center. The cloves get an aromatic smell and flavor as they start to dry. Full of health benefits, clove oil uses are abundant. Cloves have antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, aphrodisiac and stimulating properties. It is a rich source of many vital vitamins and minerals; calcium, iron, phosphorus, hydrochloric acid, sodium, potassium, vitamin A and vitamin C. Clove Oil Facts Clove oil is extracted from its stem, leaves and buds. Water distillation is usually the process involved in extraction. The primary component of clove oil is eugenol; a member of class of chemical compounds. The oil is mostly colorless or a pale yellow. There are three types of clove oils. Stem Oil: Extracted from the stems and twigs. Leaf Oil: Extracted from the evergreen leaves of the clove plant. Bud Oil: Extracted from the clove's flower buds. Uses Of Clove Oil Clove oil properties make this a very popular essential oil in the preparation of many Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicines. Modern medicines too use this super oil for its painkilling and anti-bacterial qualities. So, if you want to know what is clove oil used for, scroll down. Dental Care: The adage, 'use clove oil for tooth pain' completely stands true. Clove oil's germicidal properties and the compound eugenol, helps relieve tooth pain, sore gums and mouth ulcers, while gargling eases throat ache. Placing a piece of soft cloth dipped in clove oil inside the tooth socket helps relieve pain and reduces the chances of inflammation. The pungent smell so characteristic of the clove oil is used for refreshing bad breath. Clove oil is a primary component used in many dental care products; mouth washes, tooth pastes, gargling solutions and tooth pain medications. Blood Purifier: Clove oil's antimicrobial and antiseptic properties help purify the blood by inhibiting the growth of infections. As it is a stimulant too, it is used in medications and herbal preparations to boost the metabolism and the immune system, by increasing blood circulation. Diabetics who use clove oil as a part of their treatment swear by its blood sugar controlling properties. Antiviral properties help keep infections and diseases at bay. Immune boosting and blood purifying syrups make use of clove oil in them. Skin Care: Clove oil's antiseptic and aromatic properties makes it a vital ingredient in many skin care products; cosmetic and reparative. Emollients and lotions make use of clove oil to heal and soothe skin conditions like cuts, bruises, wounds, prickly heat rashes, and a variety of fungal infections. The oil, when combined with other essential oils, can be used for massaging the skin. Acne is treated effectively with creams, face washes and soaps that make use of clove oil. A word of caution, as the oil is very strong, it should not be directly applied to the face, either dilute it or combine it with other oils. Being strong, improper use can cause dermatitis and can irritate the skin and its mucus membranes. Indigestion: One of the many clove oil uses includes its use for treating indigestion. Clove oil's analgesic and stimulating properties help in treatment of many stomach related conditions; motion sickness, indigestion, hiccups, flatulence and feeling of nausea and vomiting. To rule out indigestion, it is very widely used all over Asia as a culinary spice. Other Uses: A mix of some salt and clove oil drops helps relieve headaches. Warm clove oil dropped into the ears will ease earache. Clove oil when applied with a cotton swab on eyelashes will help to reduce sty inflammation and will help in healing the infection. People suffering from cough, colds, bronchitis, sinusitis and asthma can use clove oil infused in hot water to relieve nasal and chest congestion. Although clove oil uses are abundant and very effective, it is advisable to consult a doctor on its proper usage and dosage, especially when it has to be used by pregnant women and infants. And remember to always dilute the oil!

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