Description

Clove bud – Eugenia caryophyllata – has been used for centuries for various applications including cooking and is derived from a plant that originally comes from India. The oil is cold pressed from the leaf, dried flower buds and stems from the aromatic plant. It is usually a light yellow colour and has a strong, spicy aroma and has been used in a variety of applications. The health benefits of Clove oil lie in its high anti-microbial, anti-fungal, antiseptic, antiviral and stimulating qualities.

Studies have indicated successful use of Clove Oil against fungi isolated from air.

Eugenol, a major component of Clove oil was used in this study to indicate successful treatment of candida. Clove oil was found the most effective stopping the growth of a range of fungi coming from the environment.

In a study done in 2005 it was found that eugenol had the ability to kill yeast infections, mostly known as Candida albicans, in culture and in a rat model. Candida albicans can cause various yeast infections like athlete’s foot, vaginal yeast infections and even oral thrush.

You can find more information and studies on clove oil at healthline.com

Clove oil gained popularity since the 1700 and according to Dr Ahutosh Gautam (an Ayurveda expert)

“Clove oil is one of the richest sources of antioxidants. In aromatherapy, it is used as an antiseptic and pain reliever especially for toothaches and stomach pain.  It is often mixed with other oils to treat various disorders. For instance, those who have troubled sleep can apply some warm clove oil along with sesame oil on the forehead to feel calm and relaxed.”

So what benefit can one get from Clove oil?

• Cloves work amazingly for toothache, dental pain, sore gums and mouth ulcers. You may find that clove is an ingredient in your toothpaste. I simply put Clove oil on the outside of the jaw where the pain is because I find that it works wonderfully for me. Some people use Clove oil to combat bad breath by adding 4 drops of Clove oil to warm water and then gargle with it. Dentists often use Clove oil as it contains Eugenol with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities. Clove oil also has sedative qualities. Bite a clove leaf/bud between your teeth when you have tooth ache and have to wait for treatment – it’s great when you reduce that kind of pain! Some use it to soothe teething time for babies – take special care though – a little does a lot. In this study it was found that Clove Oil is highly effective at inhibiting organisms that cause cavities.
• It not only soothes toothache but ear ache too. Personally I only apply it on the outside of the ear and gently massage. One can dilute a few drops of Clove oil in a carrier oil like grapeseed oil, add a few drops to a little ball of cotton wool and insert it in the ear carefully too. Hmmm, soothing.
• Clove bud – Eugenia caryophyllata is a major component of Defensor™ because it works wonders for the immune system. We all know that antioxidants scavenge free radicals that cause heart disease and cancer – Clove oil obviously contains antioxidants. In fact Clove bud oil contains compounds that help increase the white blood cell count which in turn boosts the immune system.
• Clove oil is powerful and should never be used directly on the skin. Be sure to use it with a carrier oil or in a blend that is diluted with a carrier oil for eg in Defensor™ – Immune Support Application Oil or Defensor™ – Total Body Protection. You can use this oil to treat cuts, wounds, insect bites, fungal infections and even stings. Lavender oil is good for this too, especially with children.
• The flavonoids in Clove oil have anti-inflammatory properties. This is effective with headaches. You can either mix a few drops of Clove oil with salt and apply it to your forehead for instant relief. Or simply use Defensor™ – Immune Support Application Oil as is on the temples (I have found it effective on the temples).  Clove oil is excellent for pain relief in joints and muscles too.
• A compound called Eugenol is found in Clove oil which has anti-bacterial properties. It is very effective for one’s skin and can help reduce acne as it clears the bacteria and reduces inflammation.
• Clove oil has an exfoliating effect and stimulates blood flow to the skin reducing wrinkles, sagging, puffy skin and baggy eyes. A wonderful anti-aging quality reviving the youthfulness of your skin. It can effectively reduce and prevent bedsores from getting worse.
• With its stimulating qualities Clove oil is an excellent application for youthful hair because it brings good blood circulation to the scalp. It reduces hair fall and promotes hair growth. To treat dry and brittle hair, add a few drops of Clove oil to grapeseed oil or olive oil and apply to the hair as a conditioner. Wrap a warm towel around your head and enjoy the fragrance while you allow half an hour for saturation. Rinse with cold water. A cold water rinse is excellent for hair as the follicles close and keep nourishment inside.
• Clove oil’s stimulating properties can help reduce stress, mental fatigue, anxiety and mental exhaustion.
• Again the stimulating properties of Clove oil reduces toxins in the blood and further improves and stimulates the immune system.
• I often use Clove bud – Eugenia caryophyllata oil to chase away all the mosquitoes in my room. When I burn Defensor™ Essential Oil using my diffusor in my room for a while before I go to sleep, I have a whole night of peaceful sleep.
• Indigestion can be very uncomfortable and Clove oil is an effective application for stomach related issues/problems including flatulence. Pregnant women can even use it to reduce nausea and morning sickness. (Take special care with pregnancy and essential oils. See our Safety Guidelines)
• Applying Clove Oil is a great way to soothe nerve pain.
• Surprisingly Clove is an effective weed killer! It is one of the primary active ingredients in weed killers on the market.
• Clove leaves or Clove oil can reduce horrible smells. Burn a clove scented oil after a fishy dinner and whallah – no unwanted smelliness hanging around. It is also a very good metal cleaner and brings a shine unmatched by any other.
• If you’ve been wondering what to do to bring back your sex-drive, a drop of Clove oil in your coffee can do the trick. A great way to increase your libido if you find the need to :-).
• AND my all time favourite: Clove oil is useful for diabetics! Because Diabetes weakens the immune system by destroying cells, especially pancreatic cells that are responsible for making insulin, the body struggles to function normally. Clove oil helps to maintain insulin levels. Within two hours after a meal your body’s insulin and glucose levels should have returned to normal. Clove oil assists with regulating these mechanisms. Clove oil is my favourite oil because of this use. Over 2 million people have died from diabetes per annum in some recent years. It’s a biggy.

Other than all these major benefits, Clove oil is a relaxing and beautiful aroma to have hanging around your dwelling.