Clove oil is derived from the clove bud, which is used as a spice in all Indian homes. When the clove buds are distilled, clove oil is extracted from them (1).
Clove oil is rich in calcium, iron, sodium, phosphorous, potassium and vitamins A and C. Clove oil is known for its antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral and stimulating properties. Clove oil is also known as ‘Laung ka Tel’ in Hindi, ‘Lavangam Nune’ in Telugu, and ‘Kirambu Tailam’ in Tamil.
Clove oil is an ancient home remedy for dental care due to its germicidal properties. Clove oil is added in many dental products like mouth wash and toothpaste. It is very effective for relieving dental pain, mouth ulcers, tooth ache and sore gums.
The strong smell of cloves removes bad breath and eases throat pain. Dilute 4 drops of clove oil in a cup of warm water. Use this to gargle daily twice a day for instant relief 2).
However, you should be careful as excessive clove oil can cause burns.
Clove oil is widely popular for its antiseptic properties (3). It is used for wounds, cuts, fungal infections, prickly heat, and athlete’s foot. One can also use it for curing insect bites and nettle stings. Dilute the clove oil by adding carrier oils like almond oil or coconut oil.
However, people with sensitive skin should not use clove oil as it may cause burns.
Many of the acne-fighting skin creams and lotions contain harsh chemicals which may work but have various side effects. Clove is quite effective for curing acne as it contains a compound “eugenol”, which has anti-bacterial properties. It can clear cystic acne and kill the infections, thus reducing swelling (4).
Add 2-3 drops of pure clove oil in your skin cream or lotion and use it regularly, specially on the target areas. This would drastically reduce the appearance of acne but you should be very careful with the amount of clove oil used.
Traditionally in India, people used to indulge in special clove oil massages to relieve stress and pain. Clove oil has aphrodisiac qualities which act as stress busters (5). It reduces mental exhaustion, fatigue, anxiety, and tensions as it has a relaxing effect on the mind.
Since clove oil has a soothing effect on the mind and the body, it is also very helpful for curing headaches (6). In 1 teaspoon of sea salt, add 2 teaspoons of almond or coconut oil and 2-3 drops of clove oil. Combine well and use it to massage the forehead. It gives instant cooling and provides relief from headache.
I am sure many of our mothers must have told us to chew a clove pod to cure a sore throat. It is because clove oil has a cooling and anti-inflammatory effect on the nasal cavity and the throat. It helps in clearing the nasal passage and thus, is useful for curing respiratory problems like cough, cold, sinusitis and asthma (7).
Is regular earache troubling you for a long time? Then try the clove oil home remedy to get instant relief from earaches. In 2 teaspoons of sesame oil, add 3-4 drops of pure clove oil and warm the mixture. Slowly apply this mixture inside your ears and keep for some time. This will provide you immediate soothing effect (8).
Do you know why clove is such an important spice in Indian dishes? It is because clove aids healthy digestion and provides relief from digestion-related problems like hiccups, motion sickness, indigestion and flatulence (9).
Studies have shown that pure clove oil maintains insulin levels in the blood and, thus, is useful in curing diabetes (10). It also strengthens the metabolism of the body by maintaining the blood circulation and thus reduces the body temperature. Clove oil also purifies the blood.
Clove oil is widely used as a massage oil and is added in many skin creams and lotions. It is also added in soaps due to its antiseptic property and soothing effect. Due to its characteristic aroma, it is also used in making perfumes (11).
If you are familiar with any other clove oil uses, do not forget to share them with us.