Cloves are immensely popular for their culinary and medicinal properties. A common ingredient used in many households today, clove oil blends well with other essential oils such as sandalwood, lavender, lemon, jasmine and cedarwood. When used in the right quantities, this oil has a variety of health benefits to take advantage of, making it the perfect ingredient to be kept handy at home.
What Is Clove Oil?
Clove essential oil is extracted from the dried flower buds of the clove tree through the process of steam distillation and is rich in phenylpropanoids, in which eugenol is the main compound.
The other active constituents are cinnamaldehyde, thymol and carvacrol. Clove oil contains a spicy fragrance and is generally pale yellow to golden-brown in color.
Uses of Clove Essential Oil
Clove oil has plenty of uses such as the following:
- In aromatherapy
- As a massage oil to relieve stress and anxiety
- In blood thinning medication
- As a painkiller
- As an insect repellent
- As a flavoring agent in sauces, pickles and spices
- In cosmetics, lotions and creams
- In perfumes and soaps
- In dental care, mouthwashes and toothpaste
- As an anesthetic
The health benefits of clove oil can be attributed to its antiviral, stimulating, aphrodisiac, antimicrobial, anesthetic and antifungal properties.
Benefits of Clove Oil
The other health benefits include:
1. Increases blood circulation
Clove oil is rich in eugenol, a plant-derived compound, which helps stimulate blood circulation. This increased circulation promotes the oxygenation of blood and in turn, increases metabolism.
2. Prevents ulcers
The active component, eugenol, present in clove oil helps protect the digestive tract lining and prevent the occurrence of ulcers. Clove oil helps trigger the secretion of mucus, which is a gastro-protective factor in the body.
3. Aids digestion
Clove oil is rich in stomachic properties that help aid digestion and reduce stomach related disorders like flatulence, bloating gas and diarrhea. It also helps eliminate toxins from the body.
4. Treats acne
Clove oil has potent antimicrobial properties and is considered an effective treatment for acne. It also helps treat other skin infections, such as pimples, rashes, skin sores, impetigo and blisters.
5. Treats Candida infections
The bioactive compounds of clove oil, eugenol and carvacrol, possess antifungal and anticandidal properties that help treat candidiasis. This oil also kills intestinal parasites that can cause other stomach infections.
7. Alleviates teething pain
Clove oil is extensively used for dental care. It also has a miraculous property of relieving pain especially when it comes to teething.
This oil acts as a soothing balm that works to reduce the discomfort and pain in the gums that babies encounter due to teething.
8. Boosts heart health
Clove oil is known to be good for the heart for many reasons. The eugenol compound present in clove oil is known to dilate arteries and reduce blood pressure.
Clove oil also contains acetyl eugenol that acts as a platelet inhibitor and prevents the formation of blood clots.
Side Effects of Clove Oil
It is advisable to consult your doctor before including clove oil in your daily regimen.
- Pregnant and nursing mothers are advised not to consume or use clove oil.
- Since clove oil is a blood thinner, patients before a surgery should avoid consuming clove oil, as it can cause instant bleeding.
