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| The Herb Emporium: Clove Oil (Syzygium aromaticum) |
By Candace Booth, ND, PhD, CNC, SHC
It is recommended that you speak with a knowledgeable health
professional before using any herbal remedy.
Clove is used as a domestic spice worldwide, but oil of clove also
has extensive healing qualities. The health benefits of clove oil
can be attributed to its antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, anti-
inflammatory, and immune-stimulating properties.
Clove bud essential oil contains phenol eugenol, a power anti-
inflammatory agent that is strongly anesthetic. Eugenol inhibits
prostaglandin E (PGE) synthesis, which creates pain.1 This
action has made clove oil popular for pain relief from tooth aches,
mouth ulcers and sore gums.
Gargles made from diluted clove oil help in easing the throat.
The characteristic smell of clove oil also helps remove bad
breath. As a result, clove oil is added to numerous dental
products and medications including mouth washes and tooth
pastes. Dentists mix clove oil with zinc oxide and prepare a
temporary white filling material for a root canal.1
Clove is also a great antiseptic against bacterial and viral
infections, wounds, cuts, burns, fungal infections, athlete’s foot,
etc. Use the oil in diluted form for these problems but avoid using
it on sensitive skin.
Clove oil can be used as an inhalant for various respiratory
problems such as cold, cough, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis and
tuberculosis. We have all suffered anxiety from knowing we are
breathing the recycled air in an airplane filled with all sorts of
pathogens from coughing, sniffling passengers. I have taught
people for years to put a few drops of clove oil on the wrist or a
hankie and sniff it intermittently when flying.
Clove oil can even help headache pain. When mixed with salt
and applied to the forehead, clove oil provides a cooling effect
that relieves headache pain. If you suffer from insomnia, put two
or three drops on your “third eye” (the middle of your forehead)
before bed.2
References
Lawless, J. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils. England, Element
Books, Limited, 1995, p. 223.
Buckle, RGN, Clinical Aromatherapy in Nursing. San Diego, CA, Singular
Publishing Group, 1997, p. 58.
[Ed. Note: Candace Booth has a natural health practice in Tavares, Florida
where she offers consultations in nutrition and overcoming disease
symptoms with natural healing remedies.
