What effect has clove oil?
Cloves are the dried flower buds of the clove tree. The main ingredient of clove oil is the essential oil eugenol. Its content is 75 to 85 percent.
Other constituents of cloves include flavonoids and tannins.
Overall, cloves have a germ-inhibiting (antiseptic), local anesthetic and antispasmodic effect.
What is clove oil used for?
Cloves have positive effects on health. Thus, the contained clove oil can be used as a traditional herbal medicine for mild inflammation of the mouth and throat, and provisionally for toothache caused by caries.
Medically recognized (based on many years of experience) is also used for chronic anal fissures. In addition, clove oil is used in dentistry to relieve local pain.
Other possible applications
Studies also found evidence that clove oil can relieve skin itching. In addition, cloves are said to be able to help with digestive problems. This is due to the antispasmodic effect of eugenol.
In vitro studies also showed that clove oil can kill cancer cells or stop their growth. However, further research is needed to investigate the anti-cancer properties of clove oil.
There is no scientific evidence that cloves have any effect in the following areas:
- Psyche
- Diabetes
- Blood pressure
- Hair loss
How are cloves used?
The clove oil and the eugenol isolated from it are used medicinally. Cloves themselves are also used as a home remedy.
Cloves as a home remedy
Clove tea (“clove tea”) is also said to be beneficial for stomach aches and colic. To make it, pour 150 milliliters of boiling water over two to three cloves and let the tea steep for ten minutes, covered.
To keep insects away, you can put clove oil in a fragrance lamp or place cotton balls soaked with it near you.
Home remedies based on medicinal plants have their limitations. If your symptoms persist for a long period of time, do not get better or even get worse despite treatment, you should always consult a doctor.
Application of clove oil
Even more effective than chewing on cloves, pure clove oil relieves toothache. To do so, apply the undiluted oil to the painful tooth area with a cotton ball or cotton swab.
To find out how to dose and use clove oil and clove oil mouthwash correctly, read the package leaflet or ask your doctor or pharmacist.
What side effects can cloves cause?
Undiluted clove oil can irritate the tissue and cause allergic skin or mucous membrane reactions. In this case, you should dilute the clove oil or stop the treatment.
Rarely, allergic reactions to clove oil may occur. If you are unsure, apply only a small amount at first – for example, to the underside of the arm. If no reddening of the skin occurs after a few hours, you can use the oil.
Avoid clove oil if you suffer from a blood clotting disorder or have had a major surgery recently. Clove oil is also not suitable for stomach ulcers.
If you take clove oil, it may interact with the following medications. These include:
- Anticoagulants
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
What you should consider when using clove oil!
There are still no studies on the safety of an application of clove oil during pregnancy and lactation.
The clove oil must not be used on small children under any circumstances!
How to obtain cloves and their products
You can get cloves in any grocery store. Clove oil and medicinal mouthwashes can be found at your local pharmacy or drugstore.
If possible, buy pure clove essential oil. Be sure to read the scientific name of the clove oil on the product: syzygium aromaticum. A synonym is Eugenia cariophylata.
Clove oil should also be in a dark bottle. The reason for this is that light damages essential oil.
What are cloves?
The clove tree, which grows up to 20 meters high, bears leathery, glossy leaves and whitish-pink flowers. The dried flower buds, which are sold as cloves, come from Madagascar, Sri Lanka and South America, for example. The clove oil usually comes from Madagascar, Indonesia and Tanzania.
If you rub a clove between your fingers, it gives off the typical aromatic clove scent. This is caused by the essential oil (clove oil, Caryophylli floris aetheroleum), which is also responsible for the healing effects.
Cloves are a popular kitchen spice. For example, they flavor gingerbread, fruit dishes, game dishes and mulled wine. Cloves are also found in powder form in various spice mixtures.
