What Is Clove Oil?

Clove oil (Syzygium aromaticum) is an essential oil produced by the water or steam distillation of clove buds. Clove oil has been used throughout history for ailments such as toothaches, for massage blends, preventing plague and restoring appetite. The culinary uses of clove buds are also prominent and the smell of clove, orange and cinnamon remind us of the holidays.

Characteristics

• Clove oil conveys a warm, woody, sweet, spicy scent similar to cinnamon. Both in Indian curry and in a holiday ham glaze clove is recognizable and often used in small quantities due to its potent aroma.

History

• Clove oil dates back to 220 B.C., when it was used to sweeten the breath. During the Renaissance, cloves were used for their antiseptic qualities to prevent the spread of plague. Clove oil is often used in Oriental-inspired perfumery. Most notably, clove oil was and is a minor anesthetic used for dental purposes for mild toothaches and inflammation of the gums.

Therapeutic Functions

• Peter and Kate Damian, authors of "Aromatherapy Scent and Psyche" note that clove oil is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiparasitic, larvicidal and fungicide. It increases libido, kills scabies, helps expel intestinal worms and relieves flatulence. Jean Valnet, M.D., states in her book "The Practice of Aromatherapy," that clove is also known to be effective against tuberculosis bacillus.

How to Use Clove Oil

• Inhalation of clove oil is beneficial for preventing cold and flu, stimulating digestion and energize the body.
  For toothache place a few drops of clove oil on a cotton ball and place directly over the tooth.
  For muscle pains and sprains, add a drop to a bath or a drop to 1 tbsp. vegetable oil, and massage the afflicted area.
  For wasp stings apply a drop directly to the affected area to reduce the inflammatory response.

Warning

• According to both "The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy" and "Aromatherapy Scent and Psyche," clove oil should not be used when pregnant. It may cause irritation in some people. At high doses (0.5 mL/kg), clove oil may cause central nervous system depression, convulsions or hepatic narcosis and should be kept away from children.