Benefits of CLOVE Essential Oil

Benefits of CLOVE Essential Oil

Indigenous to Indonesia and Madagascar, cloves (Eugenia caryophyllata) are the unopened pink flower buds of the evergreen tree. These buds are picked by hand,  dried until they turn brown, ground and then the powder is used in cooking or converted into an essential oil for various medicinal purposes.

Considerably high in manganese (126.4%) and other nutrients including potassium, magnesium, and calcium – which is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis, anemia and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

The oil of clove buds is known for its antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, aphrodisiac, and stimulant properties. Apart from its positive effects in the field of dental care, it can also be used as a treatment for the following minor health concerns:

• Blood circulation: Clove oil by increasing blood circulation and reducing body temperature. An increase in blood circulation typically means a reduction in tension of the blood vessels, a problem commonly associated with tension headaches. Furthermore, increased circulation means added oxygen to the blood and organ systems, which increases metabolism and raises organ efficiency. 
• Blood purification: Clove oil also helps in purifying the blood; studies have shown that the aroma extracts can actually reduce toxicity in the blood and stimulate antioxidant activity throughout the body, thereby boosting the immune system as well as purifying platelets.
• Brain Function: When ingested in appropriate amounts, it refreshes the mind, stimulates brain function and is useful for treating neural disorders such as memory loss, depression and anxiety.

• Dental care: The germicidal properties and numbing effect of the oil make it very effective for relieving dental pain, tooth ache, sore gums and mouth ulcers. Clove oil contains the compound eugenol, which has been used in dentistry for many years. Gargling with diluted clove oil helps in easing throat pain and irritation. Clove oil also helps to eliminate bad breath. It is also effective against cavities, and traditionally, in India, clove oil was added to a small cotton ball and put at the end of the tooth which has the cavity every day before going to sleep. The cavity would vanish in a few days. As a result, clove oil is added to numerous dental products and medications, including mouthwash and tooth paste. 

  But be careful, clove oil is very strong and can cause burns inside your mouth if used incorrectly. (Recent studies and careful consideration of the power of clove oil have resulted in it being used as a soothing balm on infants who are teething. In extremely diluted form, it can be applied to a baby’s gums, and the antiseptic and soothing qualities of the oil can ease their pain and reduce their discomfort.)
• Diabetes: Along with blood purification, clove oil helps control the level of blood sugar, making it very useful to patients suffering from diabetes. Studies have shown that the postprandial insulin and glucose response mechanisms are more regulated when clove oil is acting on the body’s systems. This is primarily due to the phenol concentration found in clove oil, which is one of the highest in terms of spice plants of its general type.
• Ear ache: A mixture of warm clove oil and sesame oil has been known to be a good remedy for earaches. 
• Headache: When topically applied to the temples or neck, that anti-inflammatory quality will ease the inflammation or tension that so often brings about headaches. For the same reason, clove oil is used as a pain reliever on other parts of the body, like joints and overworked muscles, to provide some relief from painful inflammation or swelling.
• Immune system: Both clove and clove oil are useful for boosting the immune system. It's antiviral properties and ability to purify blood increases resistance to a multitude of diseases, because the antioxidants in clove essential oil scavenge the body of dangerous free radicals that cause a multitude of diseases like heart disease and certain types of cancer.
• Indigestion: Clove oil has traditionally been effective for the treatment of stomach-related problems such as hiccups, indigestion, motion sickness, and flatulence. Therefore, clove is one of the most important spices added to many Indian dishes. 
• Insect Repellent: Clove oil is commonly used as a component in bug repellent and insect-repelling candles because the vapor is very potent for the olfactory senses of many insects. Place a few drops of clove oil on the bedsheets at night to keep bugs away.
• Nausea: Clove oil is helpful in reducing nausea and vomiting and is often used for pregnancy-related morning sickness and discomfort. Using it occasionally in aromatherapy or topically applying it to pillows at night for long-term inhalation can result in these positive effects. DO NOT USE DIRECTLY ON SKIN IF PREGNANT
• Respiratory problems: Clove oil has a cooling and anti inflammatory effect, and therefore is frequently used to clear the nasal passage. This expectorant is a useful treatment for various respiratory disorders including coughs, colds, bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, and tuberculosis. 
• Skin care: Clove oil is often recommended for skin care, especially for acne patients. Effects are best achieved when the oil is used in liquid form and spread on with a clean, dry rag. You will find clove oil in many products for lessening the effects of aging, like wrinkles, sagging skin, and facial rejuvenation for the eyes because of its rejuvenating and stimulating properties, which can increase blood flow to unhealthy skin and make it look young again! DO NOT GET IN EYES!
• Sleep: Clove oil also induces sleep and is helpful to patients suffering from insomnia.
• Stress: Clove oil is aphrodisiac in nature and therefore serves as an excellent stress reliever. It has a stimulating effect on the mind and removes mental exhaustion and fatigue.

Aromatherapy: Clove oil blends well with many essential oils including basil essential oil, rosemary essential oil, rose oil, cinnamon essential oil, grapefruit essential oil, lemon essential oil, nutmeg essential oil, peppermint essential oil, orange essential oil, lavender essential oil, geranium essential oil. This makes clove oil a popular element in aromatherapy and other herbal combinations.

Risks? One should be careful while using clove oil, because it is very strong even in small quantities and must be diluted before application or ingestion. Since eugenol (a main part of clove essential oil) is not very common, some people discover violent allergies when taking too much at once. ALWAYS use small amounts of any essential oil if you have never used it before.

Furthermore, preliminary risks of clove oil include some intestinal discomfort, which is most common in children, and in the most serious cases, has even been connected to kidney and liver failure. Finally, clove oil can cause blood sugar to drop, so diabetics should be cautious, and pregnant women and those who are nursing should not use clove oil topically, as it is not clear whether this strong compound passes to the infant in the breast milk. As with any change to diet or nutritional supplement, it is best to consult a doctor before administering or adding to your daily or weekly regimen.

References:

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-clove-oil.html
http://draxe.com/clove-oil-uses-benefits/
http://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/clove-bud-oil.aspx