17 Uses And Benefits Of Clove Oil For Health, Skin, And Hair

Clove oil or oil of clove is an essential oil, which has been a useful cooking spice for centuries. It is considered as one of the best foods with many health effects. Continue reading this article on EffectiveRemedies to discover the uses and benefits of clove oil for health, skin, and hair.

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17 Uses And Benefits Of Clove Oil For Health, Skin, And Hair That Amaze You

I. What Is Clove Oil And Its Composition?

1. What Is Clove?

Clove is aromatic flower buds of a species of plant in the family Myrtaceae^[1]. It is native to Indonesia and is used as an ingredient in almost every culinary culture. Clove is grown mainly in Indonesia and Madagascar; also is grown in Zanzibar, India, Sri Lanka and “Fragrance Islands” (Indonesia).

Clove is an evergreen tree that can be as high as 10-20 m, with large oval leaves and crimson flowers growing in clusters at the tips of branches. The flower buds are initially light in color and gradually become green, and then they develop into bright red, as they can harvest.

In the 4th century BC and early Western Han Dynasty, Chinese feudal lords forced people to chew clove to make their breath smell good before speaking in front of the lords. Clove also has been profitable goods traded by Arab traders in the Middle Ages in the Indian Ocean. With great difficulty, the French succeeded in growing the clove in Mauritius in 1770. The cultivation of this plant was then common in Guyana, Brazil, and in large areas in the West Indies and Zanzibar, where most of the cloves are grown today.

2. Composition Of Clove Oil

Clove oil is made from the combination of clove (whole clove or ground cloves) and a carrier oil to extract the properties from the clove. The mixture and then be stored in dark, sanitized containers in a cool, dark place for 10 to 14 days. The dominant chemical component of clove oil is eugenol. Clove oil is yellowish to yellowish-brown in color. There are three types of clove oil with different concentration levels of chemical properties.

• Bud oil: Flower buds contain 15 to 20% essential oil. The clove oil has 78 – 95% eugenol of the buds.
• Stem oil: Stems contains 5 – 6.5% essential oils. The oil contains eugenol (83 – 95%), but it is not as aromatic as the bud oil.
• Leaf oil: Leaves contain 1.6 – 4.5% essential oils. The content of eugenol in essential oils is 85 – 93%.

In addition, clove also composes tannins, gum, beta-caryophyllene, gallotannic acid, etc.

II. Benefits Of Clove Oil For Health

1. Anti-inflammatory

Clove oil contains a large number of anti-inflammatory thanks to its flavonoids component^[2]. Besides, eugenol can help reverse inflammation and cellular oxidation. As a result, this essential oil can treat all kind of inflammatory in the body.

Remedy:

• Blend 1 drop clove oil, 1ml jojoba oil or sesame oil to your skin care cream.
• Place the mixture in the inflammatory parts and massage gently in a circular direction.
• Do this regularly until the parts are healed

2. Toothache Relief

Using clove to relieve a toothache is one of the simplest, most effective remedies to get rid of this discomfort for centuries. “This ingredient has antibacterial, antioxidant, anesthetic and anti-inflammatory that help ease tooth pain and fight against infection.” ( Read more “Home Remedies For Toothache Pain Relief”. This article was medically reviewed/fact checked by Sarah Brewer MSc , MA (Cantab), MB, BChir, RNutr, MBANT, CNHC).  Eugenol in clove is a very powerful natural anesthetic, which has both nerve stimulation and pain relief effect. Eugenol also has antiseptic and kill pathogenic bacteria, minimizing infection to a minimum^[3].

Remedy 1:

• Add a drop of clove oil to a small cotton piece.
• Keep the cotton in the painful area for 10 to 15 minutes. The process will make the mouth feels numb and release the pain.
• Wash your mouth with warm water.

Besides, you can prepare beforehand the mixture of 1 teaspoon of clove and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and store in a small tube to use whenever needed.

Remedy 2:

Combine 2 drops of clove oil and 2 cups of water. Use the water to gargle your mouth twice a day after tooth brushing.

3. Dry Socket Treatment

Dry socket happens when the pulled tooth suffers increasingly intense pain after a few days. The symptoms can be bad breath, unpleasant taste in the mouth, and a dry-looking opening in the pulled area. As containing eugenol, strong anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, clove oil help to reduce the pain and symptoms^[4] [5].

Remedy:

• Rinse the tooth socket area to clean the debris.
• Roll cotton to form a ball that can fit the socket.
• Add 1 drop of clove oil to the cotton and loosely place the cotton on the socket.
• Remove, discard, and replace the cotton every 24 hours until the pain release.

4. Breath Freshener

Bad breath is one of the most serious problems affecting communication. Clove aromatic oil has eugenol and some spicy and bactericidal, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and deodorant properties. Therefore, using clove oil is one effective way to treat bad breath thoroughly and effectively^[6].

Remedy:

• Create a mixture of 4 drops clove oil, 2 drops of mint oil, and 30ml clean water.
• Take  a small spray bottle, store the mixture in it and use as needed.
• Shake before use to recombine the ingredients.

5. Immune System Booster

Clove oil is a natural bodyguard that helps you and your family to treat or prevent the common cold or flu with its potent antibacterial and antiviral abilities^[7].

Remedy 1:

·         Prepare 3 drops of clove oil, 3 drops of ginger oil, 4 drops of lavender oil, 3 drops of rosewood oil, and 4 drops of eucalyptus oil.

·         Use the oil mixture to massage the temples and the abdomen to heat up the body and get rid of the cold.

Remedy 2:

·         Add a few drops of clove oil, lemongrass oil, grapefruit skin oil and ginger oil to a washbowl of hot water (80-90 degree Celsius).

·         Let the steam with the fragrance and essential oil diffusers and penetrates the face for 15 minutes.

6. Digestion Aid

Clove oil has been used traditionally to treat various digestive disorders such as indigestion, diarrhea, bloating, and flatulence caused by bacteria, virus, and other pathogens^[8]. Clove oil can perform this function because it contains stomachic and antibacterial properties.

Remedy:

A few drops of clove oil can be blended with coconut oil and massaged on the stomach area to release gas and stimulate digestive function.

You can also add clove oil to warm bath water to support bowel movements.

7. Mouth Ulcers Prevention

Clove oil comes with both anti-ulcer and gastro-protective properties together with eugenol^[9]. Thus, the oil can protect the digestive tract lining and prevent ulcers.

Remedy:

• Mix 5-6 drops of clove oil, ½ teaspoon of olive oil, and warm water.
• Rinse and dry the ulcer areas with warm water.
• Dip a cotton ball to the mixture and apply to the ulcers for a few minutes.
• Repeat the process for 5-7 days.

8. Heart Health

One of the best benefits of clove oil is improving heart health. Acetyl eugenol in clove oil can dilate arteries and is an extremely effective blood purifier. Clove oil is also able to reduce the formation of a blood clot while inhibiting the accumulation of platelets^[10]. By doing this, clove oil reduces the risk of a heart attack. In terms of blood purifier, the properties in the oil detoxify and increase oxygen in the bloodstream.

Remedy:

·         Drop 2 teaspoons of clove oil to a washbowl with hot water.

·         Place a large towel or light blanket covering yourself and the washbowl.

·         Enjoy the aromatic steam on your body.

·         Apply the remedy 1 or 2 times per 2 weeks.

9. Respiratory Disorders Relief

Breathing problems or respiratory disorders derive from various sources: acute sinusitis, allergies, asthma, weather, and so on. Clove oil is especially good for treating respiratory problems,  as it provides cools, soothes, and has an anti-inflammatory effect, loosen respiratory passages^[11].

Remedy 1:

Add a few drops of clove oil and eucalyptus oil to hot clean water. Use steam inhalation method to open the airway of your nose quickly.

Remedy 2:

Diffuse clove oil with oil incandescent lamp to the nearby environment for 20 minutes.

Remedy 3:

• Dilute 5 drops of clove oil to 2 drops eucalyptus oil, 10 drops of lemon oil, and 8oz of coconut oil.
• Add beeswax if the mixture is too thin and store in a small jar to easily taken along.
• Rub the paste on your chest or the bridge of the nose and massage with a circular motion until breathing normally.

III. Benefits Of Clove Oil For Skin

1. Antioxidant Purposes

Being molecules, antioxidants can fight free radical damage, including cell death and cancer^[12] [13]. Eugenol in clove oil is a powerful antioxidant that ranks high in ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value^[14]. Oxidative stress and chronic diseases can be prevented if you consume small amounts or apply it to the skin.

2. Treat Acne

Besides hormonal changes, one cause of acne is bacterial infection. To be specific, cystic acne appears when the pores that are filled up with dust and oil are infected. Thanks to its high anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties, clove oil may inhibit the bacteria from thriving^[15].

Remedy 1:

Method 1: Mix 1 drop of clove oil and 1 tbsp of warm coconut, jojoba or olive oil.

Method 2: Mix 1 – 2 drops of clove oil to 2 tablespoons of honey. 

Method 3: Mix 1 – 2 drops of clove oil to 1 egg yolk

Apply the mixture to the acne areas and wash off with clean water after it dry.

Remedy 2:

Make a facial mask mixture consisting of 5 drops of clove oil and a quarter cup of aloe vera gel. Put the gel on the face overnight and clean in the morning.

Note: Do not apply raw clove oil directly to the skin to avoid skin burning. You are also advised to apply a small amount of clove oil into hand skin to test allergy or irritation.

3. Skin Care

Eugenol in clove oil can stimulate blood circulation as it has rejuvenating and stimulating properties. This chemical component increases blood level to the skin, so that makes the skin brighter and healthier.

Remedy:

• Drip 2 to 3 drops of clove oil to 2 liters of water. Use as the face wash water.
• Massage 1 – 2 drops of clove oil together with 1 drop of carrier oil (coconut, olive oil) on the face, hands or feet to stimulate the blood to flow over those areas.

4. Dark Circles Removal:

Sleeping too much, deep sleep after hours of stress, pressure, or sleeplessness can make your eyes swollen, puffy, or dark circles. As eugenol increases blood circulation and its antioxidant, clove oil can eliminate the dark shadow under the eyes.

Remedy:

• Prepare 1 tsp of clove oil, 1 tbsp of almond oil, and 2 tbsp of shea butter.
• Melt the shea butter completely in a clean pot or the microwave. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
• Combine melted shea butter, clove oil, and almond oil thoroughly.
• Pour the mixture on a small non-plastic container and set for at least 6 hours in the fridge.
• Apply the cream on the dark areas under the eye only at night. Replace almond oil with sesame oil to use during the daytime.

5. Fungal Infections Treatment

Fungal infections can be easily treated with clove oil due to its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial components. Clove oil can prevent the growth of molds, yeasts, and bacteria so that it may help fight infections^[16].

Remedy:

• Melt 2 tablespoons coconut oil with 10 drops of clove oil.
• Use a cotton stick to apply the mixture to the fungal areas. The mixture can be applied both in skin and mouth.

6. Candida Infections Treatment

Candida is a strain of fungus that typically occurs in the mouth, ears, nose, fingernails, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina. Candida happens when these areas, where two skin areas touch each other, got infected. The symptoms could be soreness, cracks, red or purple patches or rashes. As in the case of fungal treatment, carvacrol and eugenol in clove oil contributed to the healing of Candida^[17]. The oil is also useful for killing intestinal parasites^[18].

Remedy:

Besides Candida diet or Candida cleanse, you can treat the problem with the help of a mixture of 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and 2 drops of clove oil.

Apply the mixture to the affected surface after cleanse. For mouth Candida, swish mouth with the mixture.

Do not use this method for more than 10 days continuously or for under 2-year-old children.

IV. Benefits Of Clove Oil For Hair

1. Dandruff Remedy

Often been regarded as inflammation, dandruff is itchy and flaky white skin in the hairy areas. It is caused by dryness, lack of zinc, irritation of hair products, or fungal infection. As stated above, clove oil has a numbing effect, and therefore it is used to ease inflammation and pain. Eugenol in clove oil has a significant inhibitory effect against fluconazole-resistant fungi species. As a result, using clove oil helps to get rid of dandruff caused by inflammation.

Remedy 1:

Prepare clove oil and almond oil or coconut oil with ratio 1:3. Rub this mixture in the root of the hair and leave for 15 – 20 minutes. Wash with warm water if needed.

Remedy 2:

Mix 1 or 2 drops of clove oil to your shampoo and wash your hair as usual. Use the method twice a week.

2. Hair Thickener & Hair Growth

Thin hair can be the result of getting older or genetic factors. With its warming effect, clove oil stimulates blood flow to the scalp, bring up more nutrition, and nourish the hair. Clove oil may also encourage hair growth, reduce hair loss substantially, and treat balding^[19].

Remedy 1:

• Combine 5 drops of clove oil to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. 
• Gently massage the scalp in a circular direction to increase blood level to head skin.
• Let it penetrates for 30 minutes and wash with lukewarm water.

Remedy 2:

Add 10 drops of clove oil to each 8 oz of shampoo. Wash your hair regularly.

Remedy 3:

• Prepare clove oil and eucalyptus oil with the same ratio, and coconut oil as the carrier oil (15 times more than the two main oil types).
• Massage the oil mixture all over your head skin to make sure all hair roots are covered in oil.
• Leave it overnight.
• The method can be applied 2 to 3 times per week.

V. Who Shouldn’t Use Clove Oil?

People under the following conditions need to ask doctor or pharmacist whether or not clove oil is safety: liver disease; bleeding or blood clotting disorder; weak immune system, surgery preparation period, or allergy.

Children should avoid using clove oil because it can cause adverse reactions such as liver damage and seizures.

Clove oil is also not recommended for pregnant women. The use of clove as a flavoring agent in foods is considered safe during pregnancy. However, it is not known whether clove used as medicine will harm an unborn baby.

Likewise, it is not known whether clove passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Therefore, breastfeeding women should not use clove oil without medical advice.

VI. Possible Side Effects

1. Increased Bleeding

Clove oil includes anticoagulants such as warfarin and heparin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Clove oil may increase the risk of abnormal bleeding^[20].

2. Allergic Reaction

Clove oil may cause  an allergic reaction to some people because its main component (Eugenol) is not so common^[21]. Signs may be a rash, itching, and shortness of breath. An allergic reaction to clove oil should be considered a medical emergency as it can lead to anaphylaxis.

3. Toxicity

Large doses of undiluted clove oil can cause toxic effects, blood disorders, kidney failure, and liver damage^[22].

4. Loss Of Sensation

The eugenol property in clove oil can turn it into a numbing agent. When applied to the skin again and again, this oil reduces the sensitivity of the applied areas as long as reducing its positive effects.

5. Mouth Problem

Repeatedly use clove oil on the gums and inside the mouth can have side effects, including damage to the gums, tooth pulp, the skin on the inside of the mouth, and mucous membranes.

VII. Drug Interaction

Common medications checked in combination with clove oil: Apple, cinnamon, ginger, honey, coconut oil, eucalyptus oil, olive oil, lemon, vitamin B1, B12, B2, B6, etc.

It is also highly potent and may burn the skin if used at full strength. Do not use clove oil directly in skin, mouth, or meal consumption.

VIII. How To Store And Where To Buy?

Clove oil should be placed below 25°C. Keep the container tightly closed and protected from the sun.

Clove oil can be easily found at any drugstore, beauty shop, and essence shop.

You can also make clove oil at home. The process is simple. You only need clove, olive oil, storing bottles, mortar, and pestle.

Direction:

• Sterilize the kitchen tools.
• Roast ½ tsp clove by pan or oven at 80 degree Celsius
• Lightly hit the clove by the pestle.
• Put the cracked clove on the bottle with olive oil as the carrier. The olive oil should cover the clove.
• Store the tighten bottle in a cool dry place. Stay away from direct sunlight for at least 14 days.
• The longer the extraction period, the stronger flavor of your clove oil is.
• Put the clove oil in the fridge up to 1 month.

Clove has been used medicinally for centuries. When used safely and as recommended, clove oil can serve as a powerful natural remedy for so many purposes. Share with us if you know other uses and benefits of clove oil for skin, hair, and health.

All contents provided are for informational & educational purposes. We recommend you consult a healthcare professional to determine which method is appropriate for you.