10 Benefits of Clove Oil - Uses, Side Effects and How to Use It

Being acclaimed for its rich botanical attributes, clove is a practised medicinal spice used across centuries in traditional healing recipes and wellness therapies. Its bold, woodsy aroma gives a sensory experience of warmth that feels both grounding and invigorating. When the same goodness of clove gets distilled in the form of oil, it becomes more potent and concentrated, offering endless health benefits. From tiny flower buds to a popular wellness extract, let's trace the botanical roots of clove oil, learning its top benefits, application methods, and how to use it safely.

What Is Clove Oil?

The essential oil of clove is a pale yellow, slightly golden-coloured volatile oil extracted from the flower buds and leaves of the Syzygium aromaticum tree. It has an intense, spiced aroma with balsamic undernotes that feels like a warm hug on a cold winter evening. Speaking of characteristics, clove oil contains highly potent plant botanicals like eugenol (70-80%) that make it an effective antibacterial, microbicidal, and anti-inflammatory solution. Apart from its healing synergies, clove oil acts as a wonderful preservative, perfumer, and fragrance for manufacturing organic skincare and cosmetics products. What makes this biotic solution blissful is its long list of benefits that can be explored below.

Clove Bud Oil vs Clove Oil: Are They the Same?

Although both oils come from the same parent plant, the variations lie in chemical composition and source. Clove oil is extracted from various plant parts, including leaves, flowers, and stems. Whereas the potency of clove bud oil is delicately extracted from the flower buds of the clove tree. This delicacy preserves the aromatic volatile compounds of clove bud oil that give it a sweet, balsamic fragrance.

Top 10 Benefits of Clove Oil

Apart from its traditional medicinal benefits, clove oil has plenty of other benefits for the mental and physical well-being of the body. Let's look at its key advantages carefully before identifying various methods to use them. 

Powerful Antimicrobial and Antibacterial Properties

Clove oil works as a natural protectant against bacteria and fungal enzymes. Its primary anti-bacterial compound, eugenol, interacts with bacterial cells and disturbs their cellular processes, eventually curbing their growth. 

Relieves Toothache and Dental Pain

Applying diluted clove oil provides temporary relief from dental pain due to its natural anaesthetic and numbing effects. When used consistently, the antibacterial properties of clove reduce the growth of oral bacteria that cause toothache, gum inflammation, bad breath and sensitivity.

Gentle Respiratory Support

Beta-caryophyllene, an effective anti-inflammatory compound present in clove oil, helps reduce the swelling and irritation in the lungs by restoring cellular damage. This eases the raw, sore throat and provides relief from cold and cough. For individuals dealing with sinusitis, sniffing a diluted blend of clove and eucalyptus essential oil can be beneficial for respiratory cleaning and relief. 

Rich in Antioxidants

Clove oil contains phenolic compounds that provide powerful antioxidant activity and protection from oxidative damage caused by free radicals in the body. This makes it highly beneficial for individuals dealing with early ageing, hormonal discomfort, and high cortisol. Upon topical application, diluted clove oil can effectively restore the natural skin barrier by accelerating the cell regeneration process and improving blood flow. 

Gentle Skin Emollient

Endowed with the antibacterial goodness of eugenol and gallic acid, clove oil supports immense healing for itchy, acne-prone skin types. It has Vitamin C and traces of salicylic acid that help reduce acne scars and blemishes. 

When used as an exfoliator, fine clove powder gently purifies the skin from pollutants and detoxifies the pores, giving a fresh, radiant appearance. 

Intense Nourishment for Hair and Scalp

Clove oil contains the botanical goodness of several antifungal and antiseptic compounds that provide deep nourishment and hydration to the scalp. Massaging diluted clove oil improves blood circulation and accelerates blood supply to the roots, promoting healthy hair growth.

Alternatively, clove oil is widely used to eliminate dandruff and detoxify the scalp from product buildup. A primary reason for its extensive addition in formulations of hair care products including shampoos, hair growth serums, cleansing masks, conditioner and multiple others.

Natural pain reliever

Being an active analgesic compound, eugenol present in clove oil eases inflammation and reduces its symptoms like pain, redness, and swelling. This makes it an effective recipe to get temporary relief from muscle discomfort and joint pain. For females, clove oil helps soothe stomach discomfort and cramps. All it requires is a mild carrier oil to neutralise its strong effects before adding it for a topical massage.

Purifying and Insect Repellent Properties

Clove inhibits the botanical characteristics of antibacterial, antifungal, and microbicidal components that make it an excellent plant-based purifying and repelling solution. One can craft natural pest spray at home or mix it into regular floor water to get rid of germs, mosquitoes, pests, and other insects.

Aids Digestion

The Natural carminative properties of clove oil help improve digestion and accelerate metabolism. A light-handed abdominal massage with diluted clove oil can relax gut muscles, reduce bloating and support easy bowel movement. 

Calms Anxiety and Supports Sound Sleep

With its invigorating aroma, clove oil can be blended with other essential oils to ease nervous tension and calm the mind from stress and overthinking. Spray naturally made clove mist in the bedroom or apply 1-2 drops of clove essential oil on your pillowcase for an undisturbed, sound sleep. 

How to Use Clove Oil?

Create a soothing aroma blend or massage gently on the scalp; the therapeutic goodness of clove oil offers versatile uses, uplifting everyday personal care routine. 

Natural Mouthwash for Toothache and Gum Infection

Boil 1 glass of water with 5-6 cloves until it is reduced to half of its original amount. Let the water cool down completely and strain it into a clean glass bottle. Rinse the mouth with this mix twice a day to get relief from toothache, bad breath, gum infection, and sensitivity.

All-Purpose Skin and Hair Oil

Apply diluted clove oil to the skin for immense nourishment and hydration. It can be mixed with regular body lotion or moisturizer for locking moisture for long duration. 

For hair, topically massage it into the scalp at night and wash it off the next morning for soft, silky hair. In case of dandruff and build-up, create an organic hair mask by mixing it with aloe vera gel, rosemary powder, and apple cider vinegar. It will help naturally detoxify the scalp.

Emotional and Mental Therapy

Add 3-4 drops of clove essential oil, 5-6 drops of lemon essential oil, and 3-4 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil with 10 ml of sweet almond oil in an electric diffuser for mental detox and emotional well-being.

Natural Insect Repellent

Diffuse diluted clove oil with lavender essential oil to get rid of mosquitoes, flies, and other pests. One can even mix a few drops of clove oil into floor water to eliminate surface bacteria and germs.

How to Make Clove Oil at Home? 

A step-by-step guide for crafting natural clove-infused oil at home. 

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of whole Cloves
• 50 ml of carrier oil or mild vegetable oil (Virgin coconut oil, castor oil, or avocado oil)
• A glass jar 
• Muslin cloth
• Strainer

Procedure

Crush the cloves into fine pieces using a presser. 

Add the fine clove pieces to the glass jar and add 50 ml of virgin coconut oil. Stir the mix using a clean, dry spoon.

Cover the jar using a soft muslin cloth and place it in a dark, dry place devoid of sunlight.

After three weeks, remove the cloth and strain the mix into a clean glass bottle.

A pale yellow-golden colour change can be observed along with the warm aroma of cloves, giving an air of intense spice. 

The DIY clove oil is ready to use and can be stored for a year under proper care. 

Clove Oil Side Effects and Safety

The botanical synergies of clove oil are highly potent and concentrated in nature. Therefore, it becomes extremely important to be cautious and mindful while bringing it into use for the body. Below are the top 6 safety tips to harness the best benefits of clove essential oil safely.

• When used topically on the skin, one should always dilute the strong effects of clove oil using a mild carrier oil like almond or coconut oil to prevent the risk of skin irritation and allergies. 
• Avoid mixing clove oil with other medications or drugs, as it might cause serious sensitivity and health concerns.
• Be highly mindful of the quantity and quality of the oil. Use 100% pure, organic-grade clove oil in a definite ratio to ensure a safe experience.
• Never ingest clove essential oil or sniff it directly. The active presence of eugenol can cause nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. At times, this can even turn into a severe complication. 
• Exercise caution while using clove oil for pets. Although it is considered to be safe for dogs, understanding the right requirements is extremely important.
• Do not use clove oil for infants, nursing mothers, and children below the age of six. 
  

How to Choose the Best Clove Oil?

Not every packaging offers the familiar goodness of clove oil. There is an extensive range of suppliers selling organic clove oil at different price points with eye-catching discounts. This makes it difficult to identify the best clove oil out of all the available options. However, educating ourselves with a few key indicators that define the purity and quality of the oil can mitigate the risk of falling for a tempting illusion.

From aroma to ingredients, several factors define the quality of clove oil. Read the label carefully to check the botanical name, identify the involved plant part, and understand the source of extraction. An ingredient list containing additives and fragrances is a big red flag to spit out immediately.

Ask the supplier for a purity testing analysis certificate from a trusted lab and a chemical composition report. A trusted wholesale seller never hesitates to provide one to the buyer. Compare prices across different websites and choose the supplier who gives quality products at standard market prices instead of going after discounted options available out there.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is clove oil good for?

Syzygium aromaticum, or clove oil, is home to several potent botanicals that offer immense healing for the mental and physical well-being of the body.

What does clove oil smell like?

Pure clove oil has a spicy, fiery aroma with sharp herbal warmth and undernotes of grounding sweetness. It is a deep, intense aroma that can easily be paired with other essential oils like cinnamon, lemon, or bergamot essential oil.

How do you use clove oil for a toothache?

Combine 2-3 drops of clove oil with 1 tablespoon of virgin coconut oil. Apply the mix to the affected area using a cotton ball or clean finger. You can also create a natural mouthwash at home for gentle relief from toothache.

Is clove bud oil the same as clove oil?

Both clove bud oil and clove oil come from the same parent plant. What actually differentiates them is the specific plant part they are extracted from. Clove bud comes from the unopened flower buds of the clove tree, which gives it a sweet, balsamic aroma and a few potent botanicals that make it slightly more beneficial than clove oil.

What is eugenol in clove oil?

Eugenol is a natural phenolic compound found primarily in clove oil that works as an excellent analgesic and anti-inflammatory component.   

Can you apply clove oil directly to skin?

Topical application of pure clove oil can cause sensitivity and irritation on the skin. Therefore, it is advisable never to miss the necessary step of dilution using any mild carrier oil like castor, jojoba or sweet almond oil.

How do you dilute clove oil for skin use?

Add 4 to 5 drops of clove oil in per 10ml quantity of carrier oil for a healthy dilution. 

Is clove oil safe for dogs?

Yes, diluted clove oil is considered to be safe for dogs. It can be included with their bath water or used as a natural flea recipe to get rid of irritation. However, its ingestion is strictly prohibited.

Is clove oil safe to use during pregnancy?

Breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women should avoid using clove oil, as its sharp, spicy fragrance can cause allergic reactions and may stimulate the hormones in the body.

What are the side effects of clove oil?

When used judiciously, clove essential oil is home to powerful wellness benefits but inattentive usage can cause irritation, sensitivity, dizziness, nausea, and several other complications.