Clove Bud Oil
The aromatic smell of cloves is commonly associated and used in Indian and Chinese cultures and for seasoning and medicinal purposes. This spice has gained popularity worldwide, especially in the western hemisphere. You can use cloves to make an essential oil like other spices. From the evergreen, you can receive 3 types of clove essential oils: clove bud oil, clove leaf oil, and clove stem oil.
The clove bud essential oil (Eugenia carophyllata) is the most popular in aromatherapy but the leaves and stems have stronger chemical compositions than the buds and can easily cause skin irritations, making them unfit for aromatherapy. The leaves and stems, during the time of ancient Greeks and Romans, were used to relieve toothaches and to combat bad breath. Today, clove bud oil is known for all its benefits for oral health. This does help as my son had a tooth bothering him and used a crushed up clove to place on his tooth, which was very effective.
Some uses of clove bud oil are:
- Digestive aid
- Skin care product
- Insect repellent
- Expectorant
- Antiseptic
- Perfume ingredient
- Flavoring agent
- Soap ingredient
- Massage oil
Much of the clove oil benefits are due to eugenol, which makes up to 90% of the oil. It provides potent antiseptic and anti-inflammatory benefits and is responsible for preventing cloves from spoiling. This chemical compound is effective against dental pain, sore gums, mouth ulcers, cavities, and bad breath. Clove oil has stimulants and warming properties and contains eugenol, which is added to dental products, insect repellents, perfumes, foods, and even pharmaceutical products.
It will also help your digestive health and address problems like hiccups, indigestion, motion sickness, and excess gas as well as helping to relieve stress and lessen mental exhaustion. It will help to support your metabolism, help relieve stress and anxiety and as an aphrodisiac and treatment for insomnia.
Clove bud oil is meant to be applied topically or used in steam inhalation. Using this oil in undiluted form can lead to serious skin problems. You should dilute clove bud oil with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil, coconut oil or olive oil. Be sure to check first for allergic reactions by performing a skin test or applying a drop on your skin and observe for any side effects. Those using anticoagulants and aspirin should avoid clove oils as they can slow down platelet activity and can also cause blood glucose to plummet. Those with liver or kidney disease should also refrain from using this oil as it can cause damage to both organs. Pregnant and nursing women should use caution when using this oil and children should be kept away from it because of potential intestinal discomfort.
It is advised by everyone to use clove oil in moderation, despite its many health benefits. Eugenol has many beneficial properties but may induce allergic effects. Taking the oil orally in the undiluted form can result in nausea, vomiting, sore throat, seizure, and even blood problems, as well as shortness of breath, rashes, and itching. Repeated use addressing acne problems can cause skin damage. Seek the advice of a holistic healthcare practitioner or experienced aromatherapist first.
Dr Fredda Branyon
