Oil of cloves, also known as clove oil, is an essential oil from the clove plant, Syzygium aromaticum.

It is a natural analgesic and antiseptic used primarily in dentistry for its main ingredient eugenol. It can also be purchased in pharmacies over the counter, as a home remedy for dental pain relief, mainly toothache. It is also often found in the aromatherapy section of health food stores and used in the flavoring of some medicines. The main oil-producing countries are Madagascar and Indonesia.

Clove oil is widely used in microscopically preparation, since it is miscible with Canada balsam and has a similar refractive index to glass.

Oil of cloves (usually listed as clove oil) is also used as an ingredient in cat deterrent sprays coupled with garlic oil and Sodium Laurel Sulfate and other ingredients.

Although clove bud may not be one of the most well-known essential oils, it is definitely one of the most useful oils to have around the house. Both analgesic and antiseptic, clove bud can help eliminate and prevent disease and infection.

For over 2,000 years, the clove tree has been cultivated for a variety of uses. While native to Indonesia, cloves are used across the world for medicinal and herbal purposes. Cloves play a vital role in Indian Ayurvedic medicine and Chinese medicine, as they have a numbing effect on oral tissue. Additionally, they are used in Asian, African, and Middle Eastern cooking to add flavor to dishes.

The tree itself originates from the Myrtaceae family, but the cloves themselves actually consist of the tree’s aromatic dried flower buds. While the buds, leaves, and twigs of the clove tree have been used for spice, remedy, and aroma, it is the clove bud specifically that is distilled into oil. That’s because all parts of the tree contain eugenol, a powerful and only the clove bud oil should be used for aromatherapy uses due to its lower eugenol percentage. This antibacterial and stimulating essential oil can be used both externally and internally, but due to its potent nature, clove bud oil should always be diluted before use.

Benefit & Uses: Oil of cloves can actually be made from three different parts of the plant. The stems, leaves and buds all produce useful and beneficial oil and those clove oil benefits are renowned for use in everything from toothaches to skin wounds. This is because of the antiseptic, antifungal and anesthetic properties of this powerful plant.

Oil made from the stems and leaves, unlike clove bud oil, can cause skin irritation. This doesn’t mean that the same can’t be said for clove bud oil, and if applied to the skin for wound healing or fungus fighting, combining with olive oil can help alleviate this potential cause for concern.

The oil can be further used externally to help alleviate bronchitis, arthritis, and muscular aches and sprains. For respiratory problems, including bronchitis and asthma, the disinfecting properties of clove bud are most useful when used in vapor therapy. To help relieve muscle aches and pains, including those caused by arthritis, mix eight drops of clove oil into two ounces of carrier oil, such as jojoba or almond, and massage onto the affected area. Clove oil is valuable for relieving acne, bruises, burns, and cuts as it not only helps keep infection at bay, but also serves as a pain reliever.  In addition, tincture of cloves can be used for skin infections such as scabies and athletes foot, and can be inhaled to help stimulate the mind and memory.

 

Add a couple drops to a cotton swab and rub onto toothache or instant relief. This helps kill infection-causing bacteria. Add a drop to herbal tea to help relieve nausea. Mix eight drops of clove oil in two ounces of carrier oil (try jojoba or almond) and massage onto affected area. Add one drop to your eye cream and apply sparingly in the morning. Clove bud oil promotes blood circulation, helping to reduce the puffiness.