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Clove essential oil is known for its warm, spicy aroma and rich, versatile properties. It is a popular ingredient in both wellness and home care products, thanks to its powerful antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
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What is Clove Essential Oil?
Clove essential oil is derived by steam distilling the aromatic flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, which is native to Southeast Asia.
The entire clove plant is fragrant and aromatic but the bud is the most important and most-used part of the plant. Even the name of the plant stems from the shape of the nail-shaped bud. The term clove is derived from the term ‘clavus’, a Latin term for nail.
Cloves have been cherished for centuries for their therapeutic properties. They have been historically used in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine as a natural remedy for several ailments, from toothaches to digestive issues.
The active compound in clove essential oil is eugenol, which is responsible for many of its health benefits, including its powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial effects.
This compound, combined with the oil’s warm and comforting aroma, makes clove essential oil a go-to remedy for a wide range of issues.
Key Benefits of Clove Essential Oil
Has Antimicrobial Properties
Clove essential oil is widely recognized for its antimicrobial power. It is highly effective at fighting bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which makes it a great choice for natural cleaning solutions or homemade disinfectants.
In oral care, clove oil can help combat harmful bacteria in the mouth, promoting better dental hygiene.
Its antimicrobial properties make it a versatile oil to have on hand, especially during flu and cold seasons.
Offers Pain Relief
One of the most well-known uses of clove essential oil is for pain relief, particularly in dentistry. Clove oil’s numbing effect makes it highly effective for relieving toothaches and gum pain.
It can also be diluted with a carrier oil and applied to sore muscles or joints to ease discomfort.
The analgesic properties of eugenol provide soothing relief for various types of pain, making clove oil an ideal addition to massage oils or pain-relieving ointments.
Related: Best essential oils for pain relief + How to use
Is An Antioxidant Powerhouse
Clove essential oil is rich in antioxidants, which are crucial for protecting cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Antioxidants help to prevent cellular damage, reduce inflammation, and support the body’s natural healing processes.
Eugenol, the main compound in clove oil, is one of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature, which makes clove essential oil a valuable tool in maintaining overall health and well-being.
Improves Respiratory Health
The warm, spicy aroma of clove essential oil can provide relief from respiratory discomfort, especially during cold and flu seasons.
When diffused or inhaled, clove oil can help to clear sinus congestion and make breathing easier. It also acts as an expectorant, helping to loosen phlegm and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract. This makes it particularly useful for alleviating symptoms of coughs, colds, and bronchitis.
Related: Best essential oils for sinus congestion & how to use them
Offers Digestive Support
Clove essential oil can help alleviate digestive discomfort, such as bloating, gas, and nausea. The oil’s antispasmodic properties can also help to relieve stomach cramps.
To benefit from clove oil’s digestive properties, it can be diluted in a carrier oil and applied to the abdomen in a gentle massage.
Related: Best essential oils for digestion and how to use them
12 Ways to Use Clove Essential Oil
1. Pain Relief for Toothaches
Clove essential oil is well-known for its pain-relieving properties, especially for dental pain.
To relieve a toothache, dilute one drop of clove essential oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, and apply the mixture to the affected area using a cotton swab. The eugenol in clove oil acts as a natural anesthetic, providing fast-acting relief from oral discomfort.
2. Reduce Muscle Soreness and Joint Pain
Clove essential oil can be used in a soothing massage blend to alleviate sore muscles and aching joints.
Mix 3-5 drops of clove essential oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil such as sweet almond or jojoba.
Gently massage the mixture into the sore areas to help ease tension and provide a warming sensation, making it ideal for post-workout recovery or arthritic pain relief.
Related: Best essential oils to soothe sore muscles
3. Immune-Boosting Diffuser Blend
To help support your immune system, clove essential oil can be diffused alongside other immunity-boosting oils.
Combine 3 drops of clove essential oil with 3 drops of orange oil and 2 drops of eucalyptus oil in your diffuser. This blend is great for promoting wellness and purifying the air, especially during flu season when colds are circulating.
Related: Best Essential Oils for Immune System Support
4. Aromatherapy for Respiratory Support
Clove essential oil’s spicy, invigorating aroma is perfect for clearing congestion and easing breathing.
Add 3-4 drops of clove essential oil to a diffuser to help purify the air and reduce symptoms of colds and coughs.
When inhaled, clove oil helps break down mucus and relieve respiratory discomfort, making it a great oil to diffuse during the cold season.
Related: Research-Backed Benefits Of Aromatherapy For Respiratory Health
5. DIY Natural Cleaning Spray
Clove essential oil’s antimicrobial properties make it a powerful addition to natural cleaning products.
Create a DIY all-purpose cleaner by mixing 10-15 drops of clove essential oil with equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
Use this mixture to disinfect countertops, sinks, and other surfaces, effectively removing bacteria while leaving behind a pleasant, spicy scent.
Related: DIY natural cleaning products with essential oils
6. Soothing Foot Soak
Clove essential oil can be used to create a soothing foot soak to relieve tired, achy feet.
Add 5 drops of clove essential oil and 1/4 cup of Epsom salt to a basin of warm water. Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes to help reduce soreness and inflammation.
Related: Epsom salt foot soak recipe to soothe tired feet
7. Hand Sanitizer Boost
Clove essential oil can be used to boost the effectiveness of your hand sanitizer.
Add a drop or two of clove essential oil to your regular hand sanitizer to enhance its antimicrobial power and help eliminate germs. Its strong scent also adds a warm, comforting aroma.
8. Natural Air Freshener
Clove essential oil works wonderfully as a natural deodorizer and air freshener.
Mix 5-6 drops of clove essential oil with water in a spray bottle, and use it to freshen up rooms, particularly during the fall and winter months when its warm scent can create a cozy atmosphere.
This simple spray can also help eliminate unpleasant odors, leaving your home smelling fresh and clean.
9. Hair and Scalp Care
Clove essential oil can promote healthy hair and scalp. It helps stimulate blood circulation, which encourages hair growth while its antifungal properties help combat dandruff.
Mix a few drops of clove essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or castor oil, and massage into the scalp before washing your hair. Leave it on for about 15-20 minutes for best results.
10. Treat Acne
Clove essential oil’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it useful for treating acne.
To use it for acne, dilute 1-2 drops of clove essential oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil, such as jojoba or rosehip oil, and apply it as a spot treatment for blemishes.
The oil helps to reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, and speed up the healing process for breakouts.
11. Household Mold Control
Due to its strong antifungal properties, clove essential oil can help control mold growth in the home.
To make a mold-fighting spray, mix 1 teaspoon of clove essential oil with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle.
Spray the solution on mold-prone areas, such as bathroom tiles and window sills, and let it sit before scrubbing away the mold. Clove oil is effective in both preventing mold and removing existing mold patches.
12. Bug Repellent
Clove essential oil can serve as a natural insect repellent due to its strong aroma, which many bugs dislike. Mix 10 drops of clove essential oil with 2 tablespoons of carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and apply it to exposed skin to help keep mosquitoes and other bugs at bay. Alternatively, you can diffuse clove oil indoors to repel flies and other pests.
Clove Essential Oil Blends Well With…
To create the best blends with clove oil, you must first know which aroma families combine well with clove.
The sweet, herbaceous aroma of essential oils such as Fennel and Rosemary temper the spicy aroma of clove, making them a great combination in diffuser and healing blends.
With their warm, aromatic characteristics, spicy essential oils such as Cinnamon, Ginger, and Cedarwood also blend well with Clove.
Clove does not blend well with oils from the mint aroma family because they both have strong aromatic characteristics that clash when added together in a blend.
Clove goes well with citrus essential oils but must be added in small quantities so as not to overpower the citrus scent. In small amounts, clove adds subtle warm notes, which complement the refreshing aroma of citrus oils.
Because of its overpowering aroma, clove does not blend well with most oils from the floral aroma family. Its strong spicy aroma overpowers floral aromas.
A Popular Addition to Many Autumn & Holiday Diffuser Blends
Its warm, spicy characteristics make clove essential oil a popular addition to many autumn and holiday diffuser blends.
Check out these diffuser blend recipes that use clove essential oil as one of the ingredients:
Pumpkin Spice Essential Oil Blend
Orange Cider Essential Oil Blend
Fabulous Fall Essential Oils & Blends And How To Use Them
Clove Essential Oil Safety Precautions
Clove essential oil is highly potent and should always be used with care. Due to its strong nature, it must be diluted properly before any topical application to prevent skin irritation.
It’s advisable to conduct a patch test before using clove oil on larger areas of the skin. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and individuals with sensitive skin should consult a healthcare professional before using clove essential oil.
Clove oil should also be kept away from children and pets, as it can be toxic if ingested. Avoid using clove essential oil internally unless under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider, as ingesting undiluted clove oil can lead to serious health complications.
From relieving pain and supporting oral health to boosting respiratory function and acting as a natural antimicrobial agent, clove essential oil has a place in every natural wellness toolkit.
Its potent antioxidant properties also make it an excellent oil for promoting overall health and combating free radicals.
Whether you’re using it for aromatherapy, creating DIY cleaning solutions, or finding relief for a toothache, clove essential oil has much to offer. Remember to always use it safely, dilute properly, and consult a professional if you’re unsure.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before using any natural medication or if you experience any unusual symptoms. See Full Disclaimer here.
