Clove Essential Oil

Like many Essential Oils, Clove Essential Oil was developed in Asia, more specifically China, around 600 AD. Although Clove Essential Oil is used in food and fragrances, it has been prized in dentistry as an analgesic, anesthetic, and antibiotic. As a natural preservative, cloves and clove essential oil have been included in foods as diverse as lentil seeds and soft rind cheese (Nagelkaas).

• In dentistry, the high eugenol content makes Clove Essential Oil ideal as an analgesic, anasthetic, and antibiotic.

• Used commercially as a flavoring in foods and teas and as a fragrance component.

• It can be used in candle and soap making.

• Has been used as a popular tobacco additive.

• It has been used in Aromatherapy to soothe the mind and muscles and to promote focus.

• Clove Essential Oil has been used as a wart remover.

Clove trees are indigenous only to the Maluku Islands (historically called the Spice Islands), but have been traded since before 1721 BC. Clove Essential Oil appears to date back to around 600 AD in China.

In the treatment of mouth sores, toothaches, and sore throats, clove oil has been used almost from its inception, and was probably developed because of the soothing and healing properties which whole and ground cloves displayed.

Eugenol, a major constituent of clove essential oil, was later distilled and used in the manufacture of vanillan, another flavor enhancer.

Clove Essential Oil displays properties of being antiseptic, antihelmintic (kills parasitic worms), antibiotic, analgesic, anesthetic, and antioxidant. Clove oil is a "hot" oil and can pose skin sensitivity problems when used topically.

As with any Essential Oils, Clove oil should be tested for topical use on a small patch of skin (preferably the inside of the forearm as it tends to be a good indicator of skin sensitivity) before using the oil (straight or diluted) on larger areas. Essential Oils, especially strong ones like clove or Cinnamon Essential Oil, are usually diluted in a Carrier Oil for topical use.

If the area being treated topically becomes too warm or begins to feel as though it is burning, dilution with carrier oil should begin immediately. Generally, washing with soap and water will not remove oils well, while washing with or dilution with a carrier oil will relieve the burning sensation more quickly. Avoid getting Clove Essential Oil or any Essential Oils directly on mucous membranes or in eyes or ears.

In addition to the accepted dental uses of Clove Essential Oil as an analgesic and anesthetic, Clove Oil has been used in holistic and homeopathic treatments, Ayurveda Medicine, Chinese medicine, herbalism, and Aromatherapy. It can be taken internally, diluted, in small amounts and is Generally Accepted as Safe ( GRAS), with the acknowledgment that it is a very strong and potentially irritating oil. It can be used as a digestive aid in some cases.

Eugenol, a major constituent in Clove Essential Oil, is a substituted phenol compound which is water and oil soluble. Eugenol is the component which provides Clove Oil with most of its properties. In addition to other uses, Clove oil has been used, successfully, as an insect repellent. Some studies indicate that Clove oil, taken diluted internally on a regular basis, may help reduce blood sugar levels and help in balancing insulin production.