Clove oil how does it work

What is clove oil? Where can you find it? Is it safe? The clove is a plant that grows in Asia and South American. It is used in foods, beverages, toothpaste, soaps, cosmetics, and perfumes. It has also been used to relieve pain from a toothache.

Clove oil contains the ingredient eugenol, a natural anesthetic and antibacterial that helps reduce inflammation. A study completed by the British Association of Maxillofacial Surgeons involved patients who had their third molars extracted reported that the eugenol-based paste group experienced less pain, inflammation, infection, and swelling than the 0. Dental professionals do not recommend clove oil.

If you are experiencing tooth pain, it can be a sign of an underlying condition, and you should reach out to your dental professional first to get a proper diagnosis. According to an article in Registered Dental Hygienist Magazine , clove oil does have antibacterial, antifungal, and pain-relief properties.

According to Medline Plus , clove oil is generally considered safe for adults. While some people will reach for an over-the-counter topical anesthetic like Orajel or Anbesol, others will head to the health food store for a bottle of clove oil —a natural remedy used for centuries to treat tooth pain.

While it is safe when used correctly and may provide you with relief, there are limitations to its use and things you should know before using it or any therapeutic oil. Popular in Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine , cloves were once inserted whole into an infected cavity or applied as a topical extract to relieve pain and inflammation.

By the early 19th century, the active ingredient, Eugenium aromaticum, was combined with magnesium oxide to create a temporary filling material. The magnesium oxide has since been replaced by zinc oxide to produce zinc oxide eugenol ZOE , a temporary filling cement still popularly used in dentistry and endodontics. Cloves are dried flower buds taken from a tree of the Myrtaceae family.

The oil is usually extracted through steam distillation; other producers rely on chemical solvents and boiling to obtain the prized oil. Eugenol is the chemical that gives clove its spicy scent and pungent flavor.

When applied to tissues, it creates a warming sensation that Chinese herbalists believe treat yang deficiencies. Clove oil works similarly to capsicum in peppers by stimulating the production of a protein known as trans receptor potential vanilloid-1 TRPV-1 which, in turn, desensitizes nerve endings near the surface of the skin.

It also exerts potent antibacterial properties that can aid in healing and prevent infection. Clove oil, which can be colorless or have a slightly yellowish tinge, is often used in dentistry to treat pain from a dry socket following the extraction of a tooth. While there had been some suggestions that clove oil is just as effective as benzocaine in treating toothache, the U. Food and Drug Administration FDA downgraded eugenol, citing that the evidence supporting its use was lacking.

Clove oil should never be applied to the gums undiluted as it can cause irritation and may lead to toxicity. Instead, it is best diluted by adding two to three drops to a neutral carrier oil, such as olive oil or canola oil. The oil preparation can then be dabbed onto the affected tissue with a cotton ball or swab.

You can even keep the cotton ball in place for several minutes to increase absorption. Upon application, you should feel a slight warming sensation and a pungent, gunpowdery flavor. The numbing effect should be fully felt within five to 10 minutes. You can reapply every two to three hours as needed. If you have multiple areas of mouth pain following a dental procedure, you can add a few drops of clove oil to a teaspoon of coconut oil and swirl it in your mouth to coat.

Clove oil can cause skin irritation in some people. To do this, apply a small amount of diluted clove oil to the inside of your elbow. Be sure to know the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis , a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction:. You can shop for clove oil online or in natural food or health stores. To find the best quality clove oil, follow the tips below:. Traditionally, clove oil has been used for easing digestive upset, relieving pain, and helping with respiratory conditions.

Research has found that clove oil may have benefits for dental and topical applications, for treating infections, and even fighting cancer. As with any essential oil, make sure to use clove oil safely.

Always talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns before using clove oil. Essential oils are claimed to offer many health benefits. This article explains everything you need to know about essential oils and their health…. Cloves are a flavorful spice in baked goods and Indian cuisine, but they also have benefits for your health. Here are 8 health benefits of cloves. How can you safely use clove oil as a natural treatment for toothaches? Learn three different ways to use this treatment.

Research has shown that chamomile oil can benefit your health in numerous ways. Learn how it can help with digestion, anxiety, depression, pain relief,.

Health enthusiasts have long raved about the countless benefits of wheatgrass, and for good reason. We have 11 reasons why you should add it to your…. Soothes Irritation Clove bud oil is often used as the active ingredient to soothe the itching and burning typically associated with coming in contact with poison oak or poison ivy.

You can use the leaves by themselves if you break them apart and squeeze the juice out. If you have it as a topical ointment, it works just as well.

Applying this natural herb to bedsores can prevent them from getting worse. It is also helpful to apply clove oils to skin that is susceptible to bedsores to reduce the likelihood of getting them. Cleans Katana Swords and Other Metals Soak a clean cotton rag in clove oils and rub along a Katana sword or other metal surface to effectively clean the dust and dirt away.

It also gives it a spectacular shine unmatched by other products. Since this specialty balm is used to soothe muscle aches and pains, cloves are the active ingredient that helps the blood flow through the area and help reduce the pain. Because it helps improve circulation, clove oil is ideal for reducing the pain and discomfort typically associated with tension headaches. Apply a rag soaked in clove oils to the forehead or temples to get the blood vessels opened.

When used for aromatherapy purposes, clove bud oil helps to stimulate the brain. The scent makes you more attentive and can even make you feel more energetic than you normally would. Used as an Insect Repellent Many insect repellent companies use clove essential oil as one of the active ingredients in their spray products.

If you have some clove leaves or oils, you can simply use these instead of spending money on bug spray.