Did you know that our mouths can tell a lot about our internal health? There have been research studies that linked our oral hygiene to coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancers. For example, mouth lesions may be the first signs of HIV infection, aphthous ulcers are occasionally a manifestation of Celiac or Crohn’s disease, and pale and bleeding gums can be a marker for blood disorders.
No worries! Clove essential oil is here…it is popularized for its natural dental benefits due to its antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, aphrodisiac and stimulating properties. Clove oil is produced from the flower bud of an evergreen tree called S. aromaticum. The bud oil consists of about 80% eugenol, acetyl eugenol, caryophyllene and other minor constituents. Eugenol is a common ingredient in dental care products and found in nutmeg, cinnamon, basil, and bay leaf. Eugenol content varies based on which parts of the clove you are using: the stem, bud, or leaves going from highest to lowest content respectively. The higher content of eugenol in the clove stem tends to cause skin irritation and thus the clove bud is the oil I will elaborate on in this article.
The eugenol content in clove bud oil has an antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties makes it a go-to natural option for relieving dental aches and pains related to the teeth and gums. This practice has been dated back to the ancient Greeks, Romans, Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. I have used diluted clove oil as a mouthwash for oral hygiene, eases sore throat and irritation. When I find my body is under the weather and this leads to bad breath, I immediately go to clove or cinnamon essential oil to improve in my oral environment. (Natural) dentists have mixed clove oil with zinc oxide to prepare a white, filling material as a temporary alternative to a root canal. Recent studies and careful consideration of the power of clove oil have resulted in it being used as a soothing balm on infants who are teething. In extremely diluted form, it can be applied to a baby’s gums, and the antiseptic and soothing qualities of the oil can ease their pain and reduce their discomfort.
Dental Relief Protocol
Put 1-2 drops of clove bud oil on a cotton ball and bite down on the ball with the sore tooth. Close your mouth for 5 minutes. Gargle and swish diluted 2-4 drops of clove bud oil with salt in your mouth for 1-2 minutes. Spit. Repeat daily for 3-5 days.
The same antiseptic benefits of clove oil can be applied to manage wounds or infections related to bacteria, fungus, and insect bites. Over the years, traditional Chinese medicine has used cloves to treat indigestion, diarrhea, hernia, ringworm, athlete’s foot, and other fungal infections. Remember, the content of clove oil will give a burning sensation so the oil needs to be diluted before application. Eugenol has been shown to act as an effective platelet inhibitor, preventing blood clots.
Clove bud oil is a great natural pain relieving option topically (over the skin) especially for headaches, joints and muscles related pain. Clove oil has anti-inflammatory agents called flavonoids. There are some that say to mix the clove bud oil with salt for better relief. The same anti-inflammatory benefits can be applied to the chest or in a diffuser to relieve respiratory symptoms like coughs, colds, bronchitis and sinus related issues. Eugenol is similar to cinnamon with its stimulating and warming properties. This helps with stagnated painful and congested regions of our body due to pain and trauma.
Clove oil offers a powerful action against gas and bloating. It reduces gas pressure in the stomach, aiding in the proper elimination of food and toxins. It also relieves the discomfort of peptic ulcers. Effective for stomach related conditions including nausea, hiccups, motion sickness and vomiting. Seeping clove in a hot water and sipping the tea 2-3 times a day can help with flatulence and upset stomach.
Eugenol can be stressful to the liver in high dosages. Overdose is possible, causing a wide range of symptoms from blood in the urine, to convulsions, diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, or rapid heartbeat.
Blends well with: Allspice, bay, bergamot, chamomile, clary sage, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, jasmine, lavender, lemon, mandarin, palmarosa, rose, sandalwood, vanilla, ylang ylang.
To test if you are sensitive to clove bud oil, dilute the oil with coconut or jojoba oil and apply to a small area of your wrist first. I am a believer of “nothing in extreme” so even if clove essential oil is a “miracle” oil for you, use it sparingly to avoid a maladaptive effect.
The information on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any diseases.