For over 2000 years Indian and Asian cultures have relied on the buds of the evergreen clove tree, both for its powerful flavor and for its incredible health benefits. Whole cloves are still commonly used in multiple cuisines today, but it’s the clove essential oil that has homeopaths, medical practitioners and the health community abuzz.
Clove oil has been proven to relieve tooth ache, treat injuries and improve problem skin. For centuries, it has been used as a powerful aphrodisiac as well as aiding in curing digestive disorders, eye infections, and respiratory problems. It is such a powerful oil that it should be used in diluted in a 1:4 ratio solution with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or grapeseed oil, which can then be massaged into skin, dabbed onto swollen gums or used as an ingredient in an exotic meal.
Clove oil has become so popular for its medicinal purposes that it is currently added to soaps, perfumes, and skin care products. It also serves as an effective insect repellant, as well as deterring cats and unwelcomed visitors.
Here are 10 reasons to include clove essential oil in your lifestyle:
1. Clears Acne
A study was conducted at the University of Buenos Aires to observe the effect that clove oil on Staph aureus, a type of bacteria that is known to cause acne.
The powerful anti-microbial properties of clove oil proved to be effective in eliminating the bacteria, which reduced the severity of acne significantly.
Add a few drops of clove oil to honey to make a natural and powerful face wash that will treat your acne. Alternatively, dilute it with a carrier oil and dab it on the affected areas.
2. Tooth Ache
Clove oil has been used in Asia for over 2000 years as a homeopathic aid for tooth ache.
In 2006 the Journal of Dentistry published a report that confirmed clove oil’s powerful numbing effect on gums, which proved to be as effective as the topical application of benzocaine, a common substance in dental practice.
To relieve tooth ache and support the healing of an abscess, add a few drops of clove oil to coconut or a carrier oil and apply it to the affected area.
3. Candida
A diet high in acidity and sugar can destroy the balance of the digestive and reproductive system, causing a fungal infection known as candida. It is commonly known as a yeast infection or thrush and can be a challenge to correct.
A study was conducted to ascertain how effective clove oil was in treating fungal infections and the results were published in the journal of Oral Microbiology and Immunology. Researchers had proven that clove oil was as effective as commercial drugs in treating candida due to its powerful antifungal effects.
To begin your healing, add clove oil to olive or coconut oil and use it for cooking or drizzled over vegetables.
4. Antioxidants 
Clove oil has proven to be higher in antioxidants than blueberries and has been certified as the second most powerful antioxidant in the world. It contains thirty times more antioxidants per gram than blueberries, which makes it one of nature’s most powerful anti-aging ingredients.
Antioxidants prevent free radical damage that causes our cells to deteriorate, which helps to reduce both the visible and internal signs of aging.
Make a room spray, add it to cream or massage it into your skin with a carrier oil.
5. Intestinal Parasites
The antifungal and antibacterial properties of clove oil have been proven to serve as an effective treatment against intestinal parasites. The parasites originate from improperly cooked meat, drinking water and can be absorbed through the skin, where they then lodge in the intestinal tract and cause gastrointestinal disorders.
Research has shown that adding just one drop of clove oil to your diet per day can effectively destroy and eliminate intestinal parasites over a two-week period.
6. Improves Circulation
An ingredient in clove oil known as eugenol has been proven to effectively improve blood circulation, which helps to keep the body oxygenated and inflammation free.
‘Tiger Balm’, a commonly known ancient Chinese balm uses clove oil as one of its ingredients to improve circulation, reduce muscle tension and relieve headaches. Apply diluted clove oil to the temples or on wrists and legs to boost circulation and dissolve headaches.
7. Aphrodisiac 
Folklore has suggested that clove oil acts as a powerful aphrodisiac, which is likely due to its powerful aroma and the effect that it has on blood circulation. Improved blood circulation will support sexual performance and drive, as well as dissolving any muscle tension.
Clove oil has also been shown to elevate your mood and improve mental clarity, helping to stimulate nerves for pleasure and feelings of euphoria.
8. Heals Infections
Studies have shown that clove oil is a powerful antiseptic and can heal cuts, wounds and bruises more efficiently and with less pain.
The eugenol acts as a pain killer while destroying harmful bacteria, which serves both as a numbing and healing substance. Apply a few drops of diluted clove oil directly to the affected area twice daily for the best results.
9. Diabetes
The powerful dose of antioxidants that clove oil helps to the purify blood, which improves circulation and the quality of blood cells.
A study was conducted in Scotland to see whether clove oil had any impact on regulating blood glucose and insulin response in order to prevent diabetes, and the results pointed towards the powerful compound in clove oil known as eugenol.
Eugenol was shown to effectively improve blood glucose balance as well as reduce the risk of insulin resistance. By adding a few drops of clove oil to your day you may be likely to prevent diabetes or to aid in managing its symptoms more effectively.
10. Eye Infections
Being a powerful antiseptic and antibacterial substance has made clove oil an effective treatment against eye infections, such as suffering from a sty. An eye sty causes painful inflammation on the lash line, which can be combatted by using a few drops of diluted clove oil on an earbud and smearing it over the affected area.
How to Include Clove Oil in Your Daily Habits:
There are multiple varieties of clove oil available at health food stores, pharmacies and aromatherapy centers, which makes it easy to source. It is recommended to purchase a gentle carrier oil such as coconut, jojoba or sweet almond oil to dilute the clove oil, as there is a risk of irritating skin tissue if applied without it.
Add a few drops of clove oil to pillow cases, night creams or conventional cosmetics to give it a boost in medicinal use. You can also use diluted clove oil in the kitchen for dressings and sauces, or can add a drop to smoothies or tea.
It is recommended to try a small amount first to observe your body’s reaction to it as some people can be allergic.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugenol
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_of_clove
https://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1517-83822001000200010
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22430697
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19589904
https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/intestinal-parasites
