Most people think of cloves as that spicy aromatic ingredient that looks like a small hammer with a nail in it that is so prevalent in holiday cooking and wine. Fewer realize that the oil obtained from this diminutive and effective flower bud is being silently credited with the accumulation of one of the most outstanding wellness records in natural remedies. Clove oil, which comes mostly from the Syzygium aromaticum tree that grew up in Indonesia, has been something important of traditional medicine in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East for a long duration. Research today is finally discovering that ancient doctors were right when they used this deep amber oil, as it turns out that it contains healing properties other than being a food additive.
A Strong Natural Painkiller
In terms of clove oil usage history, maybe the most recorded benefit of this type of oil is pain relief capacity of the oil. Clove oil, for instance, has been widely recommended for oral pain relief in many traditional and modern contexts where it plays such a role. The main reason for this is eugenol; a natural compound that forms between 70 and 90 percent of all the constituents in clove oil. The mechanism of action of eugenol is through the temporary blockade of nerve ending receptors, thereby making clove oil a highly effective natural pain therapy mostly when treating toothache, swollen gums and after surgical operations in the mouth area. This is a scientifically verified finding and not a local myth – eugenol, a constituent of the drug, is a recognized component of a number of over-the-counter medicines and the health agencies have categorized it as a legitimate topical anesthetic for pain relief. A pain-relieving clove oil on aching teeth may result by applying some diluted clove oil to the aching tooth a few minutes.
Long Lasting Antimicrobial Property
Clove oil is one of the most versatile natural antimicrobial agents available to tackle lots of harmful microbes like bacteria, fungi and viruses. Evidence points to it is potent against numerous bacterial species, some of which are responsible for food poisoning and oral infections. Scientists have investigated its fungicide ability most of all against Candida, a fungus that is very prevalent and responsible for various yeast infections in the oral cavity, alimentary canal and body surface. Topically, if diluting is done in the right way, clove oil can help treat superficial skin problems such as infections as well as fungal ones; a natural alternative without the drawbacks of chemically produced treatments. It can be safely applied on areas of the skin where infections, like fungal infections, are present and the side-effects of synthetic medications are of concern.
An ally against inflammation
Chronic inflammation which results in different diseases from arthritis to cardiovascular diseases are among the well-understood facts. This is first a rediscovery and eugenol is an important ingredient, this time as a natural anti-inflammatory agent, however. Scientific evidence suggests that eugenol inhibits some of the enzymes that trigger the inflammatory process in the body, and this is a mechanism of action similar to that of some pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories. Topical application of a diluted clove oil as part of a comprehensive wellness lifestyle may provide considerable relief to people with joint pain, muscle soreness, or inflammatory skin problems.
Digestive health support
Clove oil was a popular way to treat digestion-related issues back in the old days and now the scientific community has actually started recognizing the efficacy of such a folk remedy. This essential oil is known for its ability to relax smooth muscles throughout the body, mostly the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. This property can aid in reducing bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. Since the use of clove oil can limit the growth of harmful, disease-causing microbes, this makes it even more attractive as a natural means for promoting good digestion and overall gastrointestinal health. While preliminary studies indicate that clove oil could, in fact, have protective effects on the stomach lining from ulcer formation, further clinical trials would be necessary to fully confirm this potential.
Note Antioxidant Potency
Clove oil is one of the top ranking natural substances on antioxidant scales including the ORAC scale which measures the ability to scavenge free radicals. Antioxidants help fight oxidative stress – cell damage that’s associated with aging, chronic disease and declining immunity. The consistent and deliberate use of clove oil, either as an aroma or in the form of whole cloves in food, can go a long way in bolstering the body’s antioxidant defenses.
A Note on Usage Safety
Clove oil is very concentrated and should always be diluted with a carrier oil before topical application. Undiluted use may cause skin irritation or chemical burns. Internal consumption should be done cautiously and only under the advice of a healthcare professional. However, used judiciously, clove oil is an incredibly effective addition to any natural health toolkit — a testament to the fact that some of nature’s most powerful remedies come in very small packages.
Health Note: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical or dental advice.
