Cloves
Botanical Name
Clavus
Summary
Derived from an evergreen tree and used throughout history, particularly in ancient China and India. Introduced to Europe in the seventh and eighth centuries. Used in dental products today including toothpaste and mouthwash, due to it’s known oral care benefits.
Benefits and Uses
Dental care: Most popular use. Contains the compound eugenol, long used in dentistry. Effective for relieving tooth pain, mouth ulcers, sore gums and general dental pain. Also relieves bad breath. For throat pain, gargle with a diluted solution of clove oil and warm water. Thought to prevent/heal cavities.
Ear ache: Warm clove oil mixed with sesame oil is a good remedy for an earache.
Insect repellant: Used in bug repellants and candles to keep insects away. Can also be sprinkled on bed sheets to repel mosquitos and other insects during the night.
Anti-septic: Clove oil has antiseptic properties and is useful for treating wounds, fungal infections, athlete’s foot and other injuries.
Caution
Clove oil is very strong and should only be used in diluted form.