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Essential oils are organic products extracted from plants that have amazing healing properties. They can be used as a preventive measure or in case of illness. Their beneficial effects are due to their ability to strengthen the immune system and stimulate cell regeneration. Recognizable in particular thanks to the specific spicy aromas that they release, the oilseeds of lavender, peppermint, tea tree and many others are famous all over the world. Today, we zoom in particular on the virtues of essential oil of clove for health, beauty and mental well-being. Follow us !
Clove essential oil - the natural product idolized in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine
The clove is a plant cultivated in parts of Asia and South America. Clove essential oil is produced by distilling its dried flower buds. Other parts of the tree, such as the stem and leaves, are part of the composition of different medicines. Although it is more commonly popular as a ground household spice, clove oil is a powerful ally in the fight against certain health problems. In the text below, we'll take a closer look at the potential benefits of this organic product and how you can enjoy it at home.
How to use precious oil and its unique powers outside of the kitchen?
Oral hygiene, toothache, dental plaque, gingivitis, oral mucositis
If you've paid attention to the label on your toothpaste, you may have found clove as one of its ingredients. Due to its strong germicidal properties and a compound called eugenol, clove oil is very effective in relieving toothaches, sore gums, and mouth ulcers. Given its aromatic properties, making a mouthwash with the oil can help you fight bad breath. Four drops dissolved in a glass of lukewarm water and gargle at least twice a day is enough for effective results.
Research also shows that using toothpaste or mouthwash containing cloves helps reduce plaque, a mild form of gum disease (gingivitis), as well as inflammation and sores. inside the mouth (oral mucositis).
If you are a new parent, it helps to know that clove oil is a natural way to soothe the pain that an infant experiences as their teeth grow. Just put some diluted oil on your finger and rub it along the baby's gums so that he sleeps calmly at night.
Lastly, the oily has the power to reduce dry socket pain, a common complication that occurs every time a tooth is pulled.
Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
Topical application of clove oil for 2 weeks has been shown to help reduce excessive sweating on the palms.
Muscle and joint pain, headache and earache
Do you suffer from a chronic headache? Head to the kitchen, mix four drops of clove essential oil with salt and apply to your forehead for instant relief. Indeed, the flavonoids contained in the oilseed have anti-inflammatory and cooling properties which allow the use of the product also as an excellent analgesic for muscle cramps and joint pain.
Clove oil is an effective remedy for unpleasant earaches. Take a warm mixture of 2 teaspoons of sesame oil and 3-4 drops of pure clove oil and apply carefully in the affected ear. Leave it on for a while. The mixture will relieve the pain and you will feel relaxed.
Cloves are great for reducing pain caused by bunions and warts. Dip a cloth in clove oil and apply to the affected area. Leave on for a few minutes or until the pain subsides.
Small, dried buds are the active ingredient in some topical anesthetic drugs because they improve blood flow by opening blood vessels.
Skin care
Clove essential oil can be found in soaps, body lotions, and even in perfumes. Why ? Its eugenol compound is found to be very effective in healing pimples and killing the infectious bacteria that cause them. Simply mix 2-3 drops of the anti-acne oil with your face cream and apply gently.
Clove oil also helps fight the signs of aging. Just pour a few drops on a piece of cotton and dab on your face at least twice a day. You will see a remarkable change when it comes to wrinkles and sagging skin. The stimulating properties of the product ensure exfoliation of dead cells and increase blood flow.
Lately, it is a natural remedy for dry and overly sensitive skin.
Falling hair treatment
This wonderful liquid can give you beautiful locks. Its application to the skin of the head stimulates blood circulation, which reduces hair loss and promotes hair growth. It also gives shine to dry and dull hair. A small amount mixed with olive oil can work as a great conditioner. For best results, apply to damp hair and wrap a towel around it. Leave on for twenty minutes and rinse with cold water.
Stress relief
Fighting some kind of stress at work or at home? Let a soothing clove oil massage soothe you. Due to its stimulating properties, the organic product reduces fatigue, mental exhaustion, anxiety and pressure. Apart from this, it is recommended to use during yoga and meditation practice. Likewise, put in an aromatherapy diffuser to relax and sleep calmly.
Prediabetes
Clove oil helps keep insulin levels stable. Diabetes tends to weaken the immune system by destroying the pancreatic cells that make this essential hormone. The body's response mechanisms to insulin and glucose are indeed more regulated when the essential oil is consumed.
Elimination of toxins from the blood
Clove oil can act as a blood purifier. The aromatic extract decreases the levels of toxins and increases the levels of antioxidants in the body, which boosts the functioning of the immune system.
Blood pressure and heart health
If you have high blood pressure, clove oil can really help. The eugenol present in its composition is able to dilate the main arteries of the body while reducing systemic blood pressure.
Another impressive active compound called acetyl eugenol has also been isolated from a scientific study. Researchers have found that it is a "potent platelet inhibitor" in human blood cells, which means that it prevents the aggregation of platelets in the blood. The latter are one of the factors that lead to the formation of a thrombus or blood clot.
This is certainly an important finding since antiplatelet drugs or anticoagulants are commonly used to treat coronary heart disease and reduce the risk of heart attack. At the same time, the clove acts as a natural anticoagulant.
Stronger immunity
Clove essential oil can work wonders in boosting your immunity. Its antioxidant properties make it a scavenger of free radicals causing various diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Treatment of infections
Endowed with a multitude of antiseptic properties, clove oil can be used to treat cuts, wounds, yeast infections and insect bites. However, direct application can be harmful. If the wound is too painful, it is advisable to dilute the oil by adding almond or coconut oil. These carrier oils will protect your sensitive skin from possible burns caused by such a powerful product.
Sore throat, cough and cold
Due to its pronounced anti-inflammatory properties, clove oil can be helpful with sore throats, coughs, and sinusitis. Consumption of this expectorant product can not only trigger the release of snot but also give respite from breathing problems and cure colds. In addition, a cooling effect on the nasal cavity and throat is noted.
Digestion problems
Studies have shown that eugenol in clove buds have the potential to maintain normal gastrointestinal motility, which is especially helpful during times of stress when the digestive tract is not functioning properly. In fact, clove essential oil is one of the oldest remedies for digestive disorders like upset stomach, indigestion, bloating and gas. The motion sickness is likewise relieved following the use of the oil.
Candida and intestinal parasites
One study followed the behavior of clove oil as an antifungal remedy. The results were quite telling in indicating the oilseed as effective as nystatin, a drug commonly prescribed to manage Candida infections in the mouth. Moreover, apart from eliminating yeast infection, the essential oil has the ability to kill intestinal parasites in the short term.
To do a cleanse from Candida or parasites, you can take clove oil internally for two weeks. However, it is recommended to be under the care of a doctor or nutritionist during this time.
During pregnancy
Clove oil can be very convenient for pregnant women as it can significantly reduce morning sickness and vomiting.
Insect repellent
Clove extract works as an excellent insect repellant. A few drops of this mosquito repellent oil scattered around the room and sleeping area is enough to keep the bugs away. Direct application to the skin can repel critters for 5 hours.
Keep fruits and vegetables fresh
An interesting study looked at the benefits of a clove essential oil rinse from lettuce. The processed vegetables stayed fresher longer. In fact, organic produce can prevent oxidation so that your food resists browning and spoilage.
Side effects and safety
When taken orally clove is safe for most people. However, there is not enough reliable information to know if taking large amounts is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin, clove oil or cosmetic or medicinal products that contain it are believed to be safe. However, applying undiluted oil in the mouth and on the gums can sometimes cause burns and irritation, so avoid!
Inhaling smoke from cloves is considered dangerous because it can initiate side effects such as breathing problems and lung disease.
Special precautions and warnings
Children: In children, the oil should not be taken orally. It can cause serious side effects such as seizures, liver damage and fluid imbalances.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Clove is safe in case it is taken orally in amounts commonly found in food. Be vigilant!
Bleeding disorders: Clove oil seems to slow blood clotting, so do not use if you have certain disorders or if you are taking medicines containing aspirin, clopidogrel, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, dalteparin, enoxaparin, heparin, warfarin and others.
Diabetes: Watch for signs of hypoglycemia if you have diabetes and take cloves.
Surgery: Stop using clove at least 2 weeks before scheduled surgery.
The appropriate dose of clove essential oil depends on several factors such as age, health and several other conditions of the user. Keep in mind that natural products are not always safe for everyone, and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow the relevant instructions on the labels and consult your pharmacist, doctor or other healthcare professional before use.
* Sources: webmd.com
healthline.com
food.ndtv.com
everydayhealth.com
draxe.com
aromatherapyanywhere.com
