Originally from South-East Asia, the clove tree produces flower buds, the famous cloves which, once dried and distilled, produce a powerful essential oil. Used above all for its analgesic properties, it is the essential oil par excellence for relieving all oral and dental pain: cavities, abscesses, toothache or other. Very good anti-infectious and particularly anti-parasitic, it is used to fight against scabies or to repel certain insects and mites. Latin name: Eugenia caryophyllus (Spreng.) Bullock & SGHarrison or Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merril & LM Perry. Distilled part: flower buds, cloves
This article was updated on 16/05/2023Precautions for use
Vigilance! Prohibited for pregnant and breastfeeding women, young babies and children under 6 years old, Clove essential oil can be used diffused or cutaneously, but never pure. It is in fact dermocaustic and irritating to the mucous membranes. It can also be ingested with caution, preferably on medical advice. It should not be used with anticoagulant medications. Finally, be careful, it contains more than 80% eugenol, an allergenic component.
Authorized users
Possible ways of use
Risks of use
Other precautions
Medical advice
- Seek medical advice for people with asthma, liver problems, bleeding disorders or hypertension.
- No prolonged use of Clove essential oil without the advice of a therapist.
- Use is prohibited in pregnant women except at the time of childbirth (diluted through the skin) under medical supervision.
Skin application
The use of Clove essential oil is possible through the skin in dilution up to 10% maximum in a vegetable oil.
Ingestion
Do not exceed 3 drops per day, for 5 to 7 days maximum. This essential oil should not be ingested pure, but with a neutral support, preferably a teaspoon of edible vegetable oil. As a precaution, combine with a liver protector such as Lemon essential oil.
For oral and dental problems, it can be applied locally, preferably diluted in vegetable oil to a maximum of 5%, avoiding swallowing.
In broadcast
As this essential oil is irritating to the respiratory tract, it must be diluted between 5 and 10% in other essential oils (5-10% of essential oil in 90-95% of other essential oils).
Contraindications
Clove essential oil is contraindicated orally in cases of gastric ulcer, liver disorders, coagulation disorders, bleeding, before surgery, or in people with hemophilia.
It is contraindicated orally in the event of treatment with anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, MAOIs, IRSSs, or pethidine. If in doubt, seek medical advice.
Allergenic components
Clove essential oil contains several allergenic biochemical components:
- eugenol (vigilance! 72 to 88%)
- benzyl benzoate (≤ 0.5%)
- linalool (≤ 0.2%)
- isoeugenol (≤ 0.1%)
- limonene (≤ 0.1%)
- benzyl salicylate (≤ 0.1%)
Note: It is best to test the essential oil before using it (dilute a drop of essential oil in a little vegetable oil and apply it to the crook of the elbow). Wait at least 24 hours to check that there is no reaction.
Properties of Clove essential oil
Clove essential oil is highly concentrated in eugenol, eugenyl acetate and beta caryophyllene. These different molecules give it the following main properties:
-
analgesic, local anesthetic ++++ (eugenol):
clove essential oil is mainly composed of eugenol, a molecule that has been compared to lidocaine and shown to have a superior action to that of this local anesthetic drug. Eugenol has the ability to specifically block the nerve fiber involved in pain in the dental pulp, hence its legendary use in dental offices.
-
antifungal +++ (eugenol):
clove essential oil is effective against fungi causing certain mycoses. It is a very good growth inhibitor of species of the genus Candida spp, in particular by the presence of eugenol. It also inhibits dermatophytes, according to a 2021 study. Finally, it acts against certain fungi present in the garden, such as Fusarium oxysporum and Botrytis cinerea, two pests of tomatoes.
-
antibacterial +++ (eugenol):
numerous studies demonstrate the broad-spectrum antibacterial activity of Clove essential oil, particularly against Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginos. This is explained by the presence of eugenol playing an inhibitory role on the growth of bacteria by causing alterations in structure and membrane permeability. It would also be anti-bacterial biofilm in the case of Pseudomonas and of Staphylococcus aureus.
-
anti-inflammatory ++ (β-caryophyllene, eugenol):
eugenol and beta-caryphylene have been the subject of numerous studies which have demonstrated their anti-inflammatory property by inhibition of different enzymes and molecules involved in the inflammatory process (cyclo-oxygenase, prostaglandins, NF-kapapB, etc.) . Clove essential oil has even been compared to a drug that belongs to the family of cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors used as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
-
uterotonic ++ (eugenol):
although no study yet demonstrates its mechanism of action, the eugenol present in Clove essential oil would be both "uterotonic" (action on contractions of the uterus) and spasmolytic (relaxation of the cervix). ). It is traditionally used in certain maternity wards, under medical supervision of trained people, to facilitate childbirth.
-
antiparasitic, acaricide, insecticide, pediculicide ++ :
clove essential oil has strong acaricidal activity which was notably confirmed in a study by G. Fichi and G. Flamini in 2006 on rabbit scabies. In vitro, it also gave very significant mite mortality results. It is also effective against lice and certain intestinal worms.
But also these secondary properties:
- calming
- antispasmodic
- carminative
- sedative
- digestive
- hypertensive
- antiplatelet
In case of Decay
Efficiency: ++++
Simple use
For adults and children over 6 years old. By local route, place 1 drop of Clove essential oil on a cotton swab soaked in edible vegetable oil and apply it directly to the cavity while waiting for your appointment with the dentist. Up to 5 times a day depending on the intensity of the pain.
Use in synergy
Reserved for ages 6+. Place 2 drops of the synergy on a cotton swab or finger then massage around the painful tooth, up to 3 times during the day.
- 10 drops of Clove essential oil
- 40 drops of Noble Laurel essential oil
- 10 drops of Black Pepper essential oil
- 8 mL of edible vegetable oil such as Nigella
More details : essential oils against cavities.
In support of the Childbirth
Efficiency: ++++
Simple use
For pregnant women over 9 months, under medical supervision, only by trained people. Through the skin, always dilute Clove essential oil in a vegetable oil to a maximum of 10%, i.e. 1 drop of HE for 9 drops of HV. Massage the lower back and stomach delicately during work, repeating every 30 minutes
Use in synergy
For adults. Apply 15 drops of the mixture with a very gentle massage around the waist, 3 times a day, at the time of term.
- 10 drops of Clove essential oil
- 10 drops of Palmarosa essential oil
- 10 mL of vegetable oil (Hazelnut for example)
Source: Jaffrelo, A. (2019). Aromatherapy for caregivers. Ed. DUNOD.
In case of Dental neuralgia, Tooth pain, Toothache, Pulpitis
Efficiency: ++++
Simple use
Adults and adolescents. By local route, 1 drop of Clove on a cotton swab soaked in edible vegetable oil. Apply to the painful area while waiting for your appointment with the dentist.
Use in synergy
Adults and adolescents. Apply a few drops of the mixture to the sore gum (with your fingertips or using a cotton swab) up to 5 times a day.
- 10 drops of essential oil Clove
- 40 drops of essential oil Laurel Noble
- 10 drops of essential oil Black pepper
- 8 mL of edible vegetable oil such as Nigella
More details and other users: How to relieve a toothache with essential oils?
In case of' Dry socket
Efficiency: ++++
Simple use
Adults and adolescents. By local route, 1 drop of Clove on a cotton swab soaked in edible vegetable oil. Apply to the gums near the painful area while waiting for your appointment with the dentist.
Use in synergy
Adults and children over 6 years old. Apply 2-3 drops of the mixture to the gums near the painful area (with your fingertips or using a cotton swab) up to 5 times a day.
- 10 drops of essential oil Clove
- 30 drops of essential oil Laurel Noble
- 10 drops of essential oil Pepper mint
- 10 drops of essential oil Black pepper
- 8 mL of edible vegetable oil such as Nigella
More details and other users: How to use essential oils in case of dry socket?
For the Wisdom teeth (pain)
Efficiency: ++++
Simple use
Adults and adolescents. By local route, 1 drop of Clove on a cotton swab soaked in edible vegetable oil. Apply to the painful area.
Use in synergy
Adults and children over 6 years old. Apply 2-3 drops of the mixture to the gums near the painful area (with your fingertips or using a cotton swab) up to 5 times a day.
- 4 drops of essential oil Clove
- 2 drops of essential oil Roman chamomile
- 4 drops of essential oil Field Mint or Pepper mint
- 4.5 mL of edible vegetable oil such as Nigella (about 1 teaspoon)
More details and other users: How to relieve wisdom teeth pain with essential oils?
In case of' Tooth abscess
Efficiency: ++++
Simple use
From 6 years old. By local route, dilute 0.5 mL (15 drops) of Clove in 9.5 mL of edible vegetable oil. Apply the mixture with your fingertips or using a cotton swab, on the gum or cheek in case of sensitive gum, up to 5 times a day for a maximum of 5 days while waiting for your appointment with the doctor. dentist. Wash your hands thoroughly after application in case of direct contact.
In case of intense pain. By local route, place 1 drop of Clove essential oil on a cotton swab soaked in vegetable oil to apply to the gum near the painful area, up to 5 times a day for a maximum of 5 days.
Use in synergy
From 6 years old. Apply 2-3 drops of the mixture to the gums near the painful area (with your fingertips or using a cotton swab) up to 5 times a day. If the application to the gum is too sensitive, double the quantity of vegetable oil. This mixture can also be applied to the cheek near the painful area. Wash your hands thoroughly after application in case of direct contact:
- 15 drops of essential oil Clove
- 15 drops of essential oil Laurel Noble
- 15 drops of essential oil Pepper mint
- 15 drops of essential oil Black pepper
- 40 drops of vegetable oil Macadamia
More details : essential oils in case of dental abscess.
In case of Dyspepsia, Difficult digestion
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
For adults and adolescents, on medical advice. Orally, 1 drop of Clove essential oil in a teaspoon of edible vegetable oil, combined with 1 drop of Lemon essential oil (liver protectant). Take after a meal, 2 or 3 times a day, for a maximum of 5 days.
Clove or Tropical Basil?
If Clove essential oil can act on digestion, we advise you to favorbasil essential oil, much easier to use:
- Cutaneously: 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil massaged on the stomach, following each meal.
- Orally: 1 drop under the tongue pure or on a support following each meal, for 5 days maximum.
Against the Scabies
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
From 6 years old. Dermal, prepare a mixture of 0.5 to 1 mL of Clove essential oil diluted in 9.5 to 9 mL of vegetable oil. Apply 2 to 3 drops of the mixture to the affected areas (do not apply to the anogenital areas). Repeat the operation morning and evening until the symptoms disappear (redness, itching).
Use in synergy
From 6 years old. Apply 1 to 3 drops of the mixture to each affected area depending on its extent. Repeat the operation morning and evening until the symptoms disappear (redness, itching). Do not apply to the anogenital parts.
- 10 drops of essential oil Fine Lavender
- 10 drops of essential oil Pepper mint
- 20 drops of essential oil Clove
- 20 drops of essential oil Tea Tree
- 150 drops (7.5 mL) of oily macerate of Calendula
More details : essential oils against scabies.
Clove or Cade?
Clove essential oil acts on scabies, butcade essential oil is even better. Cutaneously: 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil to apply to the affected areas (do not apply to the anogenital areas). Repeat the operation morning and evening until the symptoms disappear (redness, itching).
In case of Malaria, Tropical disease
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
For adults, on medical advice only. Orally, 1 drop of Clove in a teaspoon of edible vegetable oil, combined with 1 drop of Lemon essential oil (liver protectant). Up to 3 times a day. Do not exceed 5 days of use.
Attention ! Tropical infections (malaria, yellow fever, etc.) are serious conditions that can lead to numerous rapid complications. Consult a specialist quickly if you have the slightest doubt!
Clove or Chinese Cinnamon?
Clove is effective against tropical diseases, butcinnamon essential oil remains more appropriate. Orally: 1 drop of essential oil in a teaspoon of edible vegetable oil, combined with 1 drop of Lemon essential oil (liver protectant). Up to 3 times a day. Do not exceed 5 days of use.
In case of Gingivitis
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
From 6 years old. Par local route, prepare a 3% mixture of Clove essential oil in Sesame vegetable oil (9 drops of EO in 9.7 mL of HV). Apply 1 to 2 drops of the mixture directly to the gums up to 2 times a day for up to 5 days.
Clove or Tea Tree?
Clove is effective in cases of gingivitis, buttea Tree essential oil remains more appropriate. Prepare a mixture of 10% Tea Tree essential oil in Sesame vegetable oil (1 mL or 30 drops of HE, in 9 mL of HV). Apply 3 to 5 drops of the mixture to the gums up to 3 times a day for 5 days.
In case of' Canker sore
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
From 6 years old and for adults. Dermal, place 1 drop of Clove essential oil on a cotton swab, soaked in edible vegetable oil. Apply locally up to 3 times a day after meals, for 2 days.
Clove or Noble Laurel?
Clove is effective against canker sores thanks to its anti-infectious properties, however we advise you instead noble Laurel essential oil. Through the skin, place 1 drop of Noble Laurel essential oil on a cotton swab previously soaked in vegetable oil. Apply it directly to canker sores, 3 times a day, until disappearing.
In case of Gastroenteritis
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
For adults and adolescents. Orally, place 1 drop of Clove essential oil in a teaspoon of vegetable oil, combined with 1 drop of Lemon essential oil (liver protectant). Take after a meal, 2 to 3 times a day for a maximum of 5 days.
Clove or Chinese Cinnamon?
Clove essential oil can be effective, butchinese Cinnamon essential oil will be more suitable. Orally, 1 drop of essential oil in a teaspoon of edible vegetable oil, combined with 1 drop of Lemon essential oil (liver protectant). Up to 3 times a day. Do not exceed 5 days of use.
Other famous applications of Clove
Clove essential oil is used on many occasions, particularly linked to its analgesic, anti-infectious, antifungal, calming or antispasmodic properties. For the majority ofthe following uses it will be effective, but without necessarily being the best essential oil. We therefore indicate to you the best replacement for Clove for the following different problems.
ENT infection
Clove effective in certain respiratory infections but... It is better to use eucalyptus Radiata essential oil in most cases: 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil to apply to the area concerned (neck, thorax, sinuses, behind the ear depending on the problem) 4 times a day for 5 to 7 days.
Reduced libido, sexual fatigue
Clove effective but difficult to use... It is better to favor complete Ylang Ylang essential oil : cutaneously, 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil, massaged on the lower spine, twice a day for 10 days. For a massage on a larger surface, do not hesitate to dilute the essential oil in a larger quantity of vegetable oil.
Hypothyroidism
Clove does not seem to have any effect... It is better to use thegreen myrtle essential oil : orally, 1 drop on a neutral tablet, 3 times a day before meals, for 3 weeks.
Stomach cramps
Clove effective but... It is better to use thelemon balm essential oil : orally, 1 pure drop on a neutral tablet to melt in the mouth for better diffusion during the attack.
Cystitis, Urinary tract infection
Clove effective but... It is better to use themountain Savory essential oil : cutaneously, 1 drop in 9 drops of vegetable oil massaged on the lower abdomen, 3 times a day for 7 to 10 days.
Asthenia, Fatigue
Clove effective but... It is better to use theblack Spruce essential oil : via the skin, 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil applied to the lower back at the kidney level, 3 times a day. Take a one-week break after three weeks of use.
Mycosis
Clove effective but... It is better to use thetea Tree essential oil : via the skin, 1 drop of pure Tea Tree on the mycosis, morning and evening after having thoroughly cleaned the affected area. Take a week's break after 3 weeks of use. Dilute in a vegetable oil in case of sensitive skin or application over a large area.
Neuralgia, Pain of nervous origin
Clove effective but... It is better to use theroman Chamomile essential oil : via the skin, 1 drop for 4 drops of vegetable oil to apply to the affected area.
How to recognize a good Clove essential oil?
Botanical characteristics
- Latin Name: Eugenia caryophyllus (Spreng.) Bullock & SGHarrison or Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merril & LM Perry.
- Botanical family: Myrtaceae
- Part used: dried flower buds
- Country of origin: Sri Lanka.
Physical characteristics
- Density at 20°C: 1,042 to 1,063
- Refractive index at 20°C: 1.528 to 1.538
- Rotational power at 20°C: -2
- Flash point: 120
Organoleptic characteristics
- Appearance: more or less viscous liquid
- Color: light brown to yellow
- Odor: spicy, characteristic.
Biochemical characteristics
- eugenol: 75 to 87%
- eugenyl acetate: 8 to 15%
- β-caryophyllene: 2 to 7%
A little history of the Clove
Disintegrated mushroom or crimson seed?
You are not there! The Clove is actually… a flower! What do you mean, lies? Since we tell you that this little tiny thing is a grandpa! In its youth, the Clove was a firecracker red flower bud, sometimes dark pink or even downright white. And before finding itself in the heart of winter in our cups of mulled wine, it was lounging in the tropics, hanging at the top of a 20 meter high tree. Truthful.
The clove is therefore a flower bud of the clove tree which is then dried to become what is commonly called the clove. Some people even give it magical properties... Burned in incense, cloves are said to have the ability to repel hostile forces, improve spirituality and above all bring wealth. To do this, simply place 2 or 3 cloves in your wallet. On your nails!
Ramayana, the Moluccas and the French
The clove tree grew mainly in Asia. Already mentioned in the Indian epic Ramayana around 200 BC, the clove trade is not new! Of reliable yield, the Chinese also used it during the Han dynasty, until 220 AD. At that time they were already flirtatious and used cloves to have better breath, as well as in many typical dishes and culinary preparations. His trade made him known to the Arabs, then to the Romans. It was very fashionable in Europe during the Middle Ages.
The artistic Renaissance in Europe allowed the revival of the clove. In 1511, the Portuguese invaded the Moluccas Archipelago to maintain a monopoly on the clove trade. They even went to burn their neighbors' trees! Pierre Poivre, a Frenchman established in Mauritius, collected some plants during his expeditions and succeeded in acclimatizing them in France and the Antilles. Today, it is used not only in cooking, but also in certain teas, room fragrances, cosmetology, and even for their little aphrodisiac side... Indonesia remains the leader in the production of cloves, followed by Madagascar and the Comorian Islands.
Traditions: An ancient Christian tradition makes cloves a natural plant symbol representing the nails of the Crucifixion.
Did you know ?
And yes, after teenage life relaxing under the sun, cloves are picked in the prime of life, just before the flower buds open. They grow in small clumps and give off a very strong odor. They are harvested in the morning, when they are most full of freshness; then we leave them to dry in the sun, until they become dark brown. The color we know.
A tree grows relatively quickly and becomes profitable after the third year. It produces around 7 to 10 kg of nails per year. The essential oil yield is one of the highest: almost 20%!
Did you know ? The “apple of amber” is the scent given off by an orange in which cloves have been planted. A cocooning atmosphere as we like them.
We tell you about it in video
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Bibliography
Publication: Bodhankar, S., Kurian, R., Arulmozhi, D., & Veeranjaneyulu, A. (2006). Effect of eugenol on animal models of nociception. Indian Journal of Pharmacology, 38(5), 341. https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7613.27702
Publication: Marchese, A. and al. (2017). Antimicrobial activity of eugenol and essential oils containing eugenol: A mechanistic viewpoint. Critical Reviews in Microbiology, 43(6), 668–689. https://doi.org/10.1080/1040841x.2017.1295225
Publication: Pourgholami, M., and al. (1999). Evaluation of the anticonvulsant activity of the essential oil of Eugenia caryophyllata in male mice. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 64(2), 167–171. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0378-8741(98)00121-4
Publication: Hu, Q., Zhou, M., & Wei, S. (2018). Progress on the Antimicrobial Activity Research of Clove Oil and Eugenol in the Food Antisepsis Field. Journal of Food Science, 83(6), 1476–1483. https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.14180
Publication: Yagura, S., Onimaru, H., Kanzaki, K., & Izumizaki, M. (2018). Inhibitory effects of eugenol on putative nociceptive response in spinal cord preparation isolated from neonatal rats. Experimental Brain Research, 236(6), 1767–1774. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-018-5254-y
Publication: Chaieb, K. and al. (2007). The chemical composition and biological activity of clove essential oil, Eugenia caryophyllata (Syzigium aromaticum L. Myrtaceae): a short review. Phytotherapy Research, 21(6), 501–506. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2124
Work : de la Charie, T. (2019). Treat yourself with essential oils. Why and how does it work? Editions du Rocher.
Work : Couic Marinier, F., & Touboul, A. (2017). The Living Earth guide to essential oils. Terre Vivante Editions.
Work : Zahalka, J. (2017). Complete Aromatherapy Dictionary. Editions du Dauphin.
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About these tips
This aromatherapy article was written by Théophane de la Charie, author of the book “Treat yourself with essential oils”, accompanied by a multidisciplinary team made up of pharmacists, biochemists and agronomists.
La Compagnie des Sens and its teams do not encourage self-medication. The information and advice provided comes from a reference bibliographic database (books, scientific publications, etc.). They are given for information purposes, or to suggest avenues for reflection: they should in no case replace a diagnosis, consultation or medical follow-up, and cannot engage the liability of the Compagnie des Sens.