Clove Oil Benefits or Uses for Skin, Hair and Health
Clove is used in many of the dishes prepared in India. It is also a good remedy for toothache. Applying a few drops of oil on the painful tooth can provide you relief. Clove oil is extracted from the distilled clove buds. It is a rich source of iron, phosphorous, calcium, sodium, potassium and Vitamins A and C. It has antibacterial, antiseptic and antiviral properties. It has lots of benefits.
Benefits of Clove Oil for the Skin:
Eliminates acne:
Clove oil has the ability to reduce acne on the skin. Many if the creams and lotions that are used for getting rid of acne may contain harmful chemicals in them. But clove oil does not cause any side effects. It contains a compound called eugenol, which has antibacterial properties. It can treat cystic acne and kill infections, as well as reduce the swelling.
All you have to do is to add 2 to 3 drops of clove oil to the cream or lotion that you apply on your skin. This can reduce the acne.
Is a key ingredient in most of the cosmetics:
Clove is often used as massage oil. It is an important ingredient in many of the skin creams and lotions. It has antiseptic and soothing effects. So, it is also added in soaps. Clove is used to make perfumes as it has its characteristic aroma.
Lightens blemishes:
Applying clove oil directly on the scars and blemishes helps in removing them. It works as a mild chemical peel and helps in eliminating blemishes and scars. This way your skin becomes healthier and clearer.
Benefits of Clove Oil for Hair:
Natural hair conditioner:
Mix a drop of clove oil with olive oil. This is an excellent conditioner. It can make your hair strong right from the roots. Apply this on your damp hair and wrap a thick towel on your head. Wait for about 15 to 20 minutes and then comb your hair as usual.
Reduces hair fall:
You can reduce hair fall and promote hair growth by applying clove oil in small amounts on your scalp. This is because it boosts the circulation of blood in the scalp. It is also good for covering bald spots. Applying it can make your hair long and shiny.
Health and Medicinal Benefits of Clove Oil:
Alleviates headache:
When you spend long time at the work place and do not take food on time, it can affect your body and mind. Often the result is a nagging headache. Clove oil has a soothing effect on your mind and body. This way it helps in providing relief from headache instantly.
All you have to do is to take 1 teaspoon of sea salt, 2 teaspoons of almond or coconut oil and 2 to 3 drops of clove oil. Mix them well and massage your forehead with this mixture. It provides a cooling effect and helps in relieving headache.
Cures indigestion:
Clove is good for healthy digestion and provides you relief from various digestive problems like indigestion, hiccups, motion sickness and flatulence.
Cures infections:
The antiseptic properties of clove oil make it great for treating cuts, wounds, prickly heat, fungal infections, and athlete’s foot. Remember to dilute it with carrier oil like almond oil or coconut oil before using it. Avoid using it if you have a sensitive skin.
Eases respiratory problems:
If you have sore throat, chew a pod of clove. This can provide you relief. This is because clove oil has cooling and anti-inflammatory effect on the nasal cavity and throat. This can clear the nasal passage and provide you relief from respiratory issues like cold, cough, asthma and sinusitis.
Perfect for dental care:
This is the most important benefit of clove oil. Clove oil is an important ingredient in many of the mouthwash and toothpastes because of its germicidal properties and because of the presence of a compound called eugenol in it. Clove oil is very effective for fighting dental pain, toothache, mouth ulcers and sore gums. In addition, the strong smell of clove oil can remove bad breath and reduce throat pain. Just add 4 drops of clove oil to one cup of warm water and gargle with this solution daily to get rid of bad breath.
Never consume more than the required amount as it can cause burns when taken in excess.
Relieves earache:
Earache is often experienced when you suffer from frequent cold and headaches. Clove oil is good for curing earache.
Mix 2 teaspoons of sesame oil with 3 to 4 drops of pure clove oil and warm the mixture. Apply this mixture inside your ears slowly and let it remain inside your ears for some time. This can provide you relief from earache.
Relieves stress:
Clove oil massage is said to be good for relieving stress and pain. It has aphrodisiac properties, which act as stress busters. It has the ability to reduce mental exhaustion, fatigue, anxiety and tensions. This way it helps in relaxing your mind.
Other Benefits of Clove Essential Oil:
As a flavouring agent:
Clove oil is used as a flavouring agent across the globe because of its strong and addictive flavour and its medicinal properties.
As an insect repellent:
Clove oil can be used to repel bugs and insects because of its strong aroma. People in the earlier times used to scatter a few drops of clove oil over the bed or sleeping area to keep away bed bugs. It can also repel mosquitoes and give you a sound sleep.
Clove oil warnings:
When you use clove oil in its concentrated form, it can do harm. So, whenever you apply it or ingest it, make sure that you dilute it. Eugenol present in clove oil can aggravate allergies in many people. Therefore you should do a patch test before you use it.