Clove
Clove
Clove is an important spice and is also known as " Mother Nature’s Antiseptic".
It is an effective home remedy for toothache. You can place a whole clove near the aching tooth to get relief from the pain. Clove can help provide relief from cough and sore throat due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help in the management of diabetes as it can lower the blood sugar levels.
Clove oil can also help prevent mosquito bites due to its excellent mosquito repellent property. Consuming Clove churna or applying Clove oil to the skin of the penis might help prevent premature ejaculation.
It should be kept in mind that Clove oil can burn and damage the skin or the area of application if used without diluting it[1][2][5][8].
It is an effective home remedy for toothache. You can place a whole clove near the aching tooth to get relief from the pain. Clove can help provide relief from cough and sore throat due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help in the management of diabetes as it can lower the blood sugar levels.
Clove oil can also help prevent mosquito bites due to its excellent mosquito repellent property. Consuming Clove churna or applying Clove oil to the skin of the penis might help prevent premature ejaculation.
It should be kept in mind that Clove oil can burn and damage the skin or the area of application if used without diluting it[1][2][5][8].
What are the synonyms of Clove?
Syzygium aromaticum, Lavang, Lan, Long, Laung, Rung, Laving, Karampu, Karayampoovu, Grampu, Labanga, Kirambu Tailam, Lavangalu, Qarnfu, Bhadrasriya, Devakusuma, Devapuspa, Haricandana, Karampu, Lavanga, Lavangaka, Lavangam, Varala, Luvang
What is the source of Clove?
Plant Based
Benefits of Clove

Modern Science View
Applying a cream containing Clove oil to the skin of the penis might help improve premature ejaculation[5][14].

Ayurvedic View
Clove helps to improve premature ejaculation due to its Vajikarana (aphrodisiac) property. Thereby helps to increase the sexual activity.

Modern Science View
Clove might be useful in case of chronic anal fissures. Applying topical cream containing Clove oil significantly reduces the resting anal pressure in patients suffering from chronic anal fissure[5][10][11].

Ayurvedic View
Clove helps to reduce the risk of anal fissure because of its Ropan (healing) property.

Ayurvedic View
Clove helps to reduce pain and inflammation in the mouth due to its healing effect. This is attributed to its Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter) and Sita (cold) properties.
Tip:
1. Take 2-5 drops of Clove oil and mix with 1 teaspoon of Coconut oil.
2. Soak a cotton ball in it.
3. Gently swipe the ball around the affected area.
4. Repeat it once a day.
Tip:
1. Take 2-5 drops of Clove oil and mix with 1 teaspoon of Coconut oil.
2. Soak a cotton ball in it.
3. Gently swipe the ball around the affected area.
4. Repeat it once a day.

Modern Science View
Eugenol present in Clove has antinociceptive effect which helps in inhibiting the painful sensory nerves and thus helps in managing toothache[4][5].

Ayurvedic View
Clove gives relief in case of toothache and also reduces the risk of various oral infections due its Katu (Pungent) and Tikta (bitter) property.
Tip:
1. Place a whole Clove in your mouth or near the painful tooth.
2. Bite slowly to release the oil and do not swallow.
3. Repeat this as many times as needed.
Tip:
1. Place a whole Clove in your mouth or near the painful tooth.
2. Bite slowly to release the oil and do not swallow.
3. Repeat this as many times as needed.
How effective is Clove?
Likely effective
Premature ejaculation
Insufficient evidence
Anal fissure, Dental plaque, Dry socket, Mouth ulcers, Toothache
Precautions when using Clove
Advice from Experts
Important

Modern Science View
Avoid the direct application of undiluted Clove oil as it can burn and damage the skin or the area of application[8].
Allergy

Modern Science View
Apply Clove oil or powder to a small area first to test for possible allergic reactions. People who are allergic or hypersensitive to Clove or its constituent Eugenol should avoid its use on the skin[8].

Ayurvedic View
1. Clove powder or oil should be used with honey if your skin is hypersensitive.
2. Clove oil should not be applied directly to the delicate skin area as it has a strong nature due to its Katu (Pungent) and Tikta properties.
2. Clove oil should not be applied directly to the delicate skin area as it has a strong nature due to its Katu (Pungent) and Tikta properties.
Other Interaction

Modern Science View
Eugenol in Clove may reduce the ability to react to painful stimulus. Therefore, its use should be avoided with other numbing or pain-reducing agents[8].
Side Effects
Important

Modern Science View
1. Burning
2. Damage to the gums and skin
3. Higher risk of cavities
4. Sore lips[5][8]
2. Damage to the gums and skin
3. Higher risk of cavities
4. Sore lips[5][8]
Recommended Dosage of Clove
- Clove Oil - 1-2 drops or as per your requirement.
- Clove Powder - ½-½ teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Clove
1. Clove Powder
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Clove powder.
b. Mix it with honey and apply on the skin.
c. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
d. Wash with lukewarm water.
e. Repeat once a week to control pimples[7].
2. Clove Oil
A. For pimples
a. Mix 2-5 drops of Clove oil with 1 teaspoon water.
b. Apply on the affected areas with the help of a cotton swab before going to bed at night.
c. Wash with lukewarm water in the morning to manage painful pimples[7].
B. For toothache
a. Put 2-4 drops of Clove oil onto a cotton ball.
b. Now place this cotton ball on the affected area and keep it for 30-40 minutes.
c. Repeat 1-2 times a day to get relief from toothache[9].
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Clove powder.
b. Mix it with honey and apply on the skin.
c. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
d. Wash with lukewarm water.
e. Repeat once a week to control pimples[7].
2. Clove Oil
A. For pimples
a. Mix 2-5 drops of Clove oil with 1 teaspoon water.
b. Apply on the affected areas with the help of a cotton swab before going to bed at night.
c. Wash with lukewarm water in the morning to manage painful pimples[7].
B. For toothache
a. Put 2-4 drops of Clove oil onto a cotton ball.
b. Now place this cotton ball on the affected area and keep it for 30-40 minutes.
c. Repeat 1-2 times a day to get relief from toothache[9].
Frequently asked questions

Modern Science View
Some of the best brands of Clove oil in India are:
1. Dabur Clove oil
2. Cinnamon Essential Clove oil
3. Khadi Clove oil
4. Allin Exporters Clove Bud Essential Oil
5. SSCP Clove Oil Pure & Natural
6. Deve Herbes Pure Clove Oil
7. Purra Clove Leaf Oil
1. Dabur Clove oil
2. Cinnamon Essential Clove oil
3. Khadi Clove oil
4. Allin Exporters Clove Bud Essential Oil
5. SSCP Clove Oil Pure & Natural
6. Deve Herbes Pure Clove Oil
7. Purra Clove Leaf Oil

Modern Science View
To make Clove oil at home:
1. Put 1 teaspoon of whole Cloves in a pan over medium heat and saute for a few minutes.
2. Collect the Cloves in a mortar and pestle.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of olive into it and crush the Cloves.
4. You can dip a cotton bud into the oil and use directly for toothache or sore gums.
5. You can also pour the oil in a dark-glass bottle and store at room temperature.
1. Put 1 teaspoon of whole Cloves in a pan over medium heat and saute for a few minutes.
2. Collect the Cloves in a mortar and pestle.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of olive into it and crush the Cloves.
4. You can dip a cotton bud into the oil and use directly for toothache or sore gums.
5. You can also pour the oil in a dark-glass bottle and store at room temperature.

Modern Science View
Clove oil has potent antimicrobial, antioxidant and anesthetic properties that can be used in various ways to manage Scabies. It is important to use it carefully and can cause harm if not diluted with a carrier oil or cream. Some ways in which it can used are:
1. Add a drop of Clove oil to a handful of moisturizer/ cream and apply to the affected area.
2. Add 5-6 drops of Clove oil to warm bath water and soak in this water for about 20 minutes.
3. Combine 10 drops of Clove oil with 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. Rub it onto the affected area twice a day.
1. Add a drop of Clove oil to a handful of moisturizer/ cream and apply to the affected area.
2. Add 5-6 drops of Clove oil to warm bath water and soak in this water for about 20 minutes.
3. Combine 10 drops of Clove oil with 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. Rub it onto the affected area twice a day.
References
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- Gülçina I,Elmastaş M, Enein AHY.Antioxidant activity of clove oil – A powerful antioxidant source.2012;5(4):489-499.
- Ali S,Prasad R, Mahmood A.Eugenol-rich fraction of Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) reverses biochemical and histopathological changes in liver cirrhosis and inhibits hepatic cell proliferation.J Cancer Prev. 2014;19(4): 288–300.
- WebMD.Clove: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
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- Ulbricht CE.Natural Standard:Herb and Supplement Guide, An Evidence Based Reference.Elsevier;2010.
- Alqareer A, Alyahya A, Andersson L.The effect of clove and benzocaine versus placebo as topical anesthetics.J Dent. 2006;34(10):747-50.
- Elwakeel HA, Moneim HA, Farid M, et al. Clove oil cream: a new effective treatment for chronic anal fissure. Colorectal Dis.2007;9(6):549-52.
- Nelson RL, Thomas K, Morgan J, et al. Non surgical therapy for anal fissure. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2012;15(2).
- Tajuddin, Ahmad S, Latif A, et al. Effect of 50% ethanolic extract of Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & Perry. (clove) on sexual behaviour of normal male rats. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.2004;4:17.
- Mishra RK, Singh SK. Reproductive effects of lipid soluble components of Syzygium aromaticum flower bud in male mice. Journal of Ayurveda & Integrative Medicine.2013;4(2):94-98.
- Balkrishna A.Secrets of Indian Herbs For Good Health.Divya Prakashan.1st ed.2008.
- Nzeako BC, Al-Kharousi ZS, Al-Mahrooqui Z.Antimicrobial activities of clove and thyme extracts.Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J.2006;6(1):33–39.
- Parle M, Khanna D.Clove: a champion spice. International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy.2011;2(1):47-54.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.