It is a natural analgaesic and antiseptic used primarily in dentistry for its main ingredient eugenol. It can also be purchased in pharmacies over the counter, as a home remedy for dental pain relief, mainly toothache; it is also often found in the aromatherapy section of health food stores. The oil produced by cloves can be used in many things from flavouring medicine to remedies for bronchitis, the common cold, a cough, fever, sore throat and tending to infections.
Uses:
Oil of cloves is known best for its anaesthetic properties. It is widely reported to be effective, and prior to the availability of anaesthetic drugs, was used by some dentists.
Clove oil is often used to relieve pain caused by dry socket, a possible complication of tooth extraction.
When applied to stop a toothache, a cotton swab - applied directly to the infection site - or a very small piece of oil-soaked tissue paper is placed directly on or in the tooth, to allow for the oil to absorb into the affected area.
Clove oil has antimicrobial and antifungal uses. It can be used for acne, warts, scars and parasites.[citation needed] Laboratory research published in 2009 demonstrated that it exhibits significant activity against Propionibacterium acnes, the major skin bacterium causing acne.
Other uses:
Clove oil is also the active ingredient in a weed and grass killing herbicide. It is effective in killing many types of plants
Research has shown that clove oil is an effective mosquito repellent.
Clove oil is also used in oil painting. The anti-oxidant effects of the eugenol delays the drying (oxidation) of the drying oils (linseed, safflower, poppy, walnut) in the paint on the palette. |
