Clove, known as laung in Hindi, is an evergreen tree. This tree bears pink flower buds which are picked before they bloom and are dried to get the brown buds known as ‘Cloves’. The oil extracted from the flower of clove plants through the process of steam distillation is immensely beneficial.

 Clove essential oil has all the nutritional benefits possessed by clove. It is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which are known to enhance immunity apart from several other uses.

Importance of Clove in Ayurveda

Clove has various properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Due to these properties, this ingredient is also known as Mother Nature’s Antiseptic.

The medicinal properties help to cure various problems and diseases such as oral infections, diabetes, osteoporosis, impotency, sinusitis, improper blood circulation, prostate problems, arthritis along with a few other respiratory infections. Digestive problems, mouth problems are a few of them. Clove essential oil extracted from the flowers of the clove is, therefore, an important oil that serves various health benefits.

Benefits

Moisturizes Dry Skin and reduces skin problems

Clove essential oil helps to cure many skin-related problems when applied to the skin. It has a soothing effect on chronic itching and also provides moisturization to the skin to cure dryness.

Eliminate headaches

Clove Essential Oil contains flavonoid compounds, which acts as an anti-inflammatory compound. This helps to reduce the tension in blood vessels that is a possible cause of headache. It helps in relieving pain.

Reduce blood pressure

Clove Essential Oil contains eugenol that helps to widen major arteries and reduce systematic blood pressure. Furthermore, the oil is a well-known remedy that acts as a natural blood thinner. It can improve heart health.

Dental care

Clove essential oil has anesthetic and germicidal properties that help to treat ulcers of the mouth, toothaches, and sore gums. Clove Essential Oil slows down the formation of dental plaque and stops bacteria from multiplying.

Improves Blood Circulation

Clove oil helps to improve blood circulation. Since this oil soothes muscle aches and pains, clove is an active ingredient that helps the blood flow and helps reduce the pain associated with tension and headaches. For this apply clove oil to the temples to open the blood vessels.

Anticancer properties

Clove oil has anti-cancer properties that help to stop the growth of cancerous cells. It prevents breast, cervical, and colon cancer but is not just limited to these.

Reduces Unpleasant odor

Clove oil reduces unpleasant odor in the house. Burning some clove-scented oils or incense can help to soak the unpleasant smell and replace them with a pleasant odor.

Aid digestion

Clove oil has traditionally been used to treat digestive problems and stimulate processes of the body that protect the lining of the digestive tract and stomach.

Precautions and Side effects

• Keep out of reach of children as it may have severe side effects such as seizures, liver damage, and fluid imbalances.
• Pregnant, nursing or women under a doctor’s care should avoid using clove essential oil or consult a physician before using.
• Avoid contact with eyes and other sensitive areas of the body.
• Eugenol, a chemical compound in clove essential oil slows blood clotting. Therefore, clove oil might cause bleeding among people with bleeding disorders.
• Clove contains chemicals that may affect blood sugar levels. People with diabetes should avoid this essential oil.
• Avoid swallowing clove oil as it may lead to several side effects such as breathing difficulties, Burning sensation in your nose and throat, and diarrhoea.

Where is it found?

Clove trees grow naturally in India, Sri Lanka, Brazil, West Indies, Zanzibar, Madagascar, and Tanzania.