Cloves are usually known for their medicinal uses, especially for their ability to ease dental pain. Of course cloves can be used in the kitchen but they can also be used in bath and body care products. It’s no secret that many over the counter products today contain chemicals that are less than ideal for our skin and hair. Clove oil gives you the power to make some of your own at home treatments that not only save you money but also keep you free from man made fragrances and chemicals. Here are some suggestions for using clove oil at home for cosmetic issues.
Skin Benefits Of Clove Essential Oil
Under Eye Puffiness
Add one drop of clove oil to existing eye cream or make your own with the clove oil and a carrier oil. Apply to any areas of swollen skin. Take extreme caution to not allow the cream to get into your eyes. The oil will help increase blood circulation, removing inflammation and resulting in calm, smooth skin.
Warts
Warts are usually harmless but they are definitely less than desirable. For warts, place a diluted drop of clove oil on the affected area. Cover with a bandage and leave it on overnight. Remove the bandage in the morning and repeat the process nightly until the wart is gone, which can sometimes happen in as little as two days.
Eye Stye
A stye is an inflammation on the eyelid that can be very irritating and painful. If the inflammation gets large enough, it can be difficult to see as well. A stye is usually caused by improper eyelid hygiene, hormonal changes or the use of poor quality cosmetic products. To treat a stye with clove oil, wash the area with cold water and pat dry. Dilute the clove oil with castor oil and very carefully apply to the stye, taking great care not to get the solution into your eye. If you do happen to get the oil in your eye, apply more carrier oil to the area. Water will not rinse the clove oil away but will actually push it deeper into the eye.
Acne
With its antibacterial properties, clove oil makes a great natural acne fighter, even for difficult to eliminate cystic acne. Remember that clove oil is incredibly strong, so don’t use it on your face if you haven’t tried a test patch yet. When using clove oil as an acne treatment, dilute one part clove oil to ten parts of a gentler carrier oil, like olive oil. Don’t use the solution on the entire face but rather directly on areas of concern. Apply with a clean finger or a cotton swab and allow it to dry.
You can also use the oil to help fade acne scars. Mix 2 drops of clove oil with one teaspoon coconut oil and apply to the scars every night. Repeat until desired results are achieved.
Moisturizer
Clove oil can be a great moisturizer for dry skin, especially when the weather is changing and skin has the tendency to dry out. The best way to apply the oil is to soak the end of a rag in it and simply run along the skin. This works best on the arms and legs. Avoid sensitive areas. Keep in mind that your specific skin type may be too sensitive for undiluted clove oil so you always have the option of diluting the oil in a carrier oil and then applying it topically like a cream.
Bites/Stings
Not only does clove oil help to repel bugs, the application of diluted oil can also help relieve the pain associated with bug bites and stings. The oil will help to keep down any swelling and will prevent an infection from developing.
Hair Benefits of Clove Essential Oil
Dandruff
The main ingredient in clove oil, eugenol, is a natural antiseptic. Research shows that dandruff is not only caused by dry scalp but also a fungus. To get rid of dandruff naturally, mix 1 part clove oil and 10 parts coconut oil together. Massage this solution into the scalp for 15-30 minutes. The dandruff should already begin to loosen. Shampoo as normal and repeat weekly as needed.
Prevent Hair Loss
Clove oil stimulates blood flow and may be able to help stimulate hair follicles. This can also restart hair follicles that have stopped growing hair, stimulating new and healthier hair that appears shinier and thicker. Add a couple drops of clove oil to your existing shampoo or or make your own homemade version to reap these benefits. If hair loss is localized, mix clove oil with coconut oil and apply directly to the area of thinning hair. Leave on overnight and repeat daily for best results.
Hair Color Refresher
If you color your hair, professionally or at home, try clove tea to extend your color. This should only be done with darker hues of hair color. Make an herbal tea with clove oil and allow it to cool. After shampooing, apply the cooled clove tea to your scalp and allow it to run down the hair shafts. Rinse well and enjoy your extended and revived color.
Hair Conditioner
Stop having expensive deep conditioning treatments applied to your hair and make your own clove oil version at home. Mix 2 tablespoons of freshly ground cloves (if they are not fresh there will be very little oil) with ½ a cup of olive oil. Warm the mixture up in a pan and let it heat up for a bit. Don’t let it get too hot though. Remove from heat and let it cool for several hours and then pour into old conditioner bottles or another type of container. When ready to use, rub a bit of the mixture in your hands to warm it up and apply to the scalp, combing it through the rest of your hair. Put on a shower cap and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Rinse well
