Clove essential oil is known to support a healthy immune system, promote blood circulation while supporting cardiovascular health and protect the body from disease with its powerful antioxidant properties. However, as with all medications and essential oils, precautions should be taken when using the oil, especially because clove is incredibly potent. Here are some basic guidelines for administering the oil but keep in mind that the effect of clove essential oil is different for everyone.
Can you consume clove oil?
Cloves are one of the oldest spices known in the world and were one of the first traded globally. They have been used in cooking for thousands of years. While it is safe to consume cloves in large amounts, clove oil should be consumed in much smaller doses. It may surprise you to know that just one single drop of clove essential oil is more concentrated than an entire jar of crushed or whole cloves. Clove oil contains large amounts of eugenol. While harmless in small amounts, large doses of the substance can cause overdose, with symptoms that include shallow breathing, abdominal pain, liver failure, vomiting, seizures and unconsciousness. While this severe of a reaction is rare, precautions should still be taken to be sure that safe amounts of eugenol are being consumed. It is especially important to keep any substance containing eugenol out of reach of children and pets.
Can you inhale clove oil?
The inhalation of clove oil can be very beneficial to your mental health. It can alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety and is also known to help ease difficulty in sleeping related to insomnia. The safest way to inhale clove oil is to diffuse it throughout the home, either with the use of an essential oil diffuser or by adding a few drops to a pot of boiling water. The oil may be directly inhaled from the bottle but should be done sparingly. The oil may also be dripped onto a pillow case when treating insomnia but should not be placed where it may come into contact with the skin.
Can you put clove oil on your skin?
In some medical treatments, it is recommended that the oil be placed undiluted onto the skin. In most conditions however, the oil should be diluted with a carrier oil and in most of these cases, the ratio should be one part clover oil and three parts of a carrier oil. In infants and children, clover oil may be used but only unless it is extremely diluted.
The main ingredient of clover oil, eugenol, is rare and therefore some people discover allergic reactions when the oil is placed on the skin, whether it is diluted or not. Therefore, a test patch should always be conducted. You can do this by placing a small drop of the oil on the inner part of your arm, close to your elbow. If after a day there are no adverse reactions, such as redness or a rash, you may proceed with using the oil as desired. If there is a mild reaction, dilute the oil and test again. If there is a severe reaction, the oil should be avoided.
Can clove oil be used on children or infants?
Clove oil may be used topically on children and infants with extreme caution. It must be very diluted. While clove oil is considered safe for adult consumption, it is never recommended for children to ingest the oil. It can cause sever side effects, including liver damage, fluid imbalances and even seizures.
Should pregnant women use clove oil?
Clove oil may help with morning sickness and is considered likely safe if taken by mouth in small amounts. However, there is very little scientific evidence regarding clove oil and pregnancy. Therefore it is recommended to avoid the oil unless the use of it is approved by a doctor..
Should clove oil be diluted?
For most treatments using clove oil, it should be diluted. It should never come in contact with extra sensitive areas, like the gums, without being diluted first. It should also never be used on open wounds. It may be applied to closed wounds to alleviate associated pain but it should be slightly diluted with a carrier oil. When using the oil on children or infants, the oil should be extremely diluted.
Can pets be given clove oil?
Clove oil has been recommended as a natural alternative to keep your dog and their bedding free of fleas. Add a couple drops to their bath or wash their bedding with a drop or two of clove oil mixed in with the rinsing water. A drop can also be added to their collar to keep fleas at bay. However, just as humans can have reactions to essential oils, dogs can too. Keep an eye out for rashes and irritation.
Cats should never come into contact with any essential oils, as they lack an enzyme that allows their body to metabolize the oil. If you still want to use clove to help keep your cat safe from pests, look into oil hydrosols, which are a by-product of essential oils. If there is any concern with using clove for your pets, contact a veterinarian.
What precautions should be taken with clove oil?
As with all essential oils, clove oil should be used with caution. While safe for most, allergic reactions are possible which can range from mild to severe. Overdosing is possible if the oil is ingested in large amounts. If overdose is suspected from clover oil do not induce vomiting. Contact medical help immediately.
There is some evidence that shows clove oil may be unsafe for people with bleeding disorders. The main component, eugenol, may slow down blood clotting. Because of this side effect, clove oil should also be avoided two weeks before surgeries, whether a bleeding disorder is present or not.
Before medicating with clove oil, it is best to seek approval with your doctor, especially if you are taking any prescribed medications.
