Clove essential oil offers a range of health benefits but is particularly well known for its ability to reduce toothache pain and pain from ulcers and sore throats, and that's not all!

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Cloves are used frequently by some Asian cultures in their cuisine but this is not just for its flavor and aroma. This spice is also prized for its therapeutic benefits. Extracted from the evergreen tree, clove oil is sourced from its flower buds. Evergreen trees grow perennially in the Southeast Asian region, Indonesia, in particular. The oil is then harvested from the buds or the buds are dried and ground into powder.

8 Top Uses of Clove Essential Oil

1. Excellent source of antioxidants

Clove oil is surprisingly high in antioxidants. These antioxidants fight the harmful effects of free radicals on the body. These free radicals are dangerous because, over time, their damage leads to the growth of abnormal cells and advanced aging in the skin.

2. Remedy for toothache

Clove oil is so effective for toothaches that some studies have been done on its painkilling effects. It can be used to remove any discomfort felt on the gums and teeth as well as protect the teeth and delay its deterioration or the development of cavities.

3. Relieves headaches

The menthol-like sensation of clove oil on your temples and forehead helps to reduce the inflammation that triggers headaches. Both swelling and pain should decrease when massaging with clove oil. This oil may be applied for pain treatment on other parts of the body as well.

4. Makes hair softer and smoother

Using clove oil on your hair can support its strength and growth, shielding it from excessive hair fall. It improves the flow of blood throughout your scalp and nourishes the hair at the same time. Your hair becomes soft, glossy and easier to comb through.

5. Minimizes acne breakouts

Because clove oil also has an antimicrobial nature, it eliminates germs of all kinds including those that cause skin breakouts and acne. It works well against other skin conditions, too, like wrinkles. However, because of the potency of clove oil, there may be unpleasant side effects if too large an amount is used or if applied too frequently and for too long.

6. Improves discolorations

To some extent, clove oil may also be used to improve your complexion and get rid of discolorations and blemishes. This is because it encourages the turnover of old skin and works like an exfoliant to reveal new skin cells underneath. However, clove oil is quite strong so don’t attempt to use this without consulting a homeopathy expert.

7. Alleviates digestive problems

Another well-known use of clove oil is to soothe the digestive system. It is used as an ingredient both for its taste and its benefits to the digestion. It has successfully been used to treat indigestion, flatulence and bloating. This also includes queasiness and vomiting such as in motion sickness and nausea.

8. Repellent for natural insects

You can also naturally protect yourself from bug bites by using clove oil combined with other essential oils such as citrus types. Clove oil is, in fact, included in some insect repellent products because its strong fragrance makes it aversive to most bugs.