Let’s talk about this!
Cloves, at one time, were worth more than gold. This is what they look like—you can see them in this little jar right here. They’re these little tiny structures. A lot of people might have had these in ham, and they’re sold as a spice. You have them already; you just need to know how to use them and what they’re good for. They were so valuable that they were exchanged for gold. Amazing!
They’ve been used in China for over 2,000 years for certain medicines. They were also used during the Black Plague, where you might have seen pictures of people with those long masks. They would burn certain herbs and breathe in the vapors, and one of the spices used was clove because of its antiviral and antibacterial properties.
In early dentistry, before there were medications to numb tooth pain, clove oil was used. In fact, even for minor surgeries, clove oil was applied due to its analgesic effect—very similar to the synthetic lidocaine that certain dentists use. It’s topical, so you can put it directly on your skin or gums. If there’s a cavity and the nerve is exposed, clove oil can help numb that nerve.
Now, the cool thing about this is there are virtually no side effects. Clove has antibacterial, antifungal, anti-candida, and antiviral properties. In addition to numbing pain, it can combat microbes, whether they’re fungal, candida, bacteria, or even viruses. I found this information in certain patents on using clove oil for various purposes, including helping increase blood flow and digestive enzymes. They’ve even patented mouthwash, toothpaste, and treatments for gingivitis.
Clove Oil for Pain Relief
In one study, clove oil was compared to benzocaine, a pain reliever used by dentists to numb teeth. Published in the Journal of Dentistry, this study found that clove oil worked faster, lasted longer, and was more effective for toothaches and infections because of its antimicrobial effect.
Another study compared eugenol (the active ingredient in clove oil) to hydrocortisone and found that their effectiveness in reducing swelling and redness was equal or greater. This was reported in an inflammatory research journal.
Clove for Fungal Infections
In another study focused on fungal infections like toenail fungus and athlete’s foot, clove oil was compared to tea tree oil. Clove oil was found to kill candida and fungi faster. Furthermore, there was a comparison between clove oil and lidocaine, showing that clove oil had longer-lasting effects for numbing, as reported in the Journal of Pain Research.
How to Use Clove Oil
So now let’s get into how you can use this because you already have it in your pantry. You just need to know how to apply it and for what conditions. Here are a few recipes for clove water, which you can drink before bed.
First, let’s talk about the conditions it’s good for. Clove oil is excellent for tooth pain or biofilms like plaque. You can take a clove and suck on it or use a cotton swab to dab the oil on your tooth and gum. If you have a cavity, you can put it directly into that cavity.
Another application is for muscle pain and joint pain. Simply take a couple of drops and mix it with olive oil or coconut oil, then rub it into the affected area. You can also mix a few drops in Epsom salts dissolved in water and apply it to sore muscles, as the magnesium can help as well.
Some people use clove oil as a lip balm for conditions like herpes simplex. You can mix a couple of drops with beeswax or coconut oil and apply it to the lips. Remember, it’s antiviral!
For mosquito repellent, mix a couple of drops in a spray bottle and apply it to your body. I actually use this on my cattle during the summer to ward off flies—it works like a charm and is non-toxic!
Clove Water for Better Sleep
Now, let’s discuss clove water, which I recommend drinking before bed. It can help relax you and promote better sleep.
Clove Water for Detox:
Clove water helps detoxify the liver by stimulating enzymes that break things down. It can also aid digestion, so if you experience bloating or gas, drink some clove water after a meal.
Clove Water for Respiratory Problems:
This drink is beneficial for respiratory issues like bronchitis, mucus in the lungs, colds, coughs, and asthma. You can think of it as a natural antibiotic without the side effects.
Clove Water for Cognitive Function:
Some people also use clove water to improve memory, concentration, and focus. Additionally, it supports heart health and promotes better blood circulation.
Clove Water for the Immune System:
Clove water has immune properties that can help maintain a healthy immune system, thanks to its antimicrobial effects. Some people even use it as a mouthwash to freshen breath and combat biofilms and plaque.
Finally, as a sleep aid, clove water acts as a natural sedative without the negative effects associated with sleep medications. It contains tryptophan, which increases serotonin and helps boost melatonin levels.
How to Make Clove Water
To prepare clove water, take about four or five cloves and place them in a cup of water. Bring it to a boil, then let it simmer for 5 minutes. Make sure to cover it while simmering to retain the vapors, which are crucial for the remedy. After 5 minutes, let it cool for 1 hour. I recommend refrigerating it.
Consume the clove water 30 minutes before bed. If you’re making it for children, it might be a bit bitter, so you could add half a teaspoon of honey to sweeten it. It’s actually quite delicious with honey, but good on its own too.
If you want to make a cream, mix a couple of drops into some coconut oil or olive oil. For wounds, add a few drops of aloe to enhance healing and act as an antiseptic.
If you haven’t seen my other video on clove, I think you’ll really enjoy it! Check it out here.