Clove essential oil has many benefits and uses. Some of the more prevalent facts and benefits of this oil are:
Increases apoptosis
Decreases the protein coding gene E2F1 (surviving)
Inhibits the rapid growth of cancer cells
Inhibits onco-proteins known to be highly expressed in breast cancer cells and tissues
Not toxic to normal, healthy cells
Targets cancers such as breast, colon and esophageal
There are about eight other ways other than its use for cancer to enjoy clove essential oil.
As an Anti-bacterial. Clove essential oil is very powerful against many strains of bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, Helicobacter pylori, Staphylococcus Aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia and many others. It also works just as well as ampicillin without the side effects as against bacteria. Purchasing a pure, medicine grade of oil can be taken internally in an empty gel capsule. For a topical you can use oil of cloves.
As an Anti-fungal. This is a potent anti-fungal, especially against Candida albicans. About 99% of C. albicans can be killed by clove within 7 minutes of exposure. Again, you can take clove oil internally by placing a few drops in an empty gel capsule.
Helps Toothache & Abscesses. Placing oil of cloves to a cotton swab and putting on the affected tooth or gum will help toothache and abscesses. It has a great pain relieving property and has been used for decades by the dental industry in rinses and mouthwashes.
For Cold Sores. Use cloves against herpes simplex virus. Use a drop or two on a cold sore to decrease pain and duration.
Flatulence, Indigestion and Diarrhea. You can dilute oil of cloves in a base oil such as almond oil, coconut oil or olive oil and massage the abdomen. There is a warming and antiseptic action.
Arthritis Pain. The relieving properties make it beneficial for rheumatism and arthritis when diluted and rubbed to the affected painful area.
Head Lice. Use 1 tablespoon of hair condition, mix in several drops of clove oil and wash your head. Massage in the clove-enhanced conditioner. Comb through with head lice comb and rinse. Reapply daily until infestation is gone.
Natural Insect Repellant. Combine with cedarwood, cinnamon and lemon in a carrier oil and apply to the skin. Also good to relieve sting and itch of insect bites.
Some cautions are: (1) using clove oil if you are on blood thinners, as it has a natural anti-coagulant property (2) the oil may irritate the skin if applied to your face (3) and can be potentially dangerous when ingested in high amounts. Just make certain that your oil comes from a reliable source and of a therapeutic grade.