The Smell of Fear

If the smell of clove oil reminds you of a trip to the dentist, it’s not surprising. Clove oil (or eugenol for those in the dental world) used to be mixed with zinc oxide to make temporary fillings. The analgesic and antiseptic properties of clove helped to settle sensitive teeth and exposed nerves. Although these materials have been superceded by newer, stronger, more high-tech materials, clove oil is still a very effective treatment for some types of toothache.

A small pellet of cotton wool soaked in full strength clove oil can be gently pushed into a gum pocket to calm down pain due to a gum infection. For a toothache caused by a lost filling or a hole, place the saturated pellet right in the hole. When wisdom teeth cause problems it’s usually because they get stuck partly under the gum, just poke the clove- soaked cotton pellet under the gum flap. It’s also great for post extraction pain. Yes, everything will taste like cloves for a while, but your breath will improve at the same time.

Important note – wisdom tooth infections can be quite dangerous. If your face or jaw is swollen, get to a dentist ASAP. Don’t ever use concentrated clove oil in children’s mouths.

Other Uses:

• Use a few drops of clove oil diluted in a carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil, to soothe insect bites, cuts, scratches and bruises and to help treat fungal infections and athlete’s foot.
• Spray a clove oil and water blend (1/2 tspn to 1 litre of water) onto grout to clean up mould. Scrub stubborn spots with an old toothbrush and bicarb soda first, then spray on clove oil/water blend. Don’t rinse off right away, leave it to do its job for at least a couple of hours if possible.
• Headaches, nausea, depression and insomnia can all be helped by massaging a couple of drops of clove oil, in a carrier oil such as sweet almond, into your temples or your tummy.

You can get a large 100ml bottle of Pure Clove Essential Oil at Gwarehouse.