Clove Oil
Syzygium aromaticum
T Traditional useTraditionally used as a mouthwash for minor mouth and throat inflammation and for temporary relief of toothache from a cavity. It does not replace a dentist.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
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At a glance
The EMA assesses the essential oil from clove buds as a traditional herbal product for two uses: a mouthwash for minor inflammation of the mouth or throat, and temporary relief of toothache caused by a dental cavity. Toothache relief is only a stopgap; see a dentist as soon as possible.
Updated: October 15, 2026
✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs.
What is it used for?
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used as a mouthwash for symptoms of minor mouth and throat inflammation. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used for temporary relief of toothache caused by a cavity. [1]
How is it used?
Gargle
Rinse with a mouthwash containing 1–5% essential oil; do not swallow.
Amount: Several times daily
Duration limit: 1 week
[1]Topical
For toothache: soak a small piece of cotton in undiluted oil or an at least 50% solution and place it on the decayed tooth only, avoiding the gum. Repeat after 20 minutes, then every 2 hours if needed.
Amount: As needed
Duration limit: 1 week
[1]Safety & interactions
⚠ External use only
Minimum age: 18 years
Duration limit: 7 days
- For toothache this is only a stopgap; see a dentist as soon as possible.
- Avoid contact with the gums; it can irritate the lining of the mouth.
- Do not use if allergic to Peru balsam.
- Not recommended under 18 because of insufficient data.
- Do not swallow undiluted essential oil; keep out of reach of children.
- Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been shown.
Drug interactions
No recorded interactions
Side effects
- Irritation of the lining of the mouth
- Allergic reactions
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
For toothache, clove oil on cotton touches only the decayed tooth, never the gum. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Does clove oil help toothache?
The EMA accepts its traditional use for temporary relief of toothache from a cavity, but it does not replace a dentist.
How is clove oil used?
Apply it with cotton to the decayed tooth only, avoiding the gum. For mouthwash use 1–5% products.
Can children use clove oil?
Not recommended under 18 because of insufficient data.
Sources
- Community herbal monograph on Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merill et L. M. Perry, floris aetheroleumEMA HMPC · 2011
Cite This Page
Clove Oil (Syzygium aromaticum). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/clove-oil/
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