--- title: "Clove Oil: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "Traditionally used as a mouthwash for minor mouth and throat inflammation and for temporary relief of toothache from a cavity." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/clove-oil/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Essential Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/form/essential-oil/) # Clove Oil Syzygium aromaticum T Traditional use Traditionally 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. [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **⚠ Avoid** Drug interactions **No recorded interactions** ## 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. **Parts used:** essential-oil **Key constituents:** Eugenol 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 Traditionally used as a mouthwash for symptoms of minor mouth and throat inflammation. \[1\] - T Traditional use 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. \[1\] ### 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 1. [Community herbal monograph on Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merill et L. M. Perry, floris aetheroleum](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-syzygium-aromaticum-l-merill-et-l-m-perry-floris-aetheroleum_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2011 ### Cite This Page Clove Oil (Syzygium aromaticum). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/clove-oil/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [How to Prepare Herbal Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/how-to-prepare-herbal-tea/) - [How to Use Essential Oils Safely](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/essential-oil-safety/) - [Herbal Products and Drug Interactions](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herb-drug-interactions/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Did you know? Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Peppermint Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/peppermint-oil/) A Strong clinical evidence Mentha × piperita Gastro-resistant peppermint oil capsules may ease IBS cramps, wind and pain; oil rubbed on the forehead may ease mild tension headache. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Joints, Bones & Pain](https://herbadex.com/en/for/joints-pain/) +1 [Essential Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/form/essential-oil/) ### [Ivy Leaf](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/ivy-leaf/) A Strong clinical evidence Hedera helix Syrups and drops with standardised ivy leaf extract are used as an expectorant for chesty cough. The leaf itself is not made into tea. [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [Syrup & Paste](https://herbadex.com/en/form/syrup-paste/) ### [Black Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/black-seed/) B Limited clinical evidence Nigella sativa A spice seed for which small studies saw modest falls in blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure. Kitchen amounts are safe. 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[Joints, Bones & Pain](https://herbadex.com/en/for/joints-pain/) [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [Resin & Gum](https://herbadex.com/en/form/resin-gum/) ### [Anise](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/anise/) T Traditional use Pimpinella anisum Aniseed tea is traditionally used for mild digestive complaints such as bloating and wind, and for cough that comes with a cold. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ## Other herbs in the same preparation form (Essential Oil) [Essential Oil →](https://herbadex.com/en/form/essential-oil/) ### [Rose Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/rose-oil/) B Limited clinical evidence Rosa damascena Distilled from Damask roses, one of the world's most precious essential oils. Small aromatherapy studies suggest it may help ease anxiety. 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[Sleep, Stress & Mood](https://herbadex.com/en/for/sleep-stress/) [Essential Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/form/essential-oil/) ### [Tea Tree Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/tea-tree-oil/) T Traditional use Melaleuca alternifolia Tea tree oil is used on the skin only for small wounds, insect bites, small spots and mild athlete's foot itching; it must not be swallowed. [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [Essential Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/form/essential-oil/) This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.