How to Take Clove Oil

Clove oil is also a popular topical remedy for skin irritations and itching. This is because it works as an analgesic and numbs your skin. Research is mixed on how effective clove oil is compared to other topical treatments, but these might work for you if you want to try them. Just remember to ask your doctor before trying these uses for clove oil

1. 1
   Fight itchy skin with clove oil. The analgesic effect of clove oil can help fight irritated skin. If you have dry, itchy, or inflamed skin, try applying a clove oil gel onto the spot to see if that helps you. ^[7]

   • Don’t use undiluted clove oil on your skin. This can irritate it more. If you want to use pure clove oil, dilute it to a 3-5% concentration with a carrier oil first. ^[8]
2. 2
   Apply clove oil cream to help anal fissures clear. Anal fissures are painful tears in the anus, and clove oil cream is traditionally used to numb that pain. ^[9] Try applying a commercial 1% clove cream for 6 weeks to see if this helps make you more comfortable. ^[10]

   • If anal fissures are a consistent problem for you, then it’s best to see your doctor for treatment.
   • Never use pure clove oil for this. Only a commercial gel will work.
3. 3
   Numb your skin with clove oil gel before a shot. Since clove oil works as an analgesic, it might help make you more comfortable during shots or other medical procedures. Try rubbing a clove oil gel on your skin 5 minutes before getting a shot to reduce the pain. ^[11]

   • Let your doctor know before you do this. They might not want the oil to mix with the shot and tell you not to use it.
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Clove oil is a health supplement, so like with all other health supplements, there are a few important safety tips to keep in mind while you’re using it. It might interact with medications or come with a few side effects. As long as you follow these rules and directions, you should be able to avoid any negative effects.

1. 1
   Ask your doctor if clove oil is safe for you before using it. Clove oil could have side effects or interactions with medications. As long as your doctor approves, then you can use it. ^[12]
2. 2
   Avoid swallowing clove oil to avoid side effects. While small doses of clove oil are safe in food, high doses taken by mouth could be dangerous. Doctors don't recommend swallowing clove oil in any higher amounts than you'd find normally in food. ^[13] The levels of clove oil in food is usually below 0.06%. This is safe to swallow, but avoid higher doses. ^[14]
3. 3
   Dilute the oil before using it on your skin. All essential oils can irritate your skin if they’re undiluted, so don’t use pure clove oil on your skin. Add 3 drops of clove oil to 1 tsp (5 cc) of neutral carrier oil like olive oil for a 3% concentration. This should be weak enough to avoid any irritation. ^[15]

   • You can make the solution a bit stronger by adding 5 drops instead of 3 for a 5% dilution, but don’t make it stronger than that.
   • You could also use water as a carrier, but be sure to shake the solution well every time you use it so it’s mixed.
4. 4
   Wait until children are at least 2 before giving them clove oil. Clove oil isn’t intended for children younger than 2 for any use. Wait until your children are at least 2 before using it on them. ^[16]

   • This goes for topical and oral treatments. Don’t use clove oil at all in children younger than 2.
5. 5
   Don’t take clove oil if you take blood thinners or diabetes medication. Clove oil can interact with these medications and either enhance their effects or prevent them from working properly. It's best to skip clove oil in either case. ^[17]
6. 6
   Avoid clove oil if you have a bleeding disorder. Clove oil can act as a blood thinner, so it’s not safe to take if you have a clotting disorder. Skip it to avoid any bleeding problems. ^[18]

   • Also avoid clove oil if you take any supplements that can thin blood, like garlic or turmeric.
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