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Limited evidenceGeneral health

Clove Oil

Clove oil is a legitimate topical dental analgesic thanks to its eugenol content, and that is where its evidence begins and ends. Swallowing it is a genuine hazard: as little as 5-10 mL has caused liver failure in a toddler.

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What the science says

  • Relieves toothache when applied topically Moderate evidence

    Eugenol, which makes up 70-90% of clove oil, blocks voltage-gated sodium channels and TRPV1, producing local anesthesia and a counter-irritant effect. Systematic reviews of phytotherapeutic dental analgesics find clove/eugenol preparations produce pain relief broadly comparable to 20% benzocaine gel in small trials, and eugenol has been used in dentistry (zinc-oxide eugenol cements, dry socket dressings) for over a century. This is a short-term symptomatic measure, not treatment of the underlying pulpitis or abscess.

  • Antibacterial and antifungal action Limited evidence

    Clove oil and eugenol inhibit a wide range of oral and food-borne bacteria and Candida species in vitro at roughly 0.05-0.5% concentrations. That supports its role as a food preservative and mouth rinse ingredient; it has not been shown to treat any established human infection, and eugenol is cytotoxic to human fibroblasts at similar concentrations.

  • Oral clove capsules for digestion, blood sugar, or 'parasites' Limited evidence

    There are no adequately controlled human trials of ingested clove oil or clove extract for dyspepsia, glycemic control, or intestinal parasites. The parasite-cleanse marketing derives from a discredited 1990s protocol, not from clinical data. Given the documented hepatotoxicity of ingested eugenol, this is the one category where the absence of evidence sits alongside a real hazard.

  • Delays premature ejaculation (topical formulas) Limited evidence

    Clove appears in some multi-herb topical creams tested for premature ejaculation, where the presumed mechanism is simple local anesthesia. No trial has isolated clove oil, and the effect, if present, is indistinguishable from any topical anesthetic.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseDental use: 1-2 drops of clove oil (or a 5-20% eugenol preparation) on a cotton pledget applied to the affected tooth, not the gum, for a few minutes — repeated no more than a few times a day and for no more than 1-2 days while arranging dental care. Oral ingestion: no established safe supplemental dose; the JECFA acceptable daily intake for eugenol is on the order of 2.5 mg/kg/day, which a single drop of undiluted oil can approach. For aromatherapy or skin use, dilute to 0.5-1% in a carrier oil.
SafetyThis is the entry's most important section. Ingestion of concentrated clove oil is dangerous: a documented case of a 2-year-old who swallowed 5-10 mL developed fulminant hepatic failure with coagulopathy and coma, and multiple similar pediatric poisonings are on record — clove oil should be stored like a medicine, out of children's reach. Undiluted application burns oral mucosa and can cause gingival necrosis and pulp damage; 'clove oil burns' are a recognized dental complication. Eugenol causes allergic contact dermatitis and is a restricted fragrance allergen. It has antiplatelet activity, so avoid before surgery and use caution with warfarin or other anticoagulants. Avoid in children, in pregnancy at medicinal doses, and in anyone with liver disease or bleeding disorders. Culinary clove in food is not a concern.

How to take it

TimingUse it when a tooth hurts, for no more than a day or two while you arrange dental care.
With food?Not relevant — this is a topical dental application, not something to swallow.
Worth knowingApply it to the tooth on a cotton pledget, never to the gum: direct contact with soft tissue causes chemical burns.

Interactions

With medications

  • warfarin and other anticoagulants or antiplatelets

    Eugenol has antiplatelet activity, so medicinal amounts of clove oil can add to bleeding risk. do not use medicinally without telling your prescriber, and stop before surgery

With other supplements

  • fish oil, ginkgo, garlic and other antiplatelet supplements

    Additive reduction in platelet aggregation. avoid stacking, and stop all of them two weeks before surgery

Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.

Frequently asked questions

Does clove oil work for toothache?

Clove oil applied to the tooth has moderate evidence as a short-term dental painkiller: its eugenol produces local anesthesia, and small trials found relief broadly comparable to 20% benzocaine gel. It only numbs the pain and does not treat the underlying pulpitis or abscess, so see a dentist.

How do you use clove oil on a tooth safely?

Put 1-2 drops of clove oil on a cotton pledget and apply it to the affected tooth, not the gum, for a few minutes, no more than a few times a day and for 1-2 days while you arrange dental care. Undiluted clove oil on soft tissue causes chemical burns and can damage the gums.

Is it safe to swallow clove oil or take clove oil capsules?

No. Ingested clove oil is a genuine hazard: a toddler who swallowed 5-10 mL developed liver failure, and there is no established safe oral supplemental dose. Store clove oil like a medicine, out of children's reach; culinary clove in food is not a concern.

Can clove oil be used with blood thinners like warfarin?

Use caution: eugenol in clove oil has antiplatelet activity, so medicinal amounts can add to the bleeding risk of warfarin, other anticoagulants or supplements like fish oil and ginkgo. Tell your prescriber and stop clove oil before surgery.

Scientific references

Where to buy

NOW Foods, Essential Oils, Clove, 1 fl oz (30 ml)

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