In the 17th century in Europe, clove become a mainstay of the doctors to treat the plague. Clove oil is most widely used for medical purposes. One was for the relief of pain.
Modern research shows, eugenol, the active ingredient in clove oil, has an anaesthetizing and analgesic (pain reliever). These substances inhibit pain receptors and the effect can be felt immediately after 5 minutes to 15 minutes.
One study showed that clove oil is as effective as benzocaine, dental analgesic used before dentists inject. Because it also contains an antiseptic substance, clove oil is also useful to prevent gum disease.
In ancient Indian medicine, ayurverdic, clove powder commonly used to treat nausea, bloating, and indigestion. Naturopaths also often use clove oil or powder to reduce the growth of bacteria, fungi, and parasites.
