Health benefits offered by clove oil for kids include its use for curing infections, antiviral properties, has antioxidant properties, can be used as a pain killer, possesses antioxidant properties, can strengthen the immune system, can protect against respiratory issues and can act as an insect repellent.

Cloves are one of the popular spices from South East Asian countries such as India, Indonesia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and African countries such as Madagascar and Tanzania. The flower buds from clove plant are dried and used as spice in various cuisines including Asian, African and Middle Eastern. The scientific name of clove is Syzygium aromaticum.

For a very long time, clove has also been used in several ancient medicinal schools of thought including Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda in India. It has been used and is still being used as a pain killer, carminative drug, anthelmintic, for kidney ailments, spleen and stomach meridians, etc.

Source: Life Hacker

Health benefits of clove oil for kids

Some of the health benefits offered by clove oil for kids can include the following.

Can be used for curing infections

Clove oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties. These are highly useful in killing infections causing bacteria and fungi on the body. Wounds can be the places for these infections causing bacteria and fungi to enter into the body. Hence, applying a bit of clove oil on wounds can be very beneficial in controlling infections.

Has antiviral properties

Clove oil also possesses antiviral properties, apart from antibacterial and antifungal properties. Studies have shown that clove oil can actually stop the DNA synthesis of viruses with its biochemicals.

Is a potent antioxidant

Clove oil contains good amount of antioxidants. Studies indicate that spices are the richest source of antioxidants and clove is not an exception. Clove oil with this high antioxidants is ideal for reducing free radical activity in the body and keeping it hale and healthy.

Possesses pain killer properties

For many centuries, clove has been used a painkiller. Clove oil is highly effective in treating various pains in the body including toothache.

Provides good dental care

Clove oil has also been used in India for good dental health. With its antibacterial properties, clove oil not only provides relief from toothache, it is also helpful in controlling sore gums, mouth ulcers and teeth cavities as well. Not only clove oil, but clove helps control bad breath. And that’s why in ancient India, it was customary to meet any king or higher officials after chewing a clove.

Strengthens the immune system

Consuming small amounts of clove oil is also beneficial for the immune system as well. Clove oil is considered to be a blood purifying agent and with its antimicrobial properties and antioxidant properties, it is ideally suited for controlling disease causing infections, even from the inside.

Respiratory issues

love oil is also beneficial for respiratory issues. Clove oil has expectorant properties, which are helpful in clearing congested nasal passages. Apart from this, it can also help in recovering from coughs, colds, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, etc.

Acts as an insect repellent

There are not many plants or plant products that actually possess insect-repellent properties. Those that have are very few. One such plant or plant product is clove oil. The aroma from clove oil can keep many insects, especially mosquitoes and bed bugs.

How is clove oil made?

Clove oil can be using different procedures. But, one of the easiest ways to making it has been discussed.

• For one cup of oil to be made, you have to toast at least half a tablespoon of cloves in a suate pan in medium heat. The heat helps in releasing the volatile essential oils.
• Before doing anything to the cloves, first you’ll need to keep few things handy and that’s when you can go ahead to the next step. These include a coffee filter or a thin cloth in two layers.
• Now, you need to ground the roasted cloves into thin powder and place the powder in the cloth and seal it by tying a knot with a thread.
• Now, take a small glass jar and pour in half a cup of olive oil. Place the sealed cloth with clove powder in the oil jar and seal the mouth of the jar tightly by tying it with aluminum foil. You need to be little quick while grounding cloves, putting it in the cloth and placing it in the oil jar, because the oils inside the clove powder are highly volatile and can easily evaporate.
• After the jar is sealed, place the jar in a large pot and boil it in water for about 45 minutes. Also, make sure that you press the aluminum foil along with jar mouth, so that it holds a concave shape. This shape will not let the steam or oil escape while heating.
• After the heating process is complete, take the jar out and let it cool. Leave this jar like this for 1 week to 10 days. And your clove oil will be ready. Remember, the more you let the clove powder sit inside the oil, the better the concentration of clove oil will be.

Side Effects of Clove Oil

Can cause burning sensations

When directly applied on skin, clove oil can cause burning sensations. This is especially true in case of infants, toddlers and children who have sensitive skin. So, avoid applying it directly on skin.

Giving to Infants and Toddlers

Giving clove oil directly to infants, toddlers and children below at least 6 years of age. is not a good idea. The eugenol content in clove oil is particularly risky for infants, toddlers and children. Try to give clove oil only in small amounts and that too diluted.

Can cause allergic reactions

If your child is allergic to clove, then avoid using clove oil because it can aggravate the allergic reactions. Some of the symptoms include rashes, itchiness, difficulty in breathing, etc and in some minor cases, even anaphylactic shock may develop.

Toxic reactions

When clove oil is given undiluted or in concentrated form in large doses, it can cause toxic reactions such as nausea, vomiting, sore throat, sedation, breathing difficulty, etc. In some cases, large doses of undiluted oil can also cause kidney failure and liver damage. So, be very careful while giving clove oil to your children.

Bleeding disorders

In case your child is suffering from bleeding disorders or diseases, avoid using clove oil. There is a risk of clove oil aggravating the bleeding issue. People with hemophilia or who are using blood-thinning medications, should keep away from clove and clove oil.

Surgery

People who would be undergoing any surgery or have undergone any surgery or dental treatment should also avoid taking clove oil several days before and after the surgery or any dental procedure. The active biochemical eugenol in clove oil is thought to be slowing down blood clotting.