Who Shouldn't Use Clove Oil?

Clove oil, a fragrant natural medicine extracted from clove, has been valued for centuries as a treatment for a variety of common ailments. In modern naturopathy, clove oil may be used as a treatment for toothache, dry socket, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, cough and throat pain.

Although it can be safe when used cautiously, clove oil is not appropriate for everyone. Here are some examples of people who should not use clove oil. Even if you are not in a high-risk group, it is still best to consult a qualified health care provider before using clove oil to treat any medical condition.

Children Under 12

Kids under 12 should not use clove oil under any circumstances. Clove oil can trigger serious side effects in young children, including seizues and other forms of neurological damage. Children may also experience liver damage and fluid imbalances after using clove oil. Consult your health care provider before using clove oil in older children, 12-18 years of age.

Pregnant Women

Although trace amounts of clove are safe for pregnant women when they are used as food ingredients, isolated clove oil is not considered to be safe for pregnant women. During pregnancy, clove oil may trigger contractions of the uterus, leading to miscarriage and preterm birth. Clove oil may also cross the placenta and poison the unborn baby.

Breastfeeding Mothers

No studies have determined if clove oil is safe for breastfeeding mothers. It is likely that it is safe when used as a massage oil or applied in trace amounts to an inflamed area, but it nursing mothers should not take clove oil internally. If you use clove oil topically, do not allow your child to inhale the product; it could cause serious breathing problems.

People with Bleeding Disorders

Eugenol, the active compound in clove oil, appears to hinder the blood clotting process. You should not use clove oil internally if you have a bleeding disorder, and you should also consult your health care provider before using it externally. In theory, clove oil could cause bleeding in people with bleeding disorders such as hemophilia and von Willebrand disease.

People who will Have Surgery Soon

Do not use clove oil if you are going to have surgery, including tooth extraction, within the next two weeks. Because it seems to slow blood clotting, clove oil may cause bleeding during or after surgery. If you need emergency surgery after you have already used clove, mention this to your physician so that your health care providers can take extra precautions in case you begin bleeding. It is generally safe to use clove after surgery; naturopaths frequently recommend it as a topical treatment for dry socket.