Clove Oil
Aliases：Dīng Zǐ Xiāng Yóu (literally "Clove Seed Oil") and Dīng Xiāng Jīng Yóu (literally "Clove Essential Oil"). (These are alternative names for Clove Oil / Dingxiang You.)
Dīngxiāng Yóu (Clove Oil) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the volatile oil obtained by distillation from the dried flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. et Perry, a plant belonging to the family Myrtaceae. It is recorded in Yaoxing Kao (An Examination of Medicinal Properties).
Efficacy & Actions
Warms the stomach, directs qi downward, warms the Kidney, and relieves pain.
Indications
Stomach cold with distension and pain, hiccups, hematemesis, arthralgia (bi‑impediment pain), hernia pain, halitosis, and toothache.
Modern Pharmacology
Promoting digestion, relieving pain, and antibacterial effects: Clove oil has the effects of promoting digestion, relieving pain, and inhibiting bacteria. Anti‑inflammatory and analgesic effects: Clove oil can reduce inflammatory responses and alleviate pain by inhibiting COX‑2 upregulation. Anticoagulant effect: Clove oil has a significant inhibitory effect on thrombosis in rats and prolongs plasma prothrombin time and kaolin‑activated partial thromboplastin time, indicating certain anticoagulant activity. Anesthetic effect: Intravenous administration of eugenol produces anesthetic effects, lowers blood pressure, causes respiratory depression, and exhibits anticonvulsant activity. Anthelmintic effect: Paralyzes or kills roundworms. Toxicity: The acute oral LD₅₀ of clove oil in mice is greater than 15 g/kg BW, classifying it as a non‑toxic substance.
Ingredients
Eugenol: 70%–95% Acetyl eugenol: approximately 3% β‑Caryophyllene: 5%–12% Methyl n‑amyl ketone, methyl n‑heptyl ketone, vanillin, etc. The flower buds (cloves, known as "Gong Dingxiang") contain 14%–20% volatile oil (i.e., clove oil). The fruit (known as "Mu Dingxiang") contains 2%–9% volatile oil.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: add a few drops to a decoction or mix with wine for oral use. For topical application: apply an appropriate amount to the affected area.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with excess fire or Yin deficiency with fire hyperactivity. As this product is hot in nature and has central nervous system depressant effects, it should not be taken in large amounts or for prolonged periods by infants, young children, or elderly patients. Clove oil has strong anticoagulant effects and should not be taken in large amounts or for prolonged periods by patients with bleeding disorders. Adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and pruritus may occur after taking clove oil. Contraindicated in individuals allergic to this product; use with caution in those with allergic constitution. Pregnant women should avoid using clove oil on their own.
Selected Formulas
For severe stomach-cold hiccups and vomiting (Bencao Gangmu Shiyi, citing Jin Yucheng's formula) Take clove oil and rub it thoroughly over the Zhongwan (CV12) acupoint. For stomach-cold pain (Bencao Gangmu Shiyi) Add a few drops of clove oil to a decoction, or mix with good wine and take, or apply clove oil to the navel area where pain is felt. For painful impediment (bi) (Bencao Gangmu Shiyi, citing Jin Yucheng's formula) Apply clove oil to the painful area. For halitosis (Bencao Gangmu Shiyi) Use clove oil to rub the teeth and gums. For crab poisoning (Bencao Gangmu Shiyi) Take one drop of clove oil with ginger decoction. For toothache caused by dental caries (non-inflammatory toothache) (Chinese Materia Medica) Take a small amount of clove oil, dip a small cotton ball in it, and place it into the cavity of the decayed tooth.
Medicinal Parts
It is the volatile oil obtained by distillation from the dried flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. et Perry, a plant belonging to the family Myrtaceae.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place in a sealed container.
