7 natural mouthwashes that actually work (and the #1 mistake to avoid)

4. Clove: The Natural Painkiller

When your problem goes beyond bad breath and you’re facing real pain—when every bite hurts and your gums are throbbing—nature provides an analgesic that dentists have used for over a century: clove. Its medicinal power comes from eugenol, a compound that makes up to 85% of clove essential oil. Eugenol does something unique: it blocks the calcium channels in your nerve endings. In simple terms, this means the pain signal can’t travel from your tooth or gum to your brain. It interrupts the message at the source.

But there’s more. Eugenol is also a potent anti-inflammatory. It reduces the production of prostaglandins, the substances your body releases that cause swelling and pain. So, for inflamed gums or periodontitis, clove not only calms the pain but also reduces the actual tissue inflammation. To prepare a rinse, lightly crush five or six whole cloves to release the eugenol. Place them in a cup of very hot (but not boiling) water, cover, and let steep for 15 minutes. If you have localized pain, hold the rinse in that area for 2 minutes. For general gum inflammation, swish gently for one minute. Be aware that clove is powerful and can cause temporary numbness or a tingling sensation—this is normal. Because of its potency, don’t use it more than twice a day.