Cloves are a familiar spice that comes from an aromatic evergreen tree that grows up to twelve feet in height, indigenous to Madagascar and Indonesia. Cloves are flower buds that are allowed to dry and then are handpicked and steam distilled to form the essential oil. While this spice is used in cooking, clove essential oil is used in the pharmaceutical and fragrance industries. It has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda therapies.
Clove is a natural analgesic and antiseptic used primarily in dentistry for its main ingredient, eugenol. It can be used as a remedy for tooth and gum aches, nausea, arthritis and infection. For centuries, clove essential oil has been used to treat inflammation. There is also research that shows clove oil can help protect against liver disease. This oil can also be used as an anti-microbial and as an antiviral.
Clove essential oil is used in lotions, soaps, incense, air fresheners, aromatherapy treatments, potpourri, mouthwash, and toothpaste as a natural pain reliever and insect repellent. Add a few drops of the oil to a steamer or diffuser to help ease congestion and cough, or just to freshen the air.
The benefits of clove essential oil are vast. Here are just some common ways that clove essential oil is used today.
Parts Used: Dried flower buds
Extraction Method: Steam distilled
Note Classification: Middle
Aroma: Warm, spicy, woody
Blends Well With: Allspice, bay, bergamot, chamomile, clary sage, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, honeysuckle, jasmine, lavender, lemon, lemon balm, mandarin, palmarosa, rose, sandalwood, vanilla and ylang-ylang
Caution: As with all essential oils, never use them undiluted, in the eyes or mucus membranes. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Keep away from children. If applying an essential oil to your skin, always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body (after you have properly diluted the oil in an appropriate carrier). The information on this website is not intended to be used in the diagnosis, treatment or mitigation of any physical or mental illness. Essential oils are not drugs and are not considered appropriate for the treatment of illness. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children should not use essential oils without first consulting an appropriately trained healthcare practitioner. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA.