Description
Clove essential oil is extracted from Eugenia caryophyllata (also known as Syzygium aromaticum, Eugenia aromatica, E. carophyllus) of the Myrtaceae family.
Although clove oil is a very potent oil that should be used with great care in aromatherapy, it does have wonderful properties – from stimulating the mind and lifting depression, to aiding digestion, relieving pain in arthritis and rheumatism, easing respiratory problems and assisting leg ulcers.
Oil properties
Clove oil has a warm, strong, spicy smell and the oil is colorless to pale yellow with a medium to watery viscosity.
Origin of Clove
A native of Indonesia and the Malacca Islands, it is an evergreen tree that grows to about 10 meters (30 feet) tall and has bright green leaves and nail-shaped rose-peach flower buds which turn, upon drying, a deep red brown. These are beaten from the tree and dried.
The Latin word ‘Clavus’ means nail shaped, referring to the bud.
It was often used by the Greeks, Roman and the Chinese, to ease toothache and as a breath sweetener, especially when talking to the Emperor. It has antiseptic properties and was used in the prevention of contagious diseases, such as the Plaque.
It was an important commodity in the spice trade and is still used in perfumes, mulled wines and liqueurs, love potions, dental products and, stuck in an orange as pomade, an insect repellant.
Extraction
Clove oil can be extracted from the leaves, stem and buds. We sell clove leaf oil, which is extracted by water distillation, containing the desired lower percentage of eugenol.
Chemical composition
The main chemical components of clove oil are eugenol, eugenol acetate, iso-eugenol and caryophyllene.
Precautions
Clove oil is a very potent oil and should be used with care. If it is used in a oil, lotion or cream applied to the skin, the concentration should be well below 1%.
It may cause irritation to the skin of some individuals and can easily irritate the mucus membranes. It should be avoided during pregnancy.
Therapeutic Properties
The therapeutic properties of clove oil are analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-neuralgic, carminative, anti-infectious, disinfectant, insecticide, stimulant, stomachic, uterine and tonic.
Uses
Clove oil can be used for acne, bruises, burns and cuts, keeping infection at bay and as a pain reliever. It helps with toothache, mouth sores, rheumatism and arthritis.
It is beneficial to the digestive system, effective against vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, spasms and parasites, as well as bad breath.
Clove oil is valuable for relieving respiratory problems, like bronchitis, asthma and tuberculosis. The disinfecting property is useful in cases of infectious diseases.
Placing a few drops of clove oil on a cotton ball and then placing the cotton ball in a linen cupboard will not only fragrance the cupboard, but will help to keep fish moths at bay.
Summary
Clove oil is useful for its disinfecting properties, relieving of pain, especially toothache, arthritis and rheumatism. It is effective when used for complaints of the digestion system.
It is also of use for skin problems – especially for skin sores and leg ulcers and as an insect repellent.
- Burners and vaporizers
- In vapor therapy, clove oil can be useful for bronchitis and dizziness and to help lift depression, while strengthening memory and fighting weakness and lethargy.
- Massage oil
- Clove oil can be used in a blended massage oil to assist with diarrhea, bronchitis, chills, colds, muscular numbness, spasms, rheumatism and arthritis. For toothache the outer jaw can be massaged with this oil.
- Use a low dilution of less than 1%.
- In cream or lotion
- When used in a cream or lotion, the positive effects of clove oil are the same as those of a massage oil and can furthermore help to sort out leg ulcers and skin sores.
- Use in low dilution of less than 1%.
- Mouthwash
- Clove oil can be included at a low rate as part of a mouthwash for toothache.
More information about Clove Oil
Skin & Hair Care ~ lessens the effects of skin ageing, wrinkles, sagging skin ~ facial rejuvenation for the eyes ~ helps increase blood flow to unhealthy skin & makes it look & feel younger ~ potent analgesic (pain relief) properties ~ used for skin infections ~ acne, sores, leg ulcers, cuts, wounds, scabies, fungal infections, athletes foot, bruises, burns, warts ~ as an insect repellent ~ treats insect bites & stings ~ effective against head lice & nits
Digestive System ~ effective against vomiting, diarrhoea, flatulence, spasms & parasites
Home Care ~contains a property called ‘eugenol’ which used at 1% emulsion has an antiseptic strength 3-4 times greater than phenol & is excellent for removing & destroying mould & mildew & for general cleaning ~ please note ~ clove leaf oil contains higher amounts of eugenol than clove bud oill but both clove oils are excellent for this purpose
Immune System~ recommend to numb pain ~ helps lupus ~ relieves toothaches & combats infections ~ relieves headaches
Nervous System~ physical & mental tonic ~ helps lift depression, anxiety & stress ~ strengthens memory & fights weakness, lethargy & drowsiness ~ removes mental exhaustion & fatigue ~ helps induce sleep & is helpful for insomnia
Musculoskeletal System ~ recommended for arthritis, rheumatism, muscular numbness, spasms, sprains
Respiratory System ~ helps relieve bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, coughs, colds & flu ~ clears nasal passage ~ disinfecting properties ~ useful in cases of infectious diseases
Energetics ~ creates inner warmth, inspiration & regeneration ~ stirs the spirit into action & brings the message of moving forward ~ assists in the awakening of the senses to completion & oneness ~ drives away negativity, produces spiritual vibrations, purifies & protects the home or other places that may be in need of purification & protection
Blends Well With ~ Amyris, Basil, Benzoin, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cajeput, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Clary Sage, Clove,Fir Needle, Geranium, Ginger, Gingergrass, Grapefruit, Grapefruit Pink, Lavender, Spike Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lemon Myrtle, Lemon Verbena, Mandarin, Marjoram, Nutmeg, Orange, Peppermint, Peru Balsam, Rose, Rose Geranium, Rosemary, Sage, Sandalwood, Spearmint, Spruce, Tangerine, Thyme, Vanilla
Safety ~ Non-toxic, non-sensitising ~ may cause irritation to the skin ~ best avoided during pregnancy
