The dried buds from the flowers are water or steamed distilled to make the essential oil. It grows in Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Indonesia, Mauritius and Antilles.
The Greeks and Romans highly valued clove and the Chinese has used the plant long before Christ. St. Hildegard mentioned clove as very useful in migraines.
Essential oils have high antioxidant value. For example, clove is the ingredient tested with the highest antioxidant capacity on the ORAC scale.
The chemical constituents of Syzygium aromaticum are:
- The phenolic ethers eugenol and chavicol. They have antioxidant and anti-viral properties.
- The sesquiterpenes carophyllene which is formed during the distillation.
- Alcohols.
- Methyl salicylate.
The
oil is yellow. It feels oily when I rub and dries slowly when I rub it
between my fingers. It leaves a gray stain on the blotter.
Clove
is a very positive, uplifting, and stimulating scent. I like it. I
makes me feel very positive and ready to do things. I associate the
aroma with freshly baked gingerbread. This is of course my personal
opinion.
According to Battaglia, clove
contains eugenol and is therefore antiseptic. He says it may be used to prevent viral diseases. Battaglia says that due to being an antispasmodic and carminative, it helps stimulate digestion, relieves flatulence, and restores the appetite. Clove's anesthetic property has
historically been used to ease toothache. According to Battaglia, the anti-inflammatory
properties may be beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis.
According to Jean Valnet, MD, clove oil can prevent contagious disease,
and may treat arthritis, bronchitis, colera, cystitis, cholera, dental
infection, amoebic dysentery, diarrhea, tuberculosis, acne, fatigue,
thyroid dysfunction, insect bites, hypertenstion, dermatitis, skin
cancer, bacterial colitism sinusitis, sores, viral hepatitis, warts,
and lymphoma.
According to Dr.LeAnn, clove has corticosteroid activity, and they can support the adrenals and help them to heal.
According to Dr.LeAnn, clove has corticosteroid activity, and they can support the adrenals and help them to heal.
It
is a strong oil and is not often used in skin care. It has
traditionally been used for leg ulcers, skin sores and infected wounds.
It
blends well with
Basil, black pepper, cajuput, cinnamon, spike lavender, lemon, Spanish marjoram, nutmeg, orange, peppermint, rosemary, and thyme.
Basil, black pepper, cajuput, cinnamon, spike lavender, lemon, Spanish marjoram, nutmeg, orange, peppermint, rosemary, and thyme.
Use with caution after first trimester but it is best to consult a physician before use when pregnant.
Avoid
with homeopathics. It is a mucus membranes irritant, and it may cause
dermatitis. It is also a blood thinner and should be avoided if taking
blood thinning medication.
Before you leave:
I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.
Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.
Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
- Topical Application
- Inhaling Essential Oils
- Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
- How to Dilute Essential Oils
- Vita Flex Technique
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.
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