Characteristics of Clove

Cloves are small evergreen trees of the Myrtaceae family and their botanical name is Eugenia caryophyllata.
Their height reaches 8–12 meters, with large leaves and bright red flowers that grow in clusters. At the end of flowering they turn into a woody fruit with a long calyx ending in four open petals that form a small central ball. Fruit production begins at the age of 6 years, and by 12 the tree produces up to 9 kg of dried cloves annually!! The clove tree can live up to 100 years. The oldest clove tree existing today is found in the Spice Islands and its age is estimated at 350–400 years. The plant is native to Indonesia, Madagascar, India, Pakistan, Tanzania and Sri Lanka.

History of Clove

Cloves have been found in Syrian vessels dating back to 1721 BC, while from the Han dynasty in 300 BC their use for fresh breath is recorded. The spice was traded between cultures for many hundreds of years. It is said that its price rivaled the value of oil.
Clove oil is considered one of the top ten essential oils because of its medicinal properties. It contains eugenol and has long been used as a first aid remedy for toothache by applying cloves to the painful area. Cloves are also popular in cooking and are widely combined in the cuisines
of many peoples with cinnamon, nutmeg, red wine, basil, onions, citrus fruits, star anise, vanilla, turmeric, ginger and cumin.
The aromatic oil is used in toothpastes, soaps, perfumes and cosmetics.

Recommendation

Clove essential oil distilled from the dried fruit of the plant Eugenia caryophyllata.

Chemical composition of clove essential oil

75%–90% eugenol, 15% caryophyllene, furfural, vanillin, methyl salicylate, methyl ketone, pyrocatechol, valeric aldehydes, triterpenoids, kaempferol.

Instructions for use

- For immediate relief from toothache. Put 1 drop of clove essential oil on a piece of cotton and leave it for a while on the aching tooth.
- Add 1 drop of clove essential oil to your favorite chocolate cake or apple pie.
- Add 1–2 drops to an oil burner to relieve headache and clear the airways in case of congestion.
- For insect bites, add 3–4 drops of clove essential oil to 50 ml lemon balm oil.
- Combines exceptionally well with lavender, geranium, cinnamon, rose, orange and grapefruit essential oils.

Chinese medicine - Ayurveda

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, clove is known as Gong Ding Xiang and its essential oil is valued for restoring warmth to the body and preserving Yang, as it is associated with the energy of the sun. It clears the meridians of the kidneys, lungs, stomach and spleen.
According to Ayurveda, clove maintains the allochaka pitta located in the eyes and therefore enhances good vision.
Clove essential oil has anti-infectious and analgesic properties. Its stimulating aroma tones the whole body, while at the same time enhancing inner warmth and the feeling of safety – kapha. It awakens the 1st chakra (the earth element).

Useful tips

- The use of essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy, breastfeeding and by young children.
- Avoid direct contact with skin, eyes and mouth.
- Always use essential oils dissolved in a base oil or other catalyst.