Clove Essence
Description
CLOVE (Eugenia caryophyllata)
Family: Myrtaceae (shrubs and trees)
Source: The Essential oil is obtained from the Flower buds.
Fragrance:: Spicy, vanilla, peppery, sweet.
Volatility: Base note.
General description and habitat:
An evergreen tree which grows best near the sea in tropical climates, usually on islands like Madagascar, Indonesia or the Comoro Islands. Height up to 9 meters, generally kept low for harvesting; conical; similar to laurel though leaves are longer and brighter green and have visible dots. Crimson flowers appear at the end of the branches but are picked at the bud stage when they just start to turn pink. Trees under 5 years old do not produce the spice.
Principal constituents:
Eugenol, acetyleugenol, benzoic acid, benzyl benzoate, furfurol, sesquiterpene, vanillin.
History
History and folk use:
Originated in the Moluccas. Now Madagascar, Zanzibar and Tanzania are the main producers.
The origin of clou is the Latin clavus from which the English word is derived.
The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all used cloves. Hildegarde of Bingen recommended cloves for people who feel cold and for those who feel hot (balancing) and wrote that it could be used for headaches, migraines, deafness after a cold and dropsy. Courtiers in 2nd century China were said to suck cloves to ensure a sweet breath before the Emperor.
Properties & Uses
General properties: antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, digestive, expectorant, sedative, stimulant, stomachic.
Primary Uses:
| Digestive disorders | Exhaustion |
| Mouth and tooth infections | Rheumatic pains |
Secondary Uses:
| Aching Arthritis, | Acid Stomach, | Asthma, |
| Bronchitis, | Bruises, | Colds, |
| Dental Abscesses, | Diarrhea, | Earache, |
| Fever, | Fibromyalgia, | Flatulence, |
| Gum Disease, | Impotence, | Indigestion, |
| Measles, | Neuralgia, | Parasites (Lice), |
| Pleurisy, | Pneumonia, | Poor Circulation, |
| Problem Periods, | Run Down, | Sore Throat, |
| Sterility, | Sweating, | Ulcers, |
| Vertigo, | Wounds. |
As a dental anesthetic, the essential oil is undiluted.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Contraindications
Only use as prescribed by an aromatherapist.
Clove oil is highly irritating to the skin.
Avoid if pregnant.
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