Clove is well-known for its festive fragrance, perfect for making holiday memories, but there are many other ways to enjoy this powerful spice.
Whether it’s in your cooking or your medicine cabinet, there are many reasons why clove oil belongs in every home. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of this potent, aromatic essential oil.
Botany
Clove comes from a tropical evergreen tree (Syzygium aromaticum) of the Myrtaceae family. It’s originally native to Southeast Asia, though it is now cultivated in other areas as well.
The clove tree grows clusters of pale green flower buds that turn into a bright crimson when they’re ready to harvest. The flower buds have a pungent fragrance due to eugenol, an aromatic oil that gets extracted in the distillation process.
History and Traditional Medicinal Uses
The use of cloves dates back as far as 200 BCE in ancient China, where the buds were held in the mouth to freshen the breath during encounters with the emperor.
During the Middle Ages, cloves became popular for preserving food and adding flavor. The Dutch attempted to gain a monopoly on its cultivation via mass eradication—though this was later broken by the French, who smuggled cloves from the East Indies to the New World.
Benefits of Clove Essential Oil
Clove oil has a number of benefits that go beyond its invigorating fragrance. Find out the top benefits below.
Potential Antimicrobial Properties
Research has suggested that clove oil, along with several other plant oils, may be an effective antimicrobial agent. A study found that clove oil inhibited the growth of certain bacterias and yeasts.
Moisturizing the Skin
Adding a drop or two of clove oil to your lotion can help enhance the moisturizing properties and create an extra warming sensation.
Aromatherapy
The pungent aroma of clove essential oil makes for an excellent pick-me-up if you’re tired, stressed, or just in need of a little extra zest. It also provides a relaxing, warming scent to ease tension and help you unwind.
Antioxidant Levels
A study found that clove oil was rich in antioxidant compounds.
Flavor Additive
If you have a liquid medicine or supplement that’s difficult to stomach on its own, a drop of clove oil may make the flavor much more tolerable.
Oral Applications
The warming sensation of clove oil may help with oral discomfort. Apply with a carrier oil for a temporary numbing sensation.
How to Use Clove Essential Oil
- Create oil diffuser blends with cinnamon bark, orange, grapefruit, or nutmeg essential oils.
- Add a drop to your favorite black or chai tea for a jolt of invigorating spice flavor.
- Add a couple of drops to homemade jams, jellies, or preserves to help extend the shelf life.
- Add a few drops to a steamy shower for a warm, relaxing burst of fragrance.
- Add 6-10 drops to a citrus-scented cleaning or room spray for an extra hint of warm spice.
- Add a few drops to lotion or massage oil for a spicy, warming scent.
Warnings
There are several safety precautions to observe when using clove oil. Here are the most important ones to be aware of.
Clove oil may be safe to consume in small amounts, but the eugenol that provides its signature fragrance can be toxic if used excessively.
Always spot-check essential oils before topical application to check for sensitivity and limit diffusing time. Essential oils, although natural, are very potent substances with the potential for unforeseen side effects.
Warming Orange Clove Massage Oil
The warm sensation of clove oil makes it ideal for use as a relaxing massage oil. Paired with bright orange oil and a touch of cedarwood, this oil is sure to help you unwind after a long, hectic day.
- 2 ounces sweet almond oil or fractionated coconut oil
- 10 drops orange essential oil
- 6 drops clove essential oil
- 4 drops cedarwood essential oil
Add each essential oil to the sweet almond oil or fractionated coconut oil. Shake vigorously until everything is blended. Heat in a hot water bath just before use, if desired.
Adding Clove to Your Essential Oil Collection
Whether it’s a festive fragrance blend during the holidays or a warming addition to your self-care routine, clove oil has a lot to offer. Pick up some of this aromatic oil today to discover your new favorite ways to use it.
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