Clove Leaf Essential Oil

Clove leaf essential oil is water or steam distilled from the leaves of the evergreen tree. Clove is indigenous to the spice islands of the Moluccas, but has been cultivated widely in Asia, the Philippines, Madagascar, Zanzibar, and Tanzania. It produces a clear to pale yellow liquid with a warm, spicy, woody, and slightly fruity aroma with a medium-strength middle fragrance note. The oil itself will darken and become thicker with age, and should not be used if it appears this way. its main chemical components are eugenol, and phenol.

Clove leaf essential oil has been used in Asian and South Asian cultures for over two thousand years, both as a culinary spice and to keep tooth decay and halitosis in check. However, its use has been recorded in Chinese culture since the 3^rd century BC. In fact, during the Han dynasty of the 1^st century AD, anybody who cared to address the Chinese emperor was obligated to hold a few cloves in their mouth to mask potential bad breath. By the 4^th century AD, it had been brought to the Mediterranean, and by the 8^th century, it could be found throughout the European continent. In Persian and Indian culture, it was lauded as a love potion, and was a common component of many aphrodisiac potions, perfumes and incenses. In the middle ages it was used to protect from outbreaks of the plague; the oil and fruit were placed into leather masks, through which doctors would breathe through in order to kill the plague bacteria, and in Germany it was used as a remedy for gout, thyroid dysfunction, and liver diseases such as viral hepatitis. Throughout history, its exotic scent has been a lively addition to spice blends for culinary purposes, in mulled wines, liqueurs and other spirits, perfumes, men’s colognes and insect repellants.

Clove Leaf Essential Oil Uses

Pain relief: clove leaf oil is a ‘hot’ oil and provides a warming sensation when used in conjunction with massage. Effective in treating sore joints or aching muscles due to strain or overuse.

Antibacterial/antiseptic: an excellent antiseptic due to its high eugenol content.

Antifungal: used to treat athlete’s foot and minor fungal infections of the skin such as ringworm. Always be sure to use well-diluted as it can cause severe irritation.

Diarrhea: helps to ease the instance of diarrhea.

Flatulence: eases digestive discomfort and neutralizes digestive gasses.

Digestive: stimulates the digestive tract and promotes healthy elimination.

Appetite stimulant: helps to increase the desire to eat, which can be helpful during chemotherapy treatment or to anyone who is having trouble eating due to stress.

Stomach maladies: eases nausea and stomach cramping.

Emotional stress: promotes a sense of calm and peacefulness; helpful in meditative practice, it has been used as an ingredient in incense in many cultures and religious practices.

Mood lifter: instantly lightens your mood and attitude, helps you to replace negative thinking with positive optimism.

Fatigue: invigorates and stimulates the mind and body, chasing away fatigue and exhaustion.

Anti-stress: helps to ease stress and calm a worried mind. An excellent aid in treating nervous exhaustion, and is also good when preparing for public speaking engagements or any stressful situation.

Skin infections: due to its high eugenol content, protects against and heals minor skin infections from fungus, bacteria, or parasites such as scabies or lice.

Oral health: one of clove leaf oil’s most common uses is in dental preparations – to freshen the breath, stimulate gums and protect against tooth decay.

Expectorant: helps to loosen and rid the body of phlegm and congestion caused by influenza or chest cold.

Toothaches: relieves toothaches on contact.

Headache: can help to provide relief even from severe headaches, migraines and cluster headaches – especially those that are caused or complicated by a toothache.

Disinfectant: rids the air, household surfaces and the body of all types of bacteria. Excellent for freshening a sick room or as a preventative when visiting an ill person.

Insect repellant: repels mosquitoes and other flying insects indoors and outdoors. Helpful to repel moths from your closets and drawers.

Smoking cessation: helps to curb cravings for nicotine and lessen the anxiety sometimes felt when attempting to quit smoking cigarettes.

Circulation: aids and supports healthy blood circulation, sends blood flow to the surface of the skin and warms the extremities – helpful if you suffer from diabetes or other diseases characterized by poor circulation.

Avoid clove leaf oil if you are pregnant, or if you have liver or kidney disease. Can be toxic if used undiluted, and is a major skin irritant. Always heed recommended dilution factors and test (well diluted) on an insensitive area of your skin before any liberal application. Eugenol can cause severe allergic reaction, and if you are starting a course of treatment it is wise to start with small amounts and work your way up to strengthen your tolerance. While clove leaf essential oil can treat stomach ailments, taken in doses that are too high can cause the reverse response: nausea, vomiting, seizure, shortness of breath, rashes and itching may occur. Overuse of clove leaf oil on acne can cause permanent scarring. If you intend to use clove oil for oral health, consult a qualified practitioner before beginning a course of therapy.