Clove Essential Oil

Myrtaceae

Thought to be native to Indonesia but now found worldwide, especially in the Philippines and Madagascar. 

The oil is obtained by steam distillation of the dried buds of the plant.

The clove tree is an evergreen which grows to heights ranging between 8-12 metres. They do not sprout the flowers required to produce the essential oil until they are 20 years old. Once buds start to grown they can be harvested during the tropical spring and winter months for several decades. The buds start as a pale colour before eventually turning bright red as they grow to between 1.5-2cm. They are removed from the stalks as soon as they are picked and allowed to dry in the sun for up to 6 days.

Antibiotic, antihistaminic, antineuralgic, anti-oxidant, antiseptic, antiviral, aphrodisiac, carminative, counter-irritant, expectorant, and stimulant.

Used in massage Clove should be very well diluted (to 1% maximum) before application to the skin. It's used in cases of acne, athlete's foot, bruises, burns, cuts and wounds. It can also be found in massage blends aimed at alleviating the symptoms of arthritis, rheumatism and sprains. 

When burned or vaporised it is used to relieve the symptoms of asthma and bronchitis. 

It's never advisable to use any essential oil neat but hundreds of thousands of people use Clove oil to alleviate the pain of toothache so that is a decision for the individual. 

You may find that Clove oil blends particularly well with Benzoin, Cinnamon, Ginger, Sandalwood, Clary Sage, Lavender and Basil.