Clove Essential Oil

1. Clove Essential Oil Clove is a well known aromatic spice that is associated with winter holidays. Clove is used in many tea blends and also in many mulled wine recipes. This spice is warming and when used for aromatherapy purposes can create a cozy environment when diffused. Plant Information Plant History Clove's official name is Syzygium aromaticum and is an evergreen that's part of the Myrtle family. This tree grows small, brown buds which we all know as the popular Clove spice. Clove is native to the Indonesian islands and natives to the Molucca islands would plant a clove tree for every child that was born and it was believed that the health and life of the tree was linked to the fate of the child it was planted for. Chinese people would use clove for oral care to freshen their breath before meeting with the Emperor, but because Clove was expensive, which made it a very coveted spice, Europeans started a war over it. Europeans fought with native Indonesians to be able to take part in the Clove business and the Dutch wanted to gain a monopoly over this industry and set fire to the Indonesian clove trees and since the trees had special meaning to Indonesians, they revolted and a blood battle began. By the 18th century, clove was introduced to many other regions which made the price drop and it was during this time that Clove was available for everyone, not just the rich and royal. Asian cultures mainly used Clove as a spice and the Indians in particular used clove for it's antiviral medicinal properties in oral care, treating malaria and supporting digestion. Today, Clove oil is a great aromatherapy oil and diffusing this essential oil can help deter insects, clean the air and support anxiety and overall mood.

2. 2 Botanical Information The Clove tree is an evergreen which can grow up to 40 feet in height. This tree has bright, green leaves and in it’s fifth year, grows flower buds which are nail shaped and turn brown upon drying. The tree is planted from seeds in a shaded area and while it is a slower growing tree, it can live up to 100 years. When the tree does start to grow flower buds, it can grow up to 75 pounds of dried buds per annum. Harvesting is done in late summer and winter, the buds are then sun-dried to create clove spice or oil. Growing Information If growing a clove tree outdoors, it is best to do so in a tropical environment. For those in a non-tropical environment, it is best to plant in a pot that can be taken indoors during the colder months. Clove trees thrive in an environment of 20-30 degrees celsius, but can withstand temperatures as low as 10 degrees celsius. It is best to start your planting process with seeds that are able to germinate, therefore find seeds that have been freshly harvested and that aren’t dried out. Place seeds on top of the soil and cover the pot with a plastic sheet to promote a humid environment. The soil that is best for clove is rich, can drain well and contains organic matter. This tree requires adequate water, especially in it’s first years, but be careful not to overwater the plant either. Parts Used When extracting Clove oil, the bud, leaf or stem can be used. The chemical composition is dependent upon the part of the plant the oil is derived from. Oil Information Extraction Method Clove oil is extracted through steam distillation, as are most essential oils. The bud, leaf or stem is placed in a chamber of the steaming still and as the steam heats up, it pulls the essential oil out. The steam and oil then travel through the apparatus and when they reach a holding chamber, the temperature cools, causing it to re -liquify. The mixture is then carried through to the separator and the oil is siphoned off the water and used in essential oils, while the fragrant water is commonly used to scent products. Active Ingredients The main chemical components of clove oil are eugenol, eugenol acetate, iso-eugenol and caryophyllene. Oil extracted from the flower buds consists of 60-90% eugenol, eugenyl acetate and caryophyllene. If the oil is extracted from the leaf, it consists of 82-88% eugenol and little to no eugenyl acetate. And lastly, if the oil is derived from the stem, it consists of 90-95% eugenol.

3. 3 Applications AIR PURIFIER Clove oil is a very powerful antiseptic, which makes it great for purifying the air. Either add 4 drops of Clove oil to your diffuser or mix 8 drops of Clove oil with 30ml of Witch Hazel and 30ml of Avocado oil in a 60ml amber glass spritz bottle. Spray as a room spray and purify the air at the same time. MUSCLE RELAXANT Clove oil is also antispasmodic which makes it great for alleviating muscle pain or stomach cramping when applied topically. In a 30ml amber aromatherapy bottle mix 25ml Avocado oil and 4 drops of Clove oil. Shake to blend and massage into sore muscles or rub on abdomen in a clockwise motion INSECT RELIEF Clove oil has great insecticide benefits and can help deter insects when diffused indoors our outdoors or by dampening a cotton swab and placing them in places like the attic or by doorways that insects like to crawl into.

4. 4 Recipes Headache Remedy In a 10ml rollerball mix: 2 drops of Peppermint oil 8ml Avocado oil 3 drops of Clove oil • Put lid on rollerball, shake and swirl to mix, then rub and massage mixture along hair line, base of skull and temples. Muscle & Joint Pain Relief In a 30ml amber glass bottle mix: 4 drops Clove oil 4 drops Turmeric oil 4 drops Lavender oil 25ml Grape Seed oil • Put lid on and turn upside down and swirl to mix. Pour a small amount into hands and massage into aching muscles or joints. Insects Be Gone! In a 60ml spritz bottle mix: 6 drops Clove oil 5 drops Citronella oil 30ml Witch Hazel or Water 10 drops Lavender oil 30ml Grape Seed oil • Shake well • Spray on outside of doorway or on yourself, avoiding eyes and mouth Topical Oil Blends APPLICATION ESSENTIAL OILS CARRIER OIL NOTES 2 Drops Clove Oil 3 Drops Vanilla Oil 4 Drops Grapefruit Oil 8ml Grape Seed Oil In A 10ml Roller Ball, Add Essential Oils Then Fill The Rest With Grape Seed Oil. Roll Onto Pulse Points For A Natural Fragrance. Spicy Body Spray 10 Drops Clove Oil 8 Drops Cinnamon Oil 12 Drops Orange Oil 6 Drops Peppermint Oil 45ml Avocado Oil 45ml Coconut Oil 5ml Vitamin E Oil In A 100ml Apothecary Bottle, Add Essential Oils And Carrier Oils According To Recipe. Shake To Mix Together. Pour Onto Palms And Massage Into Skin Avoiding Sensitive Areas. Massage Oil 7 Drops Clove Oil 9 Drops Lemon Oil 9 Drops Pine Oil 30ml Grape Seed Oil 30ml Witch Hazel In A 60ml Apothecary Spray Bottle, Mix Essential Oils, Then Add Carrier Oil And Shake Together. Lastly, Add Witch Hazel To Fill The Bottle. Shake Before Each Use. Spray To Freshen Up Your Home, But Ensure To Use Away From Animals. Room Spray

5. 5 Diffuser Blends BLEND ESSENTIAL OILS REMEDY Clove Oil (5 Drops) Coffee Oil (3 Drops) Black Pepper Oil (5 Drops) Creates A Feeling Of Alertness And Energy. Stimulating Blend Clove Oil (5 Drops) Lemon Oil (5 Drops) Lavender Oil (3 Drops) Cleanses And Purifies The Air. Cleansing Formula Clove Oil (5 Drops) Ginger Oil (3 Drops) Vanilla Oil (7 Drops) Creates A Warm And Cozy Atmosphere That’s Sure To Warm You Up On A Rainy Day. Cozy Feeling Clove Oil (4 Drops) Cinnamon Oil (3 Drops) Orange Oil (6 Drops) Pine Oil (4 Drops) This Blend Will Leave Your Home Smelling Like A Warm, Spicy Holiday. Holiday Spice And Everything Nice Clove Oil (4 Drops) Cinnamon Oil (3 Drops) Nutmeg Oil (5 Drops) Ginger Oil (3 Drops) Black Pepper Oil (5 Drops) Diffuse This Blend To Create A Spicy Aroma Throughout Your Home. 5 Spice Cautions When not diluted properly, essential oils can cause severe skin irritation, gastrointestinal upset and even liver damage in the long term. If you have pets, make sure you’re using essential oils that have been deemed safe to use around animals.