Learn the Emotional and Physical Properties of Clove!
Clove the Flower of the Gods by Zoe Pichot, RA!
Let’s start from the beginning, botanical context and history: Clove buds are the aromatic flower buds from the Syzygium aromaticum tree in the Myrtaceae family, indigenous to the Maluka islands. All parts of this tree -bark, leaves, and flowers- contain essential oils, yet the one from the floral buds has been found to be the most appropriate for therapeutic uses. Clove buds are one of the most common spices, you probably already have some in your kitchen or ground up in one of your spice blends. It wasn’t always so common, the spice is first mentioned in Indian and Chinese literature. Its presence in Europe is first noted by Pliny the Elderly in the 1st century. At the beginning of the Middle Ages, clove buds were sought out like gold and caused many “spice wars.” From the 13th century onward, Clove was part of the monk’s medicine. And it’s in Tibet that this spice is beautifully named “Flower of the Gods,” the bud and its essential oil hold a very important place in Tibetan traditional medicine due to their antiseptic, analgesic, and eupeptic properties, as well as its energizing capacities.
Essential oil description: Clove bud essential oil is a special case because the pharmacologic properties of the floral bud and the essential oils are almost identical and, therefore, can be used similarly. Clove bud essential oil has a positive impact on the psyche as it fortifies our body and mind and reenergizes us. It also has a wide spectrum of action against germs and viruses and has been used by dentists to disinfect the mouth and alleviate toothaches.
Clove bud essential oil contains a majority of eugenol (70-80%), a phenyl propane derivative, its properties are close to monoterpene phenols but are even more powerful. Interesting fact, eugenol is often considered as being part of the same group as cinnamaldehyde a phenylpropane we talked about last month in the October Health Forecast on Cinnamon essential oils. Clove bud essential oil also contains 10-18% eugenyl acetate an aromatic ester, its presence means this essential oil is better tolerated than the essential oil from the Clove tree leaf which you can also find on the market at lower prices but has higher percentages of eugenol and lacks the relaxing properties of eugenic acetate.
Essential oil safety: Clove bud essential oil must be used carefully, it is very powerful and must be measured correctly. Do not take it internally, for it has hepatotoxic properties, meaning it can damage the liver’s functions. Use externally at low concentrations, up to 0.5% of essential oil diluted in carrier oil, for example, a maximum of 10 drops in 100ml of carrier oil for an adult. It is generally a well-tolerated essential oil but if applied at higher concentrations can be irritating to the skin. Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes. Do not use it in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or with children.
Clove buds are a great household remedy to have around and use in safely your daily life.
Chai Tea with Clove Essential Oil Recipe to Make an Antiviral, Antibacterial & Energizing Daily Ritual.
10 oz. Water
2 Slices Fresh Ginger root
3 Whole Cloves
4 Whole Green Cardamon pods, cracked
6 Whole Black peppercorns
1/2 Stick Cinnamon
Pinch of Black Tea (or a Teabag)
1 drop of Clove essential oil
1/2 cup (125ml) Milk or Equivalent
Honey, to Taste (Optional)
Place spices in a bowl and add one drop of Clove. Mix well. Bring the water to a boil and add the spices, cover and continue simmering for 15 – 20 minutes. Remove from the heat, add black tea, and let steep for 1-2 minutes. Add honey and milk, bring to a boil, and remove from heat. Strain and serve. Makes one cup.
To learn more about Brain & Gut Health with Essential Oils, Flower Essences, and Reflex points – Join me on Nov 16th & 17th, 2024, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm EST.
Enjoy and Take Good Care of Yourself,
Don’t Forget Your Essentials, Use Your Common Scents,
Lorrie & Zoe
Registered Aromatherapist!