Monday, October 7, 2013

A Look at Clove Essential Oil

For our EO spotlight this week, let's take a look at clove.

Scientific name: Eugenia caryophyllata


Common extraction methods: steam distilled from bud and stem

Properties: Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, antiseptic (strong), disinfectant, analgesic (painkiller), immune stimulant, antioxidant, anti-tumor, antiviral.

Applications: Dilute this oil before topical use; I recommend a 2% dilution for adults (10-12 drops per 1 oz carrier oil) and a 1% dilution for children (5-6 drops per 1 oz carrier oil). Diffuse.


Uses: Tobacco and other addictions, blood clots, candida, cataracts, corns, disinfectant, fever, fungal infections, Herpes Simplex, hormonal imbalance, hypothyroidism, liver cleanse, Lupus, macular degeneration, memory, mold, muscle aches and pains, osteoporosis, plague, arthritis, termites, thyroid dysfunction, toothache pain, viral infections, warts, wounds.


Safety info: Contact sensitization may occur with repeated use. If you are pregnant, use caution. Sensitive skin may be irritated.

Ways to use it in real life:

  • Diffuse! I featured this oil because so many people were commenting around the EO community that it made them think of fall. Clove + Orange smells so good. 
  • Arthritis pain - Dilute this in a carrier oil and apply to painful joints.
  • Grocery bag spray - I use close in my grocery bag spray, {click here} for the recipe. 
  • Tooth pain - Rub onto gums surrounding an infected tooth. You could also try a warm water swish. 
  • Toothache recipe - 1 drop close, 3 drops chamomile, 1 drop lemon, diluted in 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil, massage the jawbone and cheek with this. (Recipe from The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy  by Valerie Ann Worwood) 
  • Fly spray - mix 12 drop clove EO with 8 oz water and 1/2 tsp natural soap in a spray bottle, shake often to mix. (Recipe from doTERRA blog)
  • Carnation scent - To create the smell of carnations try 2 drops black pepper, 2 drops ylang ylang and 1 drop clove. (I'm not sure who to credit this to, I cannot find where I originally heard of it, my apologies.)
  • Men's cologne - doTERRA blog has a great recipe for a men's fragrance, check it out {here}.
  • Motivation blend - Tonya at created2fly shared this blend: 1 drops basil, 4 drops bergamot, 1 drop clove, 2 drops gigner. Diffuse or use in a room spray. 


Sources: Modern Essentials: A Contemporary Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils, Third Edition Published by Abundant Health; The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood; website TrydoTERRA.com.
Don't forget to read our disclaimer {click here}. 
This post has been updated to reflect new information I have learned - you may find things omitted that were previously there. In recipes, I have crossed out the old amount and added the new. 10/2013