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.
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 For Clove Oil
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.
Clove Oil Information
Extraction Method: How To Make Clove Oil
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 Found in Clove Oil
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.
Clove Oil Benefits & 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.
Pest 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.
Where To Buy Quality Clove Oil
National Nutrition has a myriad of quality essential oils, you can shop steam distilled clove essential oil here.
