Fragrant Friday #26: Clove Bud

Here's a little teaching secret.  When I get to the portion in my classes where I address the limbic system and our smell/memories connection, I always bring out this oil.  I don't let the students see what it is as I dip their tester stick
into the bottle of Clove oil.   After I advise they keep the stick away from their noses as they smell it, I ask them to quickly write down any associations they have with the aroma (and request they please keep quiet if they recognize it.  Everyone is excited to shout out the name when they figure it out.)  This is always a satisfying exercise.  Most people can recall their scent memory long before they remember the name of the source of the aroma.  Some of the associations I've heard are:
Easter ham
Dentist
Spice candy
Orange pomanders.
What memories do you associate with the smell of clove?

Okay, here we go...

Clove Essential Oil
Eugenia caryophyllata

Family: Myrtaceae

Geographical Source:  Madagascar

Extraction: Steam distillation of the flower buds

Characteristics:  This is oil a pale yellow to brownish yellow free flowing liquid with a warm, spicy, classic clove aroma.

Principle Constituents:  Phenols (!): Eugenol

Therapeutic Actions:  Analgesic, antifungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antiviral, bactericidal, carminative, warming.

Benefits of Clove Essential Oil:
Warming pain relief  Clove is a great oil for those uncomfortable constrictive and cold physical conditions.  I use it in my massage practice to warm the feet and legs of clients with poor circulation or pain.  Its deeply warming effect reduces pain very effectively. 

Toothache:  I've had two massage clients in the past year arrive for their appointment sporting a painful toothache.  To help relieve their discomfort so they could relax on the massage table, I dipped a q-tip into one drop of clove oil and let them rub it over the surrounding affected tooth telling them to be very careful not to get it anywhere on their lips.  Within a few minutes the painful area was warm and numb.

Teething Babies and Clove:
I know someone who rubbed clove oil over her baby's swollen gums during teething. I do not recommend this.  Rather than explain my reasoning, I'd prefer you do a simple experiment:
1) Take a drop of clove oil and rub it over your gums making sure to get a tiny bit on your lip or the corner of your mouth just as a drooling baby would.
2) Wait a second
3) Before you run screaming to the nearest sink to rinse your flaming mouth, ask yourself if that's something you'd like your infant to experience. 

Digestive Aid:  Clove is a super carminative (settles digestion).  Add it to a digestive blend and massage it into the abdomen at 1% dilution. 

Insects:  Place a few drops of clove oil on a cotton ball and leave it in a linen closet to help fight moths.

Fall Fragrancing:  I love to add this oil to a ceramic room diffuser this time of year with orange and cimmanon essential oils to help fight flu and make the house smell warm and cozy!

Safety:  As you can imagine, there's a lot to say here. Clove essential oil is high in a component called Eugenol which is in the Phenol family.  Phenols are considered to be the most irritating of all the components to both skin and especially mucous membranes causing dermatitis and sensitization.   Because of the eugenol, use it in very low dilutions on the skin (1% in a carrier) and for short periods of time.  Don't use them in a bath or you'll most  likely experience unforgettable burning in the delicate "nether regions".  Avoid using Clove oil in a nose inhaler.  Phenols high oils are not used with babies and children.

Robert Tisserand, in his book Essential Oil Safety, states that oils high in eugenol should be used with caution on those with impaired liver function.   And, if all this isn't enough to give you a deep respect for the power of Clove essential oil, don't use it (any eugenol high oils) with people who have clotting disorders, as eugenol is an anticoagulant.

Blends Well with:  Basil, Cinnamon, Ginger, Orange.

Subtle Properties (vibrational and energetic):Clove Bud essential oil has a strong character making it a great choice when you're feeling week and in need of confidence and self-assurance.   It encourages action and motivation and would be a good choice in a  weight loss blend!   Its spicy, warm aroma lends itself to an uplifting effect when used in a blend.  Remember to keep the dilution low (1%  is 5-6 drops in 1 ounce).

Liz's Suggested Recipe:
Weight Loss Motivation Blend
Clove 4 drops
Orange 3 drops
Patchouli 3 drops

Blend the essential oils into 2 ounce of Jojoba oil (makes make a 1% dilution).  Rub into your abdomen 2-3 times a day or when you feel hungry or need a shot of motivation.  In a pinch, just inhale deeply from the bottle. Repeat this affirmation with every application: 

My body is getting stronger, slimmer and healthier every day.

My Clove Muse SoulCollage® Card: (Almost finished.  wanted to get this out.  Will add later today or tomorrow when it's ready and will post a note on Facebook when it's up.)

I am one who helps you embraze zeal, drive and motivation!
I am one who energetically adds warmth and coziness to your home.
I am one who helps you experience the motivation needed to release whatever is hindering your progress.

Buy Clove Essential Oil at Liz's Garden webstore.