Clove is a serious mover and shaker in the plant kingdom. Rich, sweet, spicy, aromatic, warm, and heavenly, clove is a very dynamic plant that awakens all of our senses. Clove just can’t sit still and in fact, is one of the first plants to make it around the world. How progressive. Progressive is one word that can sum up good old clove. It’s here to take us along for the ride as well. Clove wants nothing more than to help us progress. It is here to lend us the strength and courage we need to explore and expand.
Syzygium aromaticum
Clove started out in the tropical nation of Indonesia. Currently the majority of the global supply comes from tropical neighbors such as Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and India. Syzygium aromaticum is an evergreen tree that can grow anywhere from 24-50 feet tall. It has bright green leaves that have a splash of pink by the stem. Clove trees produce little pink buds that eventually turn green. Unless these are harvested they will turn into little pink and white flowers in the summer. The whole tree carries its spicy scent. Its species name actually means fragrant. What you buy in the spice aisle are the dried flower buds of this tree.
Being from the tropics, clove trees love partial sun and lots of water. Cloves are a time investment, however. Seedlings take about 7 years to flower and 15- 20 years before it really starts producing. So ya, don’t expect a first harvest any time soon. On the other hand they can live to be around 100 years old. In its native home it is tradition to plant a clove tree when a baby is born. This links the child's life with the longevity of the tree. Clove also loves the tropical heat. It cannot tolerate consistent temperatures below 50 degrees fahrenheit. It can tolerate You can grow them in pots and bring them in during the cooler seasons. Their USDA hardiness zones are 11 and 12. So yes, turn up the heat on the clove tree.
Clove propagates best from seeds. If you’re going to plant seeds make sure they are fresh, as dried out seeds are no longer viable. Set these bad boys on top of the soil and water them well. It is possible but rare to propagate cloves by cuttings.
Fun Facts
The word clove derives from the Latin word clavus, meaning "nail". If you’ve seen one you know why.
There is one clove tree named Afo that experts believe is the oldest in the world clocking in at 350–400 years old.
During the colonial era, cloves were traded like oil, with an enforced limit on exportation. The Dutch East India Company sought to gain a monopoly in cloves as they had in nutmeg.
Clove is one of the first spices used in trade and has always been used in traditional medicine.
As A Spice
Clove is most famous as a culinary spice. The beloved chai, pumpkin spice, or chinese five spice would not be the same without the warming goodness that is clove. Taste is not the only benefit we reap from clove, however. Clove is high in manganese, omega-3 fats, vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. It can help protect against cancer. There is also some evidence that clove can benefit people with diabetes or prediabetes. This is based on research that suggests that clove may help reduce blood sugar before and after eating food. Clove also fights free radicals, which damage your cells and can lead to disease. By removing free radicals from your system, the antioxidants found in cloves can help reduce your risk of developing heart disease, and certain cancers. Clove is one of many spices that are considered a superfood. It is a wonderful addition to your diet. I like to sneak it in either oats, coffee, or muffins.
Clove Bud Essential Oil Info
There are two clove oils. There is clove bud and clove leaf oil. This article is referencing clove bud oil. These oils have similar properties, but different smells and potencies. Clove bud is a stronger oil with a much stronger smell. When using the advice of this article make sure you are using clove bud essential oil, and as always make sure you use it properly diluted. It is a very strong oil and should be used sparingly. That being said, let’s get into it!
Properties of Clove Bud Essential Oil:
Abortifacient, analgesic, anesthetic, antibacterial, antibiotic, antidepressant, antiemetic, antifungal, antineuralgic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antistress, antiparasitic, antitissuative, antiviral, aperitive, aphrodisiac, carminative, caustic, cicatrizant, dermatological, emmenagogic, insecticidal, stimulative, stomachic, tonic.
Immune System:
Clove is a huge ally to the immune system. It is essentially one of the strongest anti everything oils. It is antibacterial, viral, microbial, and fungal. It is useful in speeding recovery from infections due to bacteria and viruses.
Integumentary System:
Clove bud oil is a wonderful oil to use sparingly in skin care. It is a very strong oil and if not diluted properly will cause skin reaction. When used properly, however, your skin can live its best life with clove oil. First of all, it is cleansing and yet, still moisturizing. Many botanical cleansing agents can be a bit drying. Clove, however, has some magical property that lets it have both cleansing and moisturizing properties. This really makes your skin look radiant and will help clear up problems, such as acne. Clove is also antifungal. It is one of the only oils I would trust to help with nail fungus. Clove also speeds the healing of bruises, cuts, and abrasions. It is also an ace for first aid care because it is a topical analgesic.
Digestive System
Your digestive system loves clove oil. It helps stimulate and promote digestion. It also relieves complaints such as upset stomach or gas. Compounds in cloves may also help to promote liver health. Clove is the best oil for easing dental pain as it's antibacterial and analgesic. You can use it neat for this, but do so sparingly.
Musculoskeletal System
Cloves anti inflammatory, circulatory, and analgesic properties make it top choice for easing muscle pain and aches. It is a wonderful addition to a muscle rub formula, or in an after workout bath. Just make sure to use a very small amount.
Circulatory System
Clove stimulates circulation and promotes warmth. This is one of the reasons it helps heal wounds and muscular pain so much.
Mind:
Clove is a mover and a shaker physically and mentally. Clove pushes us to heal emotionally, promoting personal growth. It doesn't just leave us hanging there, however. It boosts focus and concentration, helping you hone in on what you want and how to get it. Clove is good at helping us push all the BS aside and focus on the truth. Clove is a good friend to have if you struggle to set boundaries, or with self confidence. Clove is also good at inspiring creativity and courage.
Energetic properties
Clove is a highly cleansing plant, physically and energetically. It has always been used for protection from negativity and negative thoughts. Clove promotes inspiration, regeneration, trust and inner warmth and banishes anything that will hinder those things.
Home Use
Physically and energetically clove bud oil is cleansing. Clove is one of the main ingredients in both Florida Water and Four Thieves Oil. Both of these traditional blends are made for protection both physically and energetically. Whether you make these traditional blends for home use or not, clove is a wonderful addition to home cleaning recipes such as the ones here. It is also a wonderful oil to help you live seasonally with the fall energies.
Other traditional folklore uses for clove include attracting money, or love.
Precautions
Possible skin irritant. Do not use it on children. Do not use it while pregnant or nursing. May inhibit blood clotting, so avoid use with anticoagulants.
Shameless Product Promo
Clove is all about momentum. This warming and stimulating plant wants you to move forward in a healthy and meaningful way. Humans have been way into clove for well over 2,000 years and for good reason. Clove supports healing, physically and emotionally. It helps us assimilate what we need and disregard what we don’t. It helps protect us from harm and pushes us to grow. It is a wonderful addition as a spice to your diet, and as an oil to your health care routine. Clove is damn useful all year round, but it is especially useful during the fall. Helping us align with the energies that fall brings us.
Clove Bud essential oil is used in our Marie Laveau essential oil blend.
