A native of Indonesia and the Malacca Islands. The Latin word 'Clavus'
means nail shaped, referring to the bud. It was often used by the Greeks,
Roman and the Chinese to ease toothache and as a breath sweetener,
especially when talking to the Emperor. It has antiseptic properties and was
used in the prevention of contagious diseases such as the Plaque.
Description of Clove leaf :
It is a slender evergreen that grows up to 12 meters in height
(approximately 36 feet). It change color over time and is beaten from the
trees and dried.
Appearance : Thin liquid
Aroma : Fresh and spicy scent
Color : Colourless to pale yellow
Chemical constituents: Clove oil has various chemical
compounds that include eugenol, eugenol acetate, iso-eugenol and
caryophyllene.
Extraction: It is extracted by the steam distillation of
clove leaves.
Aromatherapy uses:
The therapeutic properties of clove oil are analgesic, antiseptic,
antispasmodic, anti-neuralgic, anti-infectious, carminative, disinfectant,
insecticide, stimulant, stomachic, uterine and tonic.
Pharmaceutical uses:
Clove oil can be used for acne, bruises, burns and cuts, keeping infection
at bay and as a pain reliever. It helps with toothache, mouth sores,
rheumatism and arthritis. It is beneficial to the digestive system,
effective against vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, spasms and parasites, as
well as bad breath. Clove oil is valuable for relieving respiratory problems
like bronchitis, asthma and tuberculosis.
Clove is a strong
germicide, a powerful antiseptic, a weak local anaesthetic applied to
decayed teeth and has been used with success as a stimulating expectorant in
phthisis and bronchial troubles.
Cosmetics and Toiletries:
Clove oil is used in dental preparations and as a fragrance component in
toothpastes, soaps, toiletries, cosmetics and perfumes. Clove oil may be
used for scents, aroma synergies, in diffusers, soapmaking recipes, in
glycerin soap base or natural hair care products. It is used as a substitute
in functional fragrances and in candle industry. It is widely used as
incence material in Chinese and Japanese culture. It is used in toothache
and dental preparations. It is used in gargle and mouthwash preparations due
to its antiseptic properties.
Flavorings:
Clove oil is used in spices and condiments and also as a flavoring
ingredient in major food categories, alcoholic and soft drinks. Clove is a
highly valued flavor used as food preservative. It is used in many Indian
cuisine especially in almost every sauce or side dish made, mostly ground up
along with other spices.
Clove is also a key ingredient in tea along with green cardamoms. In the
south indian cuisine, it finds extensive use in the biryani dish and is
normally added whole spice to enhance the flavor of rice.
Industrial preparation:
Clove is used in the production of printing ink, glue and varnish.
Clove leaf oil is used as the starting material for the isolation of eugenol
an important industrial constituent. It is used in painting
industry to slow the drying time of oil paints. Clove oil is added to
suppress the odor of turpentine and even this small amount can give the
medium a pleasant odor. Clove oil is also used as a preservative in
water-based painting mediums, such as casein, egg tempera, glue (distemper)
and watercolor.
Clove Leaf oil blends well with basil, rose, lavender,
vanillin, clary sage, bergamont, bay leaf, lavandin, allspice, ylang ylang
and cananga.
