Clove

Regardless of the season we are currently in, I have always looked forward to the fall.  The cozy sweaters, colorful leaves, crisp air, camping, hiking... It's just my faaaavorite time of year!  And then there's all of the spiced drinks and baked goods... gingerbread, apple cider, pumpkin pie!  Yum!  And as it turns out, all of these have a common spice: clove. 

Originally native to Indonesia, clove grows on the evergreen Eugenia caryophyllus tree, (1) and is pretty much a key ingredient for fall.  As an oil, it is also a key ingredient in several of our blends, including Armor, Armor Spray, Clarify, Comfort, Empower, Ease and Resistance.

Cloves.jpg

But what does it do?  Well, I’m glad you asked.  :)

Sources say that clove has been used for thousands of years to prevent the spread of contagious diseases and illnesses. (1) (2) Because of its antiseptic and antiviral properties, it is also said to help with more common ailments like bronchitis, tonsillitis, asthma, even viral hepatitis and more. (3) (4)  Because it has powerful antibacterial properties as well, it may be used to fight bacteria that cause infections, including respiratory infections, pneumonia, sinusitis, skin infections, urinary tract infections, and even food poisoning! (5) It sounds like a pretty handy thing to have around.

Ever had a toothache or a nagging ulcer that makes eating or even talking super painful?  Well, Clove is a powerful numbing agent, which makes it a great go-to.  This pain-numbing essential oil may even be used to reduce pain caused by arthritis, rheumatism and neuralgia. (5)  Many Selah customers have used Clove to help with pain.  Here's what a couple of them had to say:

-----

"I had a canker sore the size of a dime.  I applied clove diluted with coconut oil to the area several times a day.  Within a few minutes of applying, the pain would be almost completely gone.  The canker sore shrunk to about half the size in the first 24 hours and was gone within 48 hours!" -Michelle

"Great for mouth pain.  From toothache to ulcers, it numbs and heals fast!"

-Deana

-----

AdobeStock_128569062-edit.jpg

DR. AXE SAYS,

Dr. Axe says, “One of the most powerful applications of clove is to fight candida…clove was as effective as nystatin, a drug commonly prescribed to manage yeast infections of the mouth (thrush)… Also, in addition to eliminating candida, clove essential oil is effective at killing intestinal parasites and an effective treatment for a short-term parasite cleanse.” (6)

Clove is also super high in antioxidants, which may prevent or delay some types of cell damage.  Antioxidants reverse damage caused by free radicals (which are not hippies, contrary to what the name sounds like) that can trigger cell damage.  Antioxidants have been shown to slow aging and degeneration, (6)(7) and who doesn’t want fewer wrinkles?? ;-)  Speaking of wrinkles, Clove can help with other common skin issues too, like warts and acne. (4)(5)

Want to eliminate mold?  Clove saves the day AGAIN.  Check out this eco-cleaner recipe from Sara Snow, eco-expert:

"Add a dash of clove oil (about 1/2 teaspoon) to 2 cups of water and pour it into an empty spray bottle.  Scrub the susceptible spot (shower walls, outdoor cushions), spritz on, and let sit to deter further growth.  Then sit back and breathe easy." -Sara Snow (8)

The list of uses for this incredible essential oil could go on and on, and it does!  Visit our website to see more uses and info.

 

References

  1. Davis, Patricia - Aromatherapy An A-Z (2000), pg. 83-84
  2. Young, D. Gary, ND - Essential Oils Integrative Medical Guide (2013), pg. 91 Althea Press.
  3. Essential oils, Natural Remedies: The Complete A-Z Reference of Essential Oils for Health and Healing (2015), pg. 315
  4. Schnaubelt, Kurt Ph.D.
  5. Purchon, Nerys and Lora Cantele. The Complete Aromatherapy & Essential Oil Handbook for Everyday Wellness (2014), pg. 51-52
  6.  https://draxe.com/clove-oil-uses-benefits/
  7.  https://nccih.nih.gov/health/antioxidants/introduction.htm
  8.  www.health.com