Clove has a long and rich history of use in both culinary and medicinal applications, having been reported to have been use first by the ancient Chinese and later imported into Alexandria for use throughout Egypt and Europe. Clove bud was also used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine over 2,000 years ago.

A necklace of cloves was discovered in a tomb alongside a mummy in Egypt, and during the Han-Dynasty (220-206 BC) in China, court officials were  also believed to have been required to hold whole cloves in their mouths to sweeten their breath whilst addressing the Emperor. Later in Europe, doctors breathed through clove-filled leather beaks believing it would ward off the plague, and German herbalists also used clove in a treatment for gout.

The origin of the clove tree has not been established but it seems most likely to have originated in the tropical climate of Asia, perhaps in the southern Philippines or Moluccas. In 1524 the Portuguese took ownership of these islands to control the thriving clove market, since at that time clove production was limited to this group of islands.

In 1605 the Portuguese were driven out by the Dutch, who then began burning many of the clove trees to create scarcity and drive-up prices for its precious buds now literally. Soon the trees had been destroyed on all but two islands, Ambon and Ternate. The outraged natives began a bloody insurrection led by a man called Pattimura who is still remembered to this day as one of Indonesia’s heroes.

Surprisingly, clove bud essential oil is not widely used in day-to-day aromatherapy, yet when used in massage because its stimulating and analgesic action can be helpful relieving muscular aches, stiff joints, sprains, arthritis and rheumatism, whilst its carminative and antispasmodic properties help to relieve conditions like, colic and stomach cramps.

When blended with ginger, clove bud oil can also help settle an upset tummy and feelings of nausea, It also has powerful antifungal and antibacterial properties that can be put to great use, helping to treat athletes foot put a few drops in a footbath,

Clove may also help with Ural hygiene as it can make a highly effective antibacterial mouthwash or gargle by simply adding just one or two drops of clove bud essential oil to a glass of water. One drop of clove bud oil on a cotton-bud applied to the gum can help to relieve toothache, but if it persists you must be brave and visit the dentist!

Clove bud essential oil has an uplifting, stimulating effect on the mind which makes it helpful for lifting lethargic, and feelings of depression

Blends well with other spice oils and Citrus oils