Clove essential oil is extracted from Eugenia caryophyllata (also known as Syzygium aromaticum, Eugenia aromatica, E. carophyllus) of the Myrtaceae family.
Although clove oil is a very potent oil that should be used with great care in aromatherapy, it does have wonderful properties - from stimulating the mind and lifting depression, to aiding digestion, relieving pain in arthritis and rheumatism, easing respiratory problems and assisting leg ulcers.
Oil properties
Clove oil has a warm, strong, spicy smell and the oil is colorless to pale yellow with a medium to watery viscosity.
Origin of clove oil
A native of Indonesia and the Malacca Islands, it is an evergreen tree that grows to about 10 meters (30 feet) tall and has bright green leaves and nail-shaped rose-peach flower buds which turn, upon drying, a deep red brown. These are beaten from the tree and dried.
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.
It was an important commodity in the spice trade and is still used in perfumes, mulled wines and liqueurs, love potions, dental products and, stuck in an orange as pomade, an insect repellant.
Extraction
Clove oil can be extracted from the leaves, stem and buds. We sell clove bud oil, which is extracted by water distillation, containing the desired lower percentage of eugenol.
Chemical composition
The main chemical components of clove oil are eugenol, eugenol acetate, iso-eugenol and caryophyllene.
Precautions
Clove oil is a very potent oil and should be used with care. If it is used in a oil, lotion or cream applied to the skin, the concentration should be well below 1%.
It may cause irritation to the skin of some individuals and can easily irritate the mucus membranes. It should be avoided during pregnancy.
Therapeutic properties
The therapeutic properties of clove oil are analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-neuralgic, carminative, anti-infectious, disinfectant, insecticide, stimulant, stomachic, uterine and tonic.
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. The disinfecting property is useful in cases of infectious diseases.
Placing a few drops of clove oil on a cotton ball and then placing the cotton ball in a linen cupboard will not only fragrance the cupboard, but will help to keep fish moths at bay.
Summary
Clove oil is useful for its disinfecting properties, relieving of pain, especially toothache, arthritis and rheumatism. It is effective when used for complaints of the digestion system.
It is also of use for skin problems - especially for skin sores and leg ulcers and as an insect repellent.
Burners and vaporizers
In vapor therapy, clove oil can be useful for bronchitis and dizziness and to help lift depression, while strengthening memory and fighting weakness and lethargy.
Massage oil
Clove oil can be used in a blended massage oil to assist with diarrhea, bronchitis, chills, colds, muscular numbness, spasms, rheumatism and arthritis. For toothache the outer jaw can be massaged with this oil.
Use a low dilution of less than 1%.
In cream or lotion
When used in a cream or lotion, the positive effects of clove oil are the same as those of a massage oil and can furthermore help to sort out leg ulcers and skin sores.
Use in low dilution of less than 1%.
Mouthwash
Clove oil can be included at a low rate as part of a mouthwash for toothache.
Clove oil blends well with
It blends well with basil, benzoin, cinnamon, lavender, ginger, sandalwood and clary sage.
Thyme essential oil is extracted, by steam distillation, from the fresh or dried leaves and flowering tops of the plant. This is the Linalool chemotype, the most gentle variety of Thyme oils. The oil is mainly located in small glands on the leaves and contains thymol, paracymene & linalol.
The main component of Thyme oil is Thymol, a powerful antiseptic which considered to be quite toxic if used improperly. It is common knowledge among aromatherapists that the essential oil of Thyme is one of the most potently antiseptic essential oils known. Thymol has been extensively documented for its antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal action. According to Jean Valnet, M.D., Thyme oil kills the anthrax bacillus, the typhoid bacillus, meningococcus, and the agent responsible for tuberculosis and is active against salmonella and staphylococcus bacteria. In addition, this component has been studied for its effects on gingivitis and plaque-caused organisms in the mouth (it is used in Listerine for its antiseptic actions).
Thyme oil may strengthen the nerves and stimulate the brain in order to help memory and concentration. It may help to release mental blocks at the same time. The thymol content of Thyme essential oil works as an expectorant and cough suppressant and is frequently used in cough syrups prescribed for lung ailments like bronchitis; Thyme oil has a warming ability which helps to eliminate mucous and phlegm. When combined with fenugreek, Thyme essential oil works to relieve the pain of migraine headaches.
The carminative properties of Thyme make it an effective treatment for stomach upsets. It may also increase the propensity of white blood cells, perhaps increasing the power of the immune system. Also, by possibly helping to eliminate excess uric acid from the body, conditions like gout, sciatica, arthritis, and rheumatism can be more easily combatted. Thyme essential oil may valuable as a local application to neuralgic & rheumatic aches and pains. Thyme oil can be a stimulant for the digestive system, helping to eliminate worms, reduce gastric infections, and ease dyspepsia. Thyme is also good for headaches caused from gastric complaints. Thyme Oil may be good for the scalp, helping to treat dandruff and hair loss. Dermatitis, wounds, boils and carbuncles may also be diminished with this essential oil.
Suggested Uses: Apply Thyme essential oil topically only after proper dilution - 1% or less in carrier oil - test for sensitivity, dilute more if necessary! May be diffused or used in a steam inhaler in small quantities.
Possible Actions: Thyme essential oil has been traditionally used as a general tonic for the nerves and stomach. It may also help with bacterial infections, respiratory infections, headaches and joint pain.
Possible Indications: Thyme oil can be supportive for conditions of respiratory problems, digestive complaints, infections, gastritis, bronchitis, pertussis, asthma, laryngitis, tonsillitis, .
Cautions: Always test a small amount first for sensitivity or allergic reaction, dilute properly! - Thyme oil is irritating to the skin. Avoid if pregnant. Avoid if you have high blood pressure.
Aromatherapy
Essential Oils: All oils from Ananda Aromatherapy are therapeutic grade, meaning the are produced to the highest quality standards possible. Our essential oils are chosen for their integrity (all chemical constituents important for aromatherapy are intact), ecological 'soundness' (most are organic or wild grown), and wonderful aromas. You may order a sample of any oil before trying larger amounts. Most samples are about .75ml; exotic oils such as Melissa, Rose, Angelica and Jasmine are only a few drops, but certainly enough to enjoy their aroma!
2007-07-08 12:14:25
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answer #3
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answered by Lu 5
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