Clove Essential Oil: Aromatic Warmth & Versatility

Clove Essential Oil: Aromatic Warmth & Versatility

Nov 06, 2023

Clove essential oil, with its warm and spicy aroma, is a powerhouse in the world of essential oils. Just a drop or two of this potent oil can go a long way, making it a valuable addition to your aromatherapy toolkit.


Explore the various uses and benefits of clove oil, its safety precautions, and a collection of DIY clove essential oil recipes to try. Whether you associate it with fall and winter or desire its year-round benefits, clove essential oil has much to offer.


Clove Essential Oil Facts

Clove buds carry a significant aroma

Clove essential oil has a rich history of use, known for its ability to address various health and wellness concerns. Historically, cloves were employed to combat skin infections, digestive upsets, and, most notably, toothaches.


Beyond its medicinal uses, cloves have found their place in hot beverages and baking, adding depth to flavor profiles.


  • Botanical Name: Syzygium aromaticum, Eugenia caryophyllata
  • Botanical Family: Myrtaceae
  • AKA: Clove Bud
  • Note: Middle
  • Aroma: Warm, spicy, and woody
  • Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
  • Plant Part Used: Buds
  • Shelf Life: 2-3 years
  • Max Dilution: 0.5% (approximately 3 drops per 1 oz of carrier oil)
  • Kid Safe: No
  • Safety Concerns: Avoid prolonged use, do not use undiluted on the skin, avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  • Main Constituents: Eugenol, eugenyl acetate, beta-caryophyllene.


Clove Essential Oil Safety Precautions


Clove essential oil is a powerful oil, but it comes with specific safety precautions that should be taken into account:


  • Avoid prolonged use: Clove oil should not be used for an extended period.
  • Don't use undiluted on the skin: It's considered a "hot oil" and can cause skin irritation if applied directly.
  • Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding: Clove oil is not recommended for use during these periods.
  • Not kid-friendly: This oil is not suitable for children.
  • Moderate risk for mucous membrane irritation.
  • May inhibit blood clotting and pose a drug interaction hazard.
  • Moderate risk of skin sensitization: Tisserand and Young recommend a dermal maximum of 0.5% (approximately 3 drops per 1 oz of carrier oil).
  • Avoid old or oxidized oils, as they may cause skin sensitization.
  • Store oil in a dark, airtight container.
  • Do not ingest: Clove oil should not be ingested.


Clove Essential Oil Blends Well With

Clove essential oil blends with several other aromas to create your perfect aroma

Clove essential oil pairs well with a range of other essential oils, creating delightful and effective blends. Some of its aromatic companions include:


  • Sweet Orange
  • Frankincense
  • Cassia
  • Cinnamon
  • Cedarwood
  • Ginger
  • Roman Chamomile
  • Fennel
  • Basil
  • Bergamot
  • Black Pepper
  • Lemon
  • Wintergreen


Clove Bud Essential Oil Uses and Benefits


1. Relieves Anxiety


Clove essential oil has a warming effect on the senses, offering comfort and fostering confidence. It can promote self-assurance when blended with oils such as lavender, orange, geranium, or ylang-ylang.


Try placing two drops on the shower floor before your shower for a warming and comforting scent.


2. Promotes Motivation


Clove oil can inspire action and enhance focus on important tasks. A drop on a diffuser necklace can provide the positive support needed to stay motivated throughout the day.


3. Supports Dental Health


Clove oil is well-known for its dental benefits. It can alleviate occasional toothaches in adults by producing a numbing effect that eases discomfort and reduces inflammation.


It also works as a natural mouthwash when combined with water, promoting clean teeth and fresh breath.


4. Immune Booster


Clove oil's antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, and anti-infectious properties make it a powerful ally in combating seasonal threats. It is rich in eugenol, a potent source of antioxidants.


Diffuse clove oil to clear and disinfect the air, or simmer it in a pot of water to rid your house of cooking odors and germs.


5. Soothes Pain and Joints


Clove oil is renowned for its ability to ease pain due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties and local anesthetic actions. Its warming effect can alleviate sore muscles and joints, making it suitable for massage oils, muscle rubs, and pain creams. A soothing pain blend is especially effective for joint and muscle discomfort.


Clove Essential Oil Recipes


Here are some practical and aromatic DIY clove essential oil recipes to explore its versatility:


1. Fall Fest Salt Scrub



Directions: Combine the salt and Fractionated Coconut Oil in a bowl. Add the essential oils and stir until well blended. This fall-themed sugar scrub is gentle on the skin and has a delightful spicy aroma.


2. Orange Pomander Diffuser Blend


  • 3 drops Orange
  • 2 drops Clove
  • 2 drops Rosemary


Directions: Add these essential oils to a diffuser with the recommended amount of water. This blend creates an inviting and warm atmosphere reminiscent of pomander balls, which consist of oranges studded with cloves and other spices.


3. Mold Prevention Shower Spray


  • 25 drops Clove
  • 8 oz Vodka
  • 8 oz Spray Bottle


Directions: Combine the clove essential oil and vodka in a spray bottle. Shake well and use it to spray your shower to prevent mold and disinfect surfaces. This spray is a natural and effective way to combat mold without harmful fumes.


4. Welcome Fall Diffuser Blend


  • 3 drops Clove
  • 2 drops Cinnamon
  • 1 drop Orange


Directions: Add the essential oils to your diffuser along with the recommended amount of water. This blend evokes the warmth and coziness of fall, creating a welcoming atmosphere in your home.


5. Summer Spice Room Spray


  • 8 drops Cardamom
  • 5 drops Lime
  • 5 drops Lemon
  • 2 drops Clove
  • 1/4 cup distilled water
  • 2 oz glass spray bottle


Directions: Add the essential oils to the glass bottle, then fill the rest with water. Shake well before use. This room spray combines the zesty and spicy aromas of various essential oils, creating a refreshing and invigorating scent.


6. Courageous Roller Blend



Directions: Add the essential oils to the roller bottle, then top it off with jojoba oil. Gently shake to blend the oils. Apply to your wrists and inhale the aroma as needed. This blend promotes courage and inner strength.


7. Ease Tension Massage Oil


  • 6 drops Lemon
  • 6 drops Orange
  • 6 drops Cedarwood
  • 4 drops Clove
  • 3 drops Ginger
  • 2 drops Helichrysum
  • 2 drops Sandalwood
  • 1/4 cup Grapeseed Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle


Directions: Add all the ingredients to the glass bottle and shake to blend. This massage oil is perfect for easing tension and encouraging relaxation. Use it on the whole body or focus on areas with muscle or joint discomfort.


8. Gingerbread Cookies Diffuser Blend


  • 3 drops Ginger
  • 2 drops Clove
  • 2 drops Cinnamon Bark


Directions: Add the essential oils to your diffuser with the recommended amount of water. This blend captures the delightful aroma of gingerbread cookies, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.


9. Soothing Pain Blend


  • 4 drops Lavender
  • 4 drops Frankincense
  • 3 drops Clove
  • 3 drops Ginger
  • 2 drops Helichrysum
  • 2 drops Sandalwood
  • 1 oz jojoba oil
  • 1 oz dropper bottle


Directions: Add the essential oils to the dropper bottle and fill the rest with jojoba oil. Swirl to blend. To use, massage the blend onto desired areas, especially those experiencing pain or discomfort.


10. Citrus Spice Beard Oil


  • 6 drops Orange
  • 3 drops Clove
  • Sweet Almond Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Vitamin E Oil
  • 1 oz lotion pump or dropper bottle


Directions: Add the essential oils to the glass bottle and fill the rest with carrier oil. Shake well to blend. Apply a few drops of this beard oil to your beard and use a comb to distribute it evenly.


Final Thoughts on Clove Essential Oil


Clove essential oil is a versatile and potent addition to your essential oil collection. With its warm and spicy aroma, it can be used for a wide range of purposes, from promoting motivation and relaxation to addressing dental health and soothing pain.


Be sure to follow safety precautions when using clove oil, and always dilute it appropriately for safe and effective application. Explore these DIY recipes to experience the many benefits of clove essential oil at home.