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Clove Essential Oil: Warm Aroma, Long Tradition, and Important Safety Tips
Mar
Come on in, family. If you’ve ever smelled pumpkin pie, chai, or a pot of mulled cider on the stove, you already know the smell of clove. Warm. Spicy. A little sweet. Smells like the holidays.
Clove essential oil brings that same cozy smell into your home. But clove oil is also one of the strongest oils on the shelf, and it needs real respect. In this guide, I’ll show you what it is, how to enjoy it, and the safety rules that matter most.
What Are Cloves?
Cloves are the dried flower buds of the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum). The tree grows in warm, tropical places. Zanzibar, off the coast of East Africa, is one of the places famous for growing cloves.
The buds are picked before they open and dried in the sun until they turn dark brown and look like little nails. That’s actually where the name comes from. “Clove” comes from an old word for “nail.”
Whole cloves are on our custom-tea Flavor list at the tea bar. A couple of whole cloves in a warm cup of tea adds a lot of spice.
A Long History in the Kitchen and Beyond
People have traded cloves for a very long time. They were one of the treasured spices of the old spice routes. Today, cloves show up all over the world:
- Chai and spiced teas
- Mulled cider and holiday drinks
- Baked goods, like pumpkin pie and spice cake
- Savory dishes, like rice pilaf, curries, and baked ham
- Pickles and spiced fruit
What Is Clove Essential Oil?
Clove essential oil is made by steam-distilling cloves (buds, and sometimes leaves or stems). The oil is very concentrated.
Its main natural part is eugenol. MedlinePlus, from the National Library of Medicine, notes that eugenol is found in some toothache products, toothpaste, food flavorings, and lotions. That gives you a sense of how widely it’s used. It also explains why the safety rules below are so important.
What Does Clove Oil Smell Like?
Warm, spicy, sweet, and bold. It’s a strong smell, so you only need a drop or two in a blend.
It pairs well with:
- Orange or lemon, for a bright holiday blend
- Ginger, for extra warmth
- Cinnamon, for a classic spice-cabinet smell
- Frankincense or myrrh, for a deep, grounding blend
How to Use Clove Essential Oil
1. In a diffuser (the best way)
Clove is strong, so go light.
- Fill your diffuser with water to the line.
- Add 1 to 2 drops of clove oil plus a few drops of a milder oil.
- Run it for 30 minutes, then give the room a break.
Cozy holiday blend: 1 drop clove + 3 drops orange or lemon.
Warm spice blend: 1 drop clove + 2 drops ginger.
Grounding blend: 1 drop clove + 2 drops myrrh + 2 drops frankincense.
Little nugget: Clove is a “less is more” oil. One drop is plenty to carry a whole blend. Start with one, and only add more if the room needs it.
2. Stovetop simmer pot (no oil needed)
Want that clove smell without any essential oil? Simmer a pot of water on low with:
- A small handful of whole cloves
- A cinnamon stick
- Orange or apple slices
Add water as it cooks down, and never leave the stove unattended. It ain’t rocket science, and the house smells amazing.
3. On the skin? Go very gently.
Clove oil can irritate skin more than many oils. If you choose to use it on skin, keep it very diluted:
- About 1 drop of clove oil in 2 teaspoons of carrier oil (like jojoba or sweet almond) for adults.
- Patch test first on your inner arm. Wait 24 hours.
- Don’t use it on the face, broken skin, or sensitive areas.
For most people, the diffuser is the easier choice.
Safety: This Section Matters Most
Never swallow clove oil
MedlinePlus says eugenol (clove oil) can be harmful in large enough amounts. As little as 10 milliliters in adults, or smaller amounts in children, can have serious effects. A typical small essential oil bottle holds about 15 mL. That’s why we say clearly: don’t drink clove oil, and don’t add it to food, tea, or water. Use whole or ground cloves for cooking and tea instead.
MedlinePlus lists symptoms of clove oil overdose that include breathing problems, seizures, and liver failure, especially in children.
Keep it far away from children and pets
- Store clove oil up high, locked away if possible, with the cap on tight.
- Never use clove oil on babies or toddlers, including on gums for teething.
- If a child or adult swallows clove oil, call Poison Control right away at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 if they’re having trouble breathing, seizing, or very sleepy. MedlinePlus says don’t make the person throw up unless Poison Control or a provider tells you to.
Other safety basics
- Always dilute before skin use.
- Keep it away from eyes, inside the nose, mouth, and other sensitive areas.
- Don’t put clove oil in your mouth or on your teeth and gums. If you have tooth pain, see your dentist.
- Ask your provider first if you’re pregnant, nursing, take blood thinners, have a bleeding problem, have surgery coming up, or have asthma or a skin condition.
- Stop using it if you notice redness, burning, a rash, headache, or trouble breathing.
- The National Cancer Institute’s aromatherapy summary notes that allergic reactions and skin irritation can happen when essential oils stay on the skin a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put clove oil on a toothache?
We don’t recommend it. MedlinePlus notes clove oil can cause burns in the mouth and throat in an overdose, and clove oil can irritate the gums. See your dentist for tooth pain.
Can I add clove oil to my tea?
No. Add a couple of whole cloves to your tea instead. That gives you the flavor safely.
How many drops of clove oil should I use in a diffuser?
Start with 1 drop, mixed with a few drops of a milder oil.
Is clove oil safe for kids?
Keep it away from children. Don’t use it on babies or toddlers. If a child swallows any, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
What’s the difference between cloves and clove oil?
Cloves are the whole dried buds you cook with. Clove oil is a highly concentrated extract. A little clove spice in food is normal. Clove oil needs much more care.
Bring the Warm Spice Home
Want that cozy, spicy smell? Shop our Clove Essential Oil for your diffuser. Pair it with Ginger Essential Oil for a warm blend, or Myrrh Essential Oil for something deep and grounding. Always follow the label, and keep oils away from little hands.
Prefer to sip your spice? Add whole cloves to a custom herbal tea as your Flavor herb.
Visit us at 8110 W Peoria Ave, Ste 103, Peoria, AZ 85345, Tuesday through Friday, 10:30am to 5:30pm, and Saturday, 9am to 2pm. Share these safety tips with your family members and loved ones.
Mother nature is your gift to healthy living.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for general education and is not medical advice.
