"Back to Basics" - Top Ten Single Oils - Clove

Today is day 9 of my "Back to Basics" series.



Clove

Clove oil is PACKED full of antioxidants* and is ranked highest on the Oxygen Radical Absorbence Capacity (ORAC) scale*. The ORAC scale was developed by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) researchers at Tufts University in Boston, Massachusettes (BioSource Naturals, n.d.). ORAC measures the time and degree of free radical inhibition. While free radicals are a natural by-product of chemical reactions in our body, if we have too many free-radicals bouncing around we can start to experience cell damage.

Source: BioSource Naturals

Clove oil (Eugenia caryophyllata) is extracted from clove bud through steam distillation. The main chemical component of clove oil is Eugenol, also found in cinnamon and nutmeg, which can be used as a natural antiseptic and anesthetic.* The Eugenol and flavonoids in clove give it a spicy, warm, and woodsy aroma and creates a warming and stimulating effect when applied topically.

Besides being a powerful antioxidant,* clove also supports cardiovascular health when taken internally,* can be used as a flavoring in any dish, and helps to clean gums and teeth.

My favorite way to use clove is in a diffuser with cinnamon and wild orange. I get the benefits of the antioxidants* as well as a citrus aroma to help balance emotions.*

Clove is considered a HOT oil and should ALWAYS be diluted when usually topically. Practice extreme caution when using on children. If redness of the skin occurs, apply coconut or almond oil to dilute it more.

Links:

doTERRA Product Page: Clove
doTERRA Science Blog Article: Clove's eugenol helps maintain normal gastrointestinal motility
Buy Clove oil here

Research:

Bentayeb, K., Vera, P., Rubio, C., & Nerin, C. (2014). The additive properties of Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) assay: The case of essential oils. Food Chemistry, 148, 204 - 208. doi10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.10.037

BioSource Naturals. (n.d.). ORAC scale - A measurement of antioxidant capacity by the USDA and Tufts University. Retrieved on February 4, 2016 from http://biosourcenaturals.com/orac-value-of-essential-oils.htm

Frisch, A. J., Ulstrup, K. E., & Hobbs, J. P. A. The effects of clove oil on coral: An experiential evaluation using Pocillopora damicornis (Linnaeus). Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 345 (2), 101 - 109. doi:10.1016/j.jembe.2007.02.004

Gülçina, I., Elmastaşb, M., & Aboul-Eneinc, H. Y. (2010). Antioxidant activity of clove oil - A powerful antioxidant source. Arabian Journal of Chemistry, 5(4), 489 - 499. doi:10.1016/j.arabjc.2010.09.016

CAUTIONS: Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas. 

* 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