Clove Oil Facts - Making Homemade Soap and More!

Clove oil is distilled by steam from the Syzgium aromaticum plant. This evergreen plant grows twenty-six to thirty-nine feet tall. It has square leaves and pink colorful flowers that grow in clusters. The flowers are harvested when they're less than one linch in length and red in color. They're dried in the sun until turning a dark brown color with a hard texture. The name "clove' is derived from the Latin word clavus, meaning nail. This plant is found mainly in Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Eastern Africa.

There are three types of clove oil: Bud, Leaf and Stem. They are all derived from the same plant, (Syzgium aromaticum), but from different locations. Bud oil is derived from the flower buds, Leaf oil from leaves and Stem oil from the twigs.

Bud Oil contains 60% - 90% eugenol, eugenic acetate, caryophyllene and other minor constituents

Leaf Oil contains 82% - 88% eugenol with little or no eugenol acetate and minor constituents

Stem Oil contains 90% - 95% eugenol with other minor constituents

Eugenol is a clear to pale yellow oil extracted from certain essential oils: clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, basil and bay leaf. It's responsible for the clove aroma. It's used in perfumes and flavorings. It's the main ingredient in clove essential oil. It's also used, medicinally, as an antiseptic and anesthetic. When mixed with zinc oxide, it forms a material useful for making restorative dental applications.

WARNING! DO NOT OVERDOSE! Eugenol is hepatic meaning it can, possibly, cause liver damage. It may cause other conditions, too, including: convulsions, diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, blood in urine or unconsciousness. Avoid if you have an eugenol allergy. Eugenol may cause allergic dermatitis or skin irritations such as: itching, redness, tenderness, or inflammation. Avoid if you have sensitive skin, if you are pregnant, have kidney or liver conditions, have prostate cancer, are on blood thinners, have hemophilia, or have breathing problems. Always consult your health care provider, if in doubt, before using clove essential oil for any reason.

Another chemical compound of clove oil is caryophyllene.  This compound contributes to the spiciness of black pepper.  Studies show that it may have anti-inflammatory properties, but is still unknown.

MEDICINAL BENEFITS OF CLOVE OIL - Relieves: Toothaches, Pneumonia, Strep throat, Coughs, Phlegm, Brochitis, Strains and Sprains. Regulates Blood Sugar, Aids Digestion, Reduces Fever, Has Antioxidants Benefits, (protects body against free radical damage), Has Anti-fungal Properties, Combats Bad Breath.

SKIN CARE BENEFITS OF CLOVE OIL: Has antiseptic properties useful for treating: bee stings, minor cuts, bruises, insect bites, athletes foot fungus, warts and acne.

USES: toothpaste, throat lozenges, mouthwash, flavorings, topical treatments, aromatherapy benefits, homemade soap, spice tea, incense

MAKING HOMEMADE SOAP

Clove oil is a very potent essential oil! If you decide to make this soap, make sure you heed all essential oil warnings before using. Clove oil can be a nice additive for flat or dull scented soaps. It combines well with: bergamot oil, citronella, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, orange, peppermint, rosemary, vetiver and yang yiang. It would be nice to use in a homemade soap for men, since it has that robust, spicy, warm, slightly bitter, scent. Since it has antiseptic properties, you may want to use it in soap for acne relief. It may help get rid of blackheads, acne or pimples. A drop or two is all you will need in your homemade soap recipe.

If you're a beginner and just learning how to make soap, DO NOT attempt using clove oil, without the guidance of a master soap maker. Some essential oils, including clove oil, can accelerate trace and are simply prone to seizing your soap mixture. If you're not careful, you'll end up with soap on a stick! The only way to prevent seizing is to be consistent with your homemade soap recipe and always test any fragrance or additives. If the fragrance is the problem, try putting it in the oils alone, then add the lye instead of waiting until trace. Do the same procedure with other additives like honey or oatmeal. Keep good notes for future reference.

ESSENTIAL OIL WARNINGS

Essential oils contain bioactive ingredients. This means they contain natural chemicals that interact with biological systems. They're potent chemicals and should be used with care! Never use large amounts of essential oils externally, or internally. Never use them straight. They must always be diluted in carrier oil, or soap, lotion, or other buffering agent. Finally, never use without knowing what their bioactive compounds are known to do.