Spice & Clove Oil Uses

Spicy Family meal and clove oil usesI love the spicy scents that come about with the unfolding of fall in New England, don’t you? The air gets crisper, the snuggly sweaters come out of the closest, and the drive to the office is a painted landscape by the glorious colors of changing leaves. There’s also something lovely about the smell of warming spices that promotes positive and comforting emotions during a time of anticipating the harsher weather. This is probably due to the fact that the sense of smell can have a profound effect on survival instincts and reactionary patterns.

This is one reason why I was so excited to hear about the promotion this month. It includes a free 15 ml of Thieves, 5 ml clove, and a free home diffusor!! Holy moley! This is especially timely for cleaning the air of odors and unwanted pollutants, mold, and critters that multiply during the cooler winter months! Most of my clients know that I suggest the use of Thieves for its immune-supporting and health-promoting benefits in those who have been exposed to these various environmental contaminants.

Spices are powerful, health promoting substances. The golden spice, curcumin, is getting a lot of attention, but essential oils are also a popular way to get many mechanisms of health promoting activity. One drop goes a long way and absorption is a snap!

Let’s riff a little about Clove for a bite, I mean bit…

 

Five Fun Facts About Clove Oil Uses

 

1. It’s High in Phenylopranoids

Phenyl-What!?
Clove is highest in phenylopranoids (90%). These compounds can actually clear out cell receptors of all the nasty chemicals and hormone disrupting toxins which prevent optimal cell function.  Phenylopranoids also increase the master antioxidant, glutathione. Other oils high in phenylopranoids include Cassia (80%), Basil (75%), Cinnamon (73%), Oregano (60%), Anise (50%), and Peppermint (25%).

 

2. It May Prevent Candida Biofilms

One in vitro study reported, “The results indicated that the effect of eugenol on adherent cells and subsequent biofilm formation was dependent on the initial adherence time and the concentration of this compound, and that eugenol can inhibit filamentous growth of C. albicans cells. In addition, using human erythrocytes, eugenol showed low hemolytic activity. These results indicated that eugenol displayed potent activity against C. albicans biofilms in vitro with low cytotoxicity and therefore has potential therapeutic implication for biofilm-associated candidal infections.”

 

3. The Eugenol Content

Eugenol has been studied for its role in supporting the immune response, assisting with discomfort, and modulating inflammatory pathways. Due to the fact that clove essential oil is a synergism of various constituents and isn’t strictly eugenol, it’s safe when used with common sense.

 

4. Immune Balancing Support

One study with rodents reported that clove could improve both components of the immune response. Researchers concluded, “Our findings establish that the immunostimulatory activity found in mice treated with clove essential oil is due to improvement in humor- and cell-mediated immune response mechanisms.”

 

5. Healthy Mouth Microbiome

Clove oil, along with various other essential oils, has been shown to be beneficial for our oral microbiome to help keep the population of the good guys optimized! We all love those bugs!

 

Quick Safety Tip

Remember spice oils can be “hot.” Best to dilute and use only a tiny bit, such as one drop on your toothbrush with some backing soda or non-toxic toothpaste. When cooking, all you need is a toothpick amount!!
Quick Update for Peace & Calming

With holidays also around the corner, it’s nice to get a little peaceful and calm, right? Good news, because Peace and Calming with its combination of soothing citrus oils is back in stock in time to reduce family gathering stressors and mid-term exam madness!

 

If you are interested in supporting your wellness with essential oils,subscribe to my newsletter and e-blasts here.

Disclaimer: This information is applicable ONLY for therapeutic quality essential oils. This information DOES NOT apply to essential oils that have not been tested for purity and quality and standardized. There is no quality control in the United States and oils labeled as “100% pure” needs only to contain 5% of the actual oil. The rest of the bottle can be filled with fillers and sometimes toxic ingredients that can irritate the skin. This information is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any illness. You should check with your doctor regarding implementing any new strategies into your wellness regime. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

 

Sources:

Plant phenylpropanoids as emerging anti-inflammatory agents. Mini Rev Med Chem. 2011 Sep;11(10):823-35

He M1, Du M, Fan M, Bian Z. In vitro activity of eugenol against Candida albicans biofilms. Mycopathologia. 2007 Mar;163(3):137-43. Epub 2007 Mar 14.

Hemaiswarya S1, Doble M. Synergistic interaction of eugenol with antibiotics against Gram negative bacteria. Phytomedicine. 2009 Nov;16(11):997-1005. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2009.04.006. Epub 2009 Jun 21.

Hemaiswarya S1, Doble M. Synergistic interaction of eugenol with antibiotics against Gram negative bacteria. Phytomedicine. 2009 Nov;16(11):997-1005. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2009.04.006. Epub 2009 Jun 21.

Alqareer A, Alyahya A, Andersson L. The effect of clove and benzocaine versus placebo as topical anesthetics. J Dent. 2006 Nov;34(10):747-50. Epub 2006 Mar 13.

Rasooli I, Shayegh S, Taghizadeh M, Astaneh SD. Phytotherapeutic prevention of dental biofilm formation. Phytother Res. 2008 Sep;22(9):1162-7. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2387.

Gupta C, Kumari A, Garg AP, Catanzaro R, Marotta F. Comparative study of cinnamon oil and clove oil on some oral microbiota. Acta Biomed. 2011 Dec;82(3):197-9.