Clove oil is a type of essential oil derived from clove trees. The clove tree, Syzygium aromaticum, is native to Southeast Asia, but it can now be found growing in other places as well.
Clove oil is made by distilling dried flower buds collected from the clove tree. Other tree parts, such as the stem and leaves, can also be used.
Clove oil, which has a strong, spicy aroma and ranges in color from colorless to light yellow, has been used for centuries in a variety of applications.
Clove oil has been used for a variety of purposes throughout history, including:
- as an antimicrobial, to aid in the killing of bacteria;
- as a pain reliever for conditions such as toothache and muscle pain;
- as a digestive aid;
- and to alleviate respiratory conditions such as cough and asthma.
While many different chemicals have been identified in clove oil, one of the primary components is eugenol.