Clove Bud Oil
Clove bud oil is extracted from clove buds of the evergreen clove tree. Clove buds are nothing but the unopened flower buds of the clove tree. This tree is a member of the Myrtaceae plant family. This pyramidal shaped tree is indigenous to Indonesia and Molucca Islands in the Southern Philippines. The high oil producing destinations are Indonesia and Madagascar. It is generally grown in tropical climates. Clove is a fragile tree that grows up to a maximum height of 45 feet. The leaves of clove are broad, bright, smooth and shiny by nature. These leaves are elliptical in shape and dark green in color, carrying a rich fragrance. This conical tree has grey colored bark. The most significant clove buds were popular in European countries around the 4th century A.D. After which the Arabs started trading this spice as a commercial product and the demand for cloves in the international market increased gradually.
The flowers of this tree are rosy-pink in color in the initial stages. The crimson or deep red flowers grow at the end of the branches in triple clusters. The calyx of these flowers turn into a deeper shade of reddish-brown color, when the flowers fade. This is the apt time when these flower buds are plucked and dried for further use. Clove buds are nothing but the dried calyx that measure about 12 to 16 mm long. These buds have a closer resemblance to small nails. The top end of the clove bud is the four-pointed flower bud with a tapered stem in the bottom. The clove bud essential oil is extracted from the dried buds through hydro-steam distillation method. Clove buds are aromatic and possess a warm and pungent odor. These buds are enriched with a sweetly pungent, strongly aromatic and astringent flavor. The fruits of the clove tree are purple in color and these drupes measure about 2.5 cm long.
Latin name: Eugenia caryophyllata.
Alternative names: Cloves, Clavos, Eugenia aromatica.
Clove trees grow well in tropical climates especially near the sea side. The process of harvesting and curing of cloves demand a dry season. The fertile growth of these trees require at least 60 inches of rainfall per year. The propagation of this plant is usually done by using the semi-ripe cuttings of this plant. Cultivation of these trees is usually done during the summer season. Clove seeds are also used for cultivation during spring season. Clove oil contains vanillin, volatile oil, acetyl eugenol, pinene, eugenol, methyl salicylate, odorless phylosterol, caryophyllene, crystalline principle, gum, resin, fiber, resin, eugenin and gallotannic acid. This oil also has anti-emetic, stimulating, anodyne, expectorant, aphrodisiac, antiseptic, carminative, germicide and aromatic properties.
Uses: Clove oil is used in the treatment of indigestion, dental flakes, bronchial conditions, dental disorders, colic, gas, flatulence, parasites, toothache, dyspepsia and vomiting. This oil is also used in the making of perfumes, mouthwash, germicides, insect repellents, dental cements, dental plasters, flavoring agents and dental fillings.
