Cloves are a spice that is very heavily used in the Fall and Winter months. i thought I would do an extra post in honor of this delightful and rich smelling spice.
Gender: Masculine
Element: Earth, fire
Planet: Sun, Jupiter
Day: Wednesday, Thursday
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Tarot: The Wheel
Crystal: N/A
Deities: Jupiter, Zeus, any Malaysian deity, Agneya, Mātariśvan, Agni
Chakras: Base/ Root Chakra
Birth Month: N/A
Meaning: prosperity and kinship
Type: spice
Grows in Zone: 9b-12
Poisonous/ Toxic: No
Syzygium aromaticum or The clove spice is the dried flower of a tropical evergreen tree native to the Molucca Islands (aka The Spice Islands) in Indonesia. Cloves are the flowers of a medium-sized tree that can only survive in a tropical climate. It requires rich, well-drained soil and is relatively easy to grow from seed if all the necessary conditions are met but for the most part is a moderate to difficult plant to maintain. The tree has large leaves and clusters of flowers form at the end of the branches. The flower buds turn from white to green to pink and are harvested just before they open and spread in the sun to dry. This turns them the dark brown we are used to seeing. The name “clove” comes from the French word for “nail”.
Cloves were found in a domestic kitchen from upper Mesopotamia (in what is now Syria) from 1,700 B.C.E. At the time, cloves were grown only on a few islands in what is now Indonesia. Cloves were historically traded from the Spice Islands by ancient Romans and Chinese.
Cloves are antimicrobial, antiseptic, antibacterial, and antiviral. Cloves are #1 among the top 3 spices in antioxidant concentration. One-half teaspoon of cloves has more antioxidants than one-half cup of blueberries or cranberries. Cloves contain eugenol, carophyllin, gallic acid, eugenin, inhibits oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which is an early step in atherosclerosis. Cloves act as a stimulant. Clove oil helps stimulate circulation to the skin. It can be added to warming massage oils and dabbed on acne to encourage healing.
Penetrating, sweet, and spicy, clove oil is warming and stimulating to the mind and body. Its scent helps with boosting confidence and expanding one’s thoughts. Clove trees are cultivated throughout the tropics and the dried flower buds are used to spice foods. A potent essential oil is distilled from the bud which is highly antiseptic and analgesic. Cloves have been used to cure toothaches and gum pain for centuries due to the eugenol they contain. 80-90% of clove oil is eugenol, a phenol. This is what provides its characteristic spicy odor.
Phenols are very reactive compounds. They act as stimulants to the nervous system and are highly antiseptic and antibacterial. Phenols are also caustic and can cause irritation and can even be toxic to the liver in high enough doses. Always dilute clove oil as it is very potent. Dilute with coconut oil and rub topically on the affected area or Rub directly on your gums to numb a toothache.
It acts as a natural painkiller and helps stimulate blood to the area so that it can heal. It is also great for stopping bad breath as it is antibacterial and bacteria harbored in the mouth are the cause of bad breath. You can use oil of cloves diluted as an antiseptic mouthwash. Be cautious as even in low concentrations, it can irritate the skin and mucous membranes. The Chinese chewed cloves to freshen their breath.
Clove oil helps to fight infections when used in a steam inhalation rather than in massage blends. Clove vapors ease breathing and digestive disorders. It is great for asthma, colds, coughing, laryngitis, indigestion, vomiting, and low blood pressure. It will ward off respiratory infections and is a great antihistamine against hay fever and rhinitis. It can help strengthen the memory and, when blended with rosemary, enhances concentration and lifts depression. It is also known to relieve anxiety and nervous tension as well as joint pain. Along with the anxiety, it can help treat headaches and ease earaches.
Use clove buds in a tea to improve digestion, prevent and relieve flatulence and relieve nausea and diarrhea. It is also lovely steeped in milk, wine or juice with a cinnamon stick for these purposes.
It is a great insect repellant and, when combined with lemon and eucalyptus oils, it can deter mosquitos.
Cloves can be added whole to many dishes. Traditionally, they are used as a mulling spice, they are steeped in warm wine, milk, juice or cider in combination with other herbs to make a complex and delicious warm beverage. Cloves are also used to stud a ham and lend their warm flavor it its saltiness. But cloves can be used in many other ways. They can be added to stocks, fruit pies, and tea blends. They can be ground and mixed into baked goods. Cloves are part of many spice mix including Chinese Five Spice Powder, Garam Masala, Curry Powder, Ras el Hanout and Worchestershire sauce.
It is best to buy whole cloves and grind them just before use for the best flavor or use them whole and cook them slowly to infuse the flavor and remove them before serving. The flavor of cloves is very strong, so it’s best to use them sparingly.
Burned as incense, cloves attract riches, drive away hostile and negative forces, produce spiritual vibrations, and purify the area. They can be used to cleanse your aura and attract friendship and prosperity. Cloves have been used as an aphrodisiac. Simply infuse cloves into wine or apple cider to enjoy its effects.
It can also be burned to stop others from gossiping about you. To prevent people from spreading rumors about you, push clove stems into a red candle and burn. Wear in an amulet or charm to dispel negativity and bind those who speak ill of you. Worn or carried, cloves attract the opposite sex and bring comfort to the bereaved.
Cloves could be used during exorcisms to banish negativity and fill the room with positive energy. They bring protection and aid in divination and can be used for spell breaking. They are also good from brining money and wealth into the home. At times, cloves could be used to aid in clarity. When burned, It can be used in ensuring that your magical intent is realized. Use as an offering to any Malaysian deity.
Witch Tip: For a quick and inexpensive house protection, put a few cloves on your windowsills and over your doors.
For Yule: Cloves are great to add to mulling wines, to stick into the rind of an orange for a decorative offering, as well as for stove top potpourris!
Cloves should be avoided during GI tract inflammations, hypertension, and skin inflammations. Never take more than ½ tsp a day of cloves.
Do not use if you are pregnant.
Use level: Easy
Nothing on this website should be taken as medical or legal advice. Please use herbs responsibly. Always consult your doctor before using any kind of supplements.
From our altar to yours, with love from the sea,
