CLOVE
Meet the extraordinary tropical evergreen whose tiny aromatic flower buds became one of the world's most recognizable spices — and a beautifully layered essential oil.
A Tropical Evergreen With a Story
Syzygium aromaticum grows as a tropical evergreen tree native to the Maluku Islands of Indonesia. Its branches produce thousands of small fragrant flower buds throughout the season.
Harvesters gather the buds as they mature and take on a deep reddish color. Once dried, those flower buds become the familiar clove recognized in kitchens around the world.
The spice we call a clove is actually a dried flower bud.
The Journey of Clove Essential Oil
Every drop of Clove Essential Oil begins on a tropical evergreen tree and travels a beautiful path before reaching the bottle.
Tropical Tree
A tall evergreen native to Indonesia.
Flower Buds
Fragrant buds develop across the branches.
Harvest
Buds gathered by hand as they mature.
Drying
Buds dry into the familiar brown spice.
Steam Distillation
Aromatic oil is gently released from the buds.
Clove Oil
A rich, concentrated essential oil.
Centuries of Tradition
Cloves carry a long history as a treasured spice and botanical. Traders once carried these small aromatic buds across vast distances, and kitchens, apothecaries, and monasteries valued their warm, distinctive character.
Clove appears in Hildegard's Medicine, a compilation associated with the writings and herbal traditions of Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179) — the highly regarded Benedictine abbess, writer, naturalist, and thoughtful observer of plants.
This historical reference illustrates Clove's long botanical story — a beautiful reminder of how plants, people, and tradition connect across centuries.
Meet Eugenol
Eugenol is a prominent naturally occurring constituent of Clove Essential Oil. It contributes substantially to Clove's distinctive warm, spicy aromatic character.
The concentration of this naturally occurring plant constituent also helps explain why Clove Essential Oil calls for thoughtful dilution when used topically. Rich plant chemistry deserves a gentle, respectful hand.
Warm. Spicy. Comforting.
Clove opens bold and rich. Its aroma feels warm, woodsy, and unmistakably spicy — familiar in the very best way.
Clove often brings to mind spice cupboards, warm baking, mulled cider, autumn afternoons, winter mornings, and welcoming home traditions. Yet the plant lives year-round — a warm companion in any season.
Clove Essential Oil & Clove Vitality™
Both come from the flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum. The label determines the intended route of use. Always read the bottle in your hand.
Clove Essential Oil
Topical: Dilute 1 drop Clove with 4 drops V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex or olive oil. Apply to the desired area according to current label directions.
Aromatic: Diffuse up to 30 minutes, 3 times daily.
Clove is potent — dilution matters.
Clove Vitality™
Dietary: Dilute 1 drop with 1 drop of carrier oil. Place in a vegetarian capsule. Take up to 3 times daily.
Culinary: Substitute for ground clove in recipes, or add to baked goods, oatmeal, cider, and wassail.
Follow the current Clove Vitality™ label.
A Warm Sensory Experience
Young Living suggests incorporating diluted Clove into massage oil or V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex for its distinctive spicy aroma.
Clove may also be added thoughtfully to a moisturizing lotion for its comforting aromatic character. The emphasis remains simple — warmth, aroma, and a slow, sensory moment of care.
✦ Warmth for the Home
Clove's rich, spicy, woodsy aroma helps create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Add 3–4 drops of Clove to a glass spray bottle with an appropriate water-based room-spray mixture. Use as an aromatic room or linen refresher — a simple way to bring inviting warmth into a space.
Five Warm Aromatic Blends
Adjust the total number of drops according to diffuser size and manufacturer recommendations.
Mulled Cider
- 2 drops Orange
- 3 drops Cinnamon Bark
- 2 drops Clove
- 1 drop Ginger
Pumpkin Season
- 2 drops Clove
- 3 drops Vanilla
- 2 drops Cinnamon Bark
- 1 drop Nutmeg
Warm Flannel
- 3 drops Bergamot
- 1 drop Fennel
- 2 drops Clove
Thankful Heart
- 2 drops Frankincense
- 2 drops Clove
Cozy Cabin
- 1 drop Vanilla
- 3 drops Clove
- 2 drops Cedarwood
What Loves Clove
Citrus, spice, floral, and wood aromas each bring out a different facet of Clove's warm personality.
From Spice Cabinet to Essential Oil
Clove Vitality™ brings the familiar flavor of clove into a highly concentrated essential-oil format intended for dietary and culinary use according to its label. It contains the naturally occurring constituent eugenol.
Dietary Direction
Dilute 1 drop with 1 drop of carrier oil. Place in a vegetarian capsule. Take up to 3 times daily.
Follow the current Clove Vitality™ label.
The Toothpick Method
Touch a clean toothpick to the oil at the bottle opening, then swirl the toothpick through the food or wet ingredients. Taste before adding more. A tiny amount goes a long way.
Everyday Ways to Cook with Clove Vitality™
- Substitute Clove Vitality™ for ground clove in familiar recipes.
- Add to gingerbread, molasses cookies, or spice cake.
- Combine with Lemon Vitality™, Cinnamon Bark Vitality™, and Nutmeg Vitality™ in homemade cider or wassail.
- Stir into warm oatmeal for a comforting spicy flavor.
Begin with the toothpick method or a very small amount — essential oils are concentrated, and clove flavor blooms quickly.
Naturally Interesting Plant Chemistry
Young Living identifies Clove Vitality™ as providing antioxidant support when taken according to label directions.
Eugenol stands out as one of the naturally occurring plant constituents that makes Clove scientifically interesting — a beautiful example of how observing a plant's chemistry deepens our appreciation of its story.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Everything You've Wondered About Clove
What is Clove?
What part of the clove tree is used?
Is a clove really a flower bud?
Where does the clove tree come from?
What does Clove Essential Oil smell like?
What is eugenol?
Why does Clove need to be diluted?
Can I diffuse Clove?
What oils smell good with Clove?
Is Clove only a fall or winter oil?
Who was Hildegard of Bingen?
What is the difference between Clove and Clove Vitality™?
Can I cook with Clove Vitality™?
Can Clove Vitality™ replace ground clove?
What is the toothpick method?
Can I add Clove Vitality™ to oatmeal?
What other Vitality™ oils pair with Clove in cider?
Does Clove contain antioxidants?
What makes Clove unique?
Simple Guidance for Confident Use
Clove Essential Oil
- Follow current product label directions.
- Dilute appropriately for topical use — 1 drop Clove to 4 drops V-6™ or olive oil.
- For external use only per the current label.
- Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- If pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or managing a medical condition, consult an appropriate health professional before use.
- Store in a cool, dark place.
Clove Vitality™
- Follow the current Clove Vitality™ label for dietary use.
- Do not transfer Clove Vitality™ dietary directions to a product labeled only for external use.
- Essential oils are highly concentrated — use the labeled amount rather than assuming more is better.
- Read the bottle in your hand. The label determines the route of use.
Clove Beyond the Bottle
Where supported by current formulations, Clove appears within or alongside these familiar Young Living resources. Always verify current formulations before assuming inclusion.
Connect the Dots
From tropical tree to fragrant flower bud, from steam distillation to the warm spice in your kitchen — every drop of Clove tells a story worth noticing.
