Hot, spicy, instantly recognisable: the’clove oil captures the full character of one of the oldest spices in global trade. Obtained by distillation of dried flower buds from the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum), it is called qaranfal (قرنفل) in the Arab world, where cloves have always been a staple in cooking, teas and home fragrances.
At Black cumin oil, we offer it in a bottle of 30 ml, for fans of authentic oriental scents and homemade preparations — a highly concentrated essence, to be handled with care and always diluted. At this strength, just a few drops are enough: the bottle will last you a long time.
From the Moluccan clove tree to the bottle: a spice that has travelled a long way
The clove tree is a tropical tree of the Myrtaceae family, native to Moluccas, in Indonesia — the famous «Spice Islands» that made the fortunes of the great trade routes. What we call a «clove» is neither a fruit nor a seed: it is the flower bud from the tree, picked before it blooms, just as it changes colour from pink to red, then dried in the sun until it takes on the shape of a small brown nail.
These dried buds are then distilled to produce a a powerful and highly aromatic essence, characterised by a signature molecule: the’eugenol, which generally accounts for 72 to 88 % of the composition. It is this compound that gives cloves their warm, spicy and slightly camphor-like aroma — the scent of Eastern markets, flavoured teas and winter concoctions.
How can you make the most of clove oil at home?
Cloves enjoy a a very long-standing reputation, particularly in relation to oral health — a reputation that has spanned cultures for centuries. However, we must remain within the scope of our shop: for any health-related use, the right person to consult is your doctor, dentist or pharmacist. Here, however, are the domestic and sensory uses that make this essential oil so charming:
In the kitchen, it’s the whole or ground cloves — the spice, not the concentrated essence — which is traditionally used to flavour pot-au-feu, stews, and spiced teas and coffees from the Maghreb and the Middle East. Keep the bottle for your home and its fragrances, and the spice for the cooking pot.
A essence of character in a collection of unique oils
Clove oil joins our selection of distinctive oils – products that aren’t available everywhere and each of which reflects a particular region or tradition. Those curious about unusual essential oils will also appreciate our celery oil, another of the shop’s hidden gems, with an equally distinctive flavour profile.
Precautions for use — highly concentrated petrol
- Clove oil is dermocaustic : Never apply it undiluted to the skin. Always dilute significantly in vegetable oil, for occasional external use only.
- Have a skin test on the inside of the elbow 24 hours before first use: the product contains natural allergens (eugenol, limonene, linalool, benzyl benzoate, benzyl salicylate, isoeugenol).
- Not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women and children. Keep out of the reach of children, particularly those under 6 years of age.
- When diffusing, always combine it with milder essential oils and ensure the room is well-ventilated. Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes; in the event of contact, rinse with vegetable oil and seek medical advice.
- Do not swallow. For any health-related use, particularly oral health, seek advice from a healthcare professional. Store in a dry place, away from heat and light.
Why choose Huiles de Nigelle’s clove oil?
FAQ — Clove oil
Why do we call them «cloves»?
This is because the flower bud of the clove tree, once picked before it blooms and then dried in the sun, turns brown and hardens until it resembles a small nail, with its stem and rounded head. It is therefore neither a seed nor a fruit, but rather a bud, picked at the precise moment when its aromatic concentration is at its finest.
What is eugenol?
Eugenol is the predominant aromatic compound in clove oil, generally accounting for 72 to 88 % of it. It is this compound that gives clove oil its distinctive warm, spicy and slightly camphor-like scent. It is also a recognised natural allergen: this is why a prior skin test and systematic dilution are not optional but mandatory.
Can I use it for a toothache?
Cloves have long been traditionally recognised for their use in this area, but toothache is a symptom that warrants a proper diagnosis: your dentist or pharmacist will be able to advise you. We sell this essential oil for domestic and aromatic uses, not as a treatment — and it must never be applied undiluted to mucous membranes.
How do you make an amber apple?
This is one of the loveliest ways to use cloves: stick whole cloves into an orange in a pattern, leave it to dry in a well-ventilated place, and you’ll have a natural home fragrance that will keep your wardrobes smelling lovely for weeks. A drop of clove oil on a pebble or in a fabric sachet prolongs the effect once the orange has lost its scent.
Can you cook with clove oil?
We recommend reserving whole or ground cloves for cooking – the traditional spice used in pot-au-feu, tagines, and spiced teas and coffees. The distilled essence, however, is extremely concentrated and is not intended for ingestion: keep it for use in diffusers, as a home fragrance and for diluted topical applications.
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