What comes to mind when you smell clove? Is it the fall season or maybe the juicy ham and clove Christmas dinner cooking in the oven? Clove is one of those spices that has a very potent aromatic smell to it. It is one of those smells that is instantly recognizable. When you smell it once, you will never forget the smell of it again. But beyond its powerful odor clove also has powerful magical properties. Anoint your tools, make a money bowl, or use in a spell jar. Clove is very versatile and can be used in a variety of spell workings.
Using clove in the kitchen is what most of us think when we hear the word clove. Used in many fall and winter dishes, it gives off such a unique flavor and aroma, it is no surprise why this spice is often used in dishes.
What is clove?
Clove is a spice that grows on Indonesian Islands Malaku or Maluccas. During the 4th-6th century, clove was introduced to Europe. At the time it was considered a luxury good and was only purchased by the wealthy.
Clove gets its name from the Old French word clou which comes from the Latin word clavus meaning “nail”. It gets this name because of the shape of the clove. Growing clove is definitely a plant that takes a lot of patience. It can take up to 8-9 years for the clove tree to finally produce fruit. However, the amount of benefit you get from it is well worth the wait.
One piece of clove holds so much in its tiny vessel. When the clove is fat, oily and brown in color, they are ready for harvest. Do not harvest if the clove is still pale in color. When the color is light and pale, there will not be very much essential oils. But, when they are ripe and ready, the number of essential oils you can get from one clove is high.
Fun Fact: The stems of the clove plant are said to be stronger in smell than the actual clove itself. (Can you imagine the clove aroma being stronger than it already is?)
What is good about clove?
There are many things that are good about clove. One of the main ones is the oil being used as a temporary numbing agent with mouth and tooth pains. Just be careful not to get any on your tongue. Unless you want your tongue to feel numb for a short period of time (ask me how I know).
Clove was used a lot to freshen one’s breath and was used as a mouth wash. It was chewed on like gum to freshen the mouth. Not many options back in Ancient Times since brushing one’s teeth was not something that was done.
When powdered, clove can be used for nausea, gas, and languid indigestion. The oil can be used as a powerful antiseptic, pain reliever, antimicrobial, antioxidant, digestive and anti-inflammatory aid. Infuse with wine or apple cider. Make into a tea to help ease inflammation. If you are suffering from a cold, heat up some water and add some clove to the water. Place your face over the bowl with a towel over your head and the bowl itself. This will create a little steam room to help clear out the sinuses.
Use an oil roller and roll clove oil on any sore muscles you may have or use to help reduce acne. Also use it when you are camping or just hanging out outside to repel insects. Especially mosquitoes!!!!!!!
Reduce your anxiety. The smell of clove may ease your worries and calm your mind.
If you have any clove oil, be sure that it is kept in a dark bottle put out of direct sunlight. I keep mine on my bookshelf in a case to protect it from the sunlight. Sunlight will cause the oil to lose potency and go bad faster.
What is bad about clove?
Clove is great for many things when it comes to our bodies but too much of a good thing can be bad for you over time. I’m sure you know the ever so popular saying, “you can’t have too much of a good thing.” And this is true in this case. If using clove for mouth pain, too much use over time can lead to damage of the gums. Damaged gums can lead to more mouth issues if not treated.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended for you to not take clove in any way. The same goes for if you suffer from any blood disorders. This could make any blood disorder you may have get worse and cause further bleeding.
Do not use the oils directly on the skin. This may cause irritations such as rashes. If you are looking to use on your skin for sore muscles or to repel insects, make sure the oil is diluted in a carrier oil.
Liver and kidney damage can happen when taking clove in high doses. This is why moderation is key. As it should be with almost everything.
Disclaimer: Do not consume without consulting a doctor first to know proper dosages and if you may have any allergies.
Clove magical properties
Clove magical properties have quite a wide range and can be used for a multitude of things.
- Attract luck
- Banishing
- Heighten divination
- Enhance focus
- Prevent rumors about you
- Friendship
- Boost in courage
- Exorcism
- Strength
- Love
- Meditation
- Mind and memory
- Grounding
- Protection
- Money
- Purification
- Growth
Utilize clove magical properties to aid in your spell work. Get creative with it. Use the clove in charms, spell jars, or anoint your witchcraft tools with it. Brew up a beautiful simmer pot on the stove and enjoy the aroma throughout the day. Add a little extra spice to your love spells or make a protective pomander and keep out as a decor item. No one will know the real intention behind this fragrant decor which makes it perfect if you are still in the broom closet.
Clove Correspondences
Names: Eugenia Carophyllus, Syzygium Aromaticum, Caryophyllus Aromaticus, Myknet, Carenfil, Spiky Spice
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Jupiter
Element: Fire
Chakra: Solar plexus, heart, throat
Powers: Protection, exorcism, love, money
Magical Uses: listed above
Sources
A Modern Herbal
Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs