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There is no denying the scent of a clove. Most of us grew\u00a0familiar with it from a young age.<\/p>\n
It has a strong spicy aroma and has been used for thousands of years by many cultures for its many medicinal qualities and fragrant scent.<\/p>\n
This member of the evergreen family has seeped its way into the Western culture from the Eastern regions of the world and is now used not only in dentistry but in many culinary dishes.<\/p>\n
Clove has been used in Chinese medicine and culture for over 2000 years. It has begun to gain worldwide fame through its many uses not only in food but in medicine as well. It is also used in agriculture and cosmetics. What a powerful yet versatile plant and essential oil.<\/p>\n
The clove plant is a part of the evergreen family. It grows upwards of 36 feet in height or 12 meters; some have been known to be as tall at 50 feet or 15 meters. It is a slender tree with a pyramid-like shape.<\/p>\n
Native to Southeast Asia, primarily the Molucca Islands and southern Philippines, the clove tree begins its blooming season during the beginning of the rainy months or season. Long buds will appear on the tree and over time will change color; starting out as pink unopened flowers and turning brown when they are picked and dried.<\/p>\n
The tree grows year round and the buds are often harvested twice a year. These buds are either sold whole commercially or made into essential oils.<\/p>\n
The clove itself comes from the Latin word clavus<\/i> which means nail. This pays homage to the look of the clove bud which looked like a nail in ancient times.<\/p>\n