in depth
24-Oct-2010
Get Clove Savvy
Your Seasonal Arsenal
The spectacular beauty of fall often brings an unwelcome guest. You know it when it hits you—fever, stuffy nose, weakness—it’s a cold. As the season shifts from summer to fall, your body metabolism begins to shift in preparation for a slower time biologically. Although modern day innovations allow you to function at the same pace year-round, continuing to be just as active as you were during the summer can tax your immune system, making you a prime target for a cold or the flu.
Aside from immune-boosting foods, essential oils are a favorite preemptive remedy for combating an opportunistic bug invading the seasonally-challenged body. One essential oil is always present in my seasonal arsenal – clove oil. Clove oil is antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antimicrobial and antiseptic. From ancient sacred vessels to mulling spices to pomanders worn by royalty (notably Elizabeth I) to ward off disease, these tiny dried flowers have been part of our alternative medical history for over 3500 years.
Here are a few modern ways to use this powerful oil to help you during this cold season:
- For a multi-surface spray, combine 20 drops of clove oil into 16 oz. of witch hazel (be sure it’s alcohol-free) in a spray bottle. Use on surfaces, hands or anywhere else you need to clean off icky germs.
- Use clove oil with an aromatherapy diffuser to create a protective shield throughout your home. This sends tiny droplets of clove oil-infused vapor into the air, chasing off airborne viruses and bacteria.
- Create a homemade nasal inhaler by placing a few drops of clove and eucalyptus oils onto a cotton ball and inhale deeply (avoid direct contact of oils with skin). Micro-droplets of oil travel up the nasal passages kicking out any germs you may have encountered throughout the day. Incorporate this ancient medicinal oil into your aromatherapy arsenal for a superior chance of avoiding the change-of-season side effects. Combat your colds with a clove-savvy strategy!
Jess Lewis-Peltier
Naturopathic practitioner, writer, lecturer and yoga teacher
Holistic Yogini
Recommended: The Aromatherapy Encyclopedia: A Concise Guide to over 385 Plant Oils
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Great tip!!! Short, concise, informative, relevant, and well presented. Keep up the flow of the info we want to know!!!
What a very interesting and informative article!
I had no idea that remaining as active in the fall could actually weaken my immune system. No wonder so many of us end up catching colds.
I also happen to have a bottle of clove oil and had no idea as to what to do with it, besides using it for scars, as my friend who gave it to me suggested. I have been trying it and do see a slight difference.
I am going to try some of these tips, especially the nasal inhaler. Maybe it will help with my sinuses.
Anyhow, thank you very much for the interesting article as I will now make better use of that little brown clove oil bottle! :)
Great insight into how to stay healthy the natural way during the flu season. I had no idea clove oil could be so effective!
Thank you for your great feedback. May you have a healthy, germ-free, clove-scented season!
With infinite gratitude, health and love,
Jess
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