Nature's First Aid
The Traveller’s Friend
by Toni Heaton
April 2024
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A clove is the dried, unopened, aromatic flower bud of Eugenia aromatica/Syzygium aromaticum. Harvesting does not damage the tree. Cloves are readily purchased and store well for years, making them sustainable and very economical. The bud is a well known spice with healing and food preservative properties.
Clove oil is inexpensive and there are good reasons to include it in your first aid kit. A little bit goes a long long way. As it is very strong, use in drop doses.
Suggested uses:
Skin stuff: insect bites, sores, infections, fungus, scabies, warts, shingles, ulcers, toothaches - wash with warm water and a drop of clove oil. Or, pour hot water over dried clove, infuse, strain and bathe the area.
Emotions: depression, tension, tiredness, study brain – add a drop to carrier oil, put on pulse, temple, jawline, or into a diffuser.
Sprains, strains, arthritis, multiple sclerosis: add some drops of oil to an existing cream, and apply to the affected area.
Add a clove to your pot of herbal tea for antiviral effects, or to aid treatment of parasites, respiratory issues and digestive upsets.
Reduce mould, bacteria, viruses on surfaces: add to your spray cleaner or *floor wash, (I infuse vinegar
with citrus peel, then add about 10 drops clove oil to 200ml).
* Caution: some essential oils are not safe to use on floors or areas of exposure to pets such as dogs.
