What is Clove bud Oil?

Clove bud oil is a highly concentrated oil that is extracted from the flower buds of the clove tree, scientifically known as Syzygium aromaticum.

Syzygium aromaticum, also known as the clove tree, is native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia, also known as the Spice Islands.

The clove tree is also cultivated in other tropical regions, such as India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Tanzania, among others. 

 

Clove bud essential oil contains a number of beneficial compounds! 

The main active compound in clove bud oil is eugenol, which is responsible for its strong aroma and therapeutic properties.

What does Clove bud oil smell like?

The aroma of clove bud oil is warm, comforting, and invigorating, with a rich and complex character that is both powerful and soothing.

Eugenol has a sweet, spicy scent that is similar to cinnamon and nutmeg, with a slightly medicinal quality.

Eugenol, was registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a pesticide in 1947. Since then, it has been widely used as a natural insecticide and pesticide in a variety of applications, including agriculture, public health, and household products.

A beautiful red blooming clove buds, growing with green leaves off the tree.
A flask half full with clean and pure citronella essential oil.
A bowl of dried clove buds, with some already milled clove bud powder.

Industrial uses for Clove bud Oil?

Is Clove bud oil a natural bug repellent?

Yes, clove bud oil is a natural bug repellent that can be effective against a variety of insects!

How does Clove bud oil repel bugs?

Clove bud oil contains several bug repelling compounds:

eugenol, eugenyl acetate & beta-caryophyllene

Eugenol: is the main active ingredient in clove bud oil and has insecticidal properties that can help to repel insects. It works by interfering with insect nervous systems, causing paralysis or death. Eugenol also has a strong scent that insects find unpleasant and avoid.

    Beta-caryophyllene: is a natural compound found in clove bud oil that has been shown to have insecticidal activity against mosquitoes. It works by targeting the nervous systems of insects, leading to paralysis and death.

    Eugenyl acetate: is another compound found in clove bud oil that has been found to have repellent activity against flies. It works by disrupting the receptors in the insects’ olfactory system, making them less able to detect and locate their target.

    The combination of these three compounds in clove bud oil makes it a potent bug repellent that can be effective against a wide range of insects, including mosquitoes, flies, and ants.

    Is Clove bud Oil used in Minus Bite Family Bug Spray?

    Yes, Clove bud oil is an active ingredient in our all natural family friendly bug spray as well as other highly effective essential oils.

    Benefits of Using Clove bud Oil on the Skin at the right concentration

    Antimicrobial activity: Clove bud oil contains compounds that have antimicrobial activity, which can help to fight bacteria and fungi that can cause skin infections or acne.

    Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties: The eugenol and other compounds in clove bud oil have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce pain and swelling associated with skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and insect bites.

    Natural bug repellent: As we mentioned earlier, clove bud oil can also be used as a natural bug repellent when applied to the skin. It can help to repel mosquitoes, flies, and other insects, making it a great choice for outdoor activities.

    Skin nourishing: Clove bud oil can help to nourish the skin and keep it hydrated. It can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making it a popular ingredient in anti-aging skincare products.

    Aromatherapy benefits: Clove bud oil has a warm, spicy aroma that can have relaxing and soothing effects on the mind and body. It is often used in aromatherapy to promote feelings of calm and reduce stress.

    Clove bud oil is a biopesticide

    Biopesticides like clove bud oil are generally considered safer and more environmentally friendly than traditional chemical pesticides, as they are often more specific in their target and tend to have lower toxicity to non-target organisms.

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    A tall clove tree. The tree produces clove buds that are collected and turned into clove essential oil.

    Eugenol, has been evaluated by the EPA and is registered as a biopesticide for use as an insecticide, miticide, and fungicide. Eugenol is considered a minimum-risk pesticide and is exempt from certain requirements under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).

    Read More about Clove bud Oil

    "Cloves as a Repellent"

    A person spraying bug spray on themselves

    5 Minute Read  | Home Guides | Pest Control By Kathy Adams

    "Toxicity and repellency of compounds from clove to red imported fire ants"

    A mound of red imported fire ants.

    15 Minute Read  | Journal of Economic Entomology | 2013 Feb

    References:

    United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2021). Biopesticides Overview. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/what-are-biopesticides

    United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2017). Active Ingredient Fact Sheet – Eugenol. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/pesticides/ingredients/2017-06/eugenol-factsheet-06-2017.pdf

    Isman, M. B. (2006). Botanical insecticides, deterrents, and repellents in modern agriculture and an increasingly regulated world. Annual Review of Entomology, 51, 45-66.

    Regnault-Roger, C., Vincent, C., & Arnason, J. T. (2012). Essential oils in insect control: low-risk products in a high-stakes world. Annual Review of Entomology, 57, 405-424.

    Pavela, R. (2017). Essential oils for the development of eco-friendly mosquito larvicides: a review. Industrial Crops and Products, 110, 15-27.