Clove oil, “KanPoo” in Thai, is a well-known asset of traditional Thai medicine. It is extracted from the flower buds of the clove tree. It has antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties
Traditional producers in the Chiang Rai region are known for producing oil of remarkable quality.
Clove oil, obtained from the flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, also known as clove tree, has many benefits.
The use of cloves for medicinal purposes dates back to ancient times, but it is difficult to determine exactly when the first written text referring to this practice was written. Ancient texts such as the Ebers Papyrus from ancient Egypt (around 1550 BC) refer to the use of cloves to treat dental pain. Ancient Greeks and Romans also used it.
In Thailand, clove oil has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, where it is often combined with other natural ingredients in various therapeutic preparations. Texts on clove oil can be found in ancient manuscripts such as “Samut Khoi Khob Khun Chang” (สมุทรค้อยขอบคุณช้าง): This ancient book written in the Sukothai period (13th century), also known as the “Elephant Seal Medicine Treatise”, introduces medicinal plants, remedies, and healing techniques.
Today, clove oil continues to be used for its therapeutic properties in traditional medicine as well as in modern aromatherapy practice.
The clove tree is native to the Moluccan Islands in Indonesia and is grown in other regions of the world, including Southeast Asia and East Africa.
In Thailand, cloves are grown mainly in the mountainous regions of the north, near the border with Myanmar. Thus, the provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son are known for producing the best cloves in Thailand because of their cool and humid climate, which is conducive to the growth of clove trees.
The cloves produced in this region are generally of high quality, as they are grown in a traditional way, without the use of pesticides or chemicals. Local farmers are often members of hill tribes, who have passed on their knowledge from generation to generation to grow cloves in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.
It is important to note that clove production in Thailand is relatively low compared to other producing countries such as Indonesia, Madagascar or even Zanzibar. However, the quality of Thai cloves is highly appreciated in international markets, especially for their pronounced flavor and aroma.
Traditional producers in the Chiang Rai region in particular produce oil of remarkable quality.
Clove oil is extracted from the dried flower buds of the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum):
Clove oil contains numerous chemical compounds such as:
