Apparently because the reporters are so ignorant about essential oils, news reports on this much publicized clove study seemed to focus more on the Mediterranean diet and encourage people to add more spices to their meals. But the study was actually done with essential oils.
Five antioxidant properties tested included
levels of phenolic compounds
capacity to give off [...]
Essential oils from plants have long been a component of home remedies, but the exact way they work is not completely understood. However, a group of scientist in Japan believed that many essential oils might target COX-2 much like compounds in wine and tea to suppress inflammation.
So, they screened a wide range of commercially available [...]
“Whenever I accidentally bite my inner cheek, tongue, or lip, I immediately dilute 1 drop of clove essential oil with 5 drops of olive oil and rub on the affected area. Discomfort is quickly relieved, and within a few hourly applications, the discomfort forgotten.”