For soothing sore muscles, tension, or inflammation, the warming and pain-relieving properties of clove bud, when diluted with your favorite carrier oil, make an excellent rub. Clove bud is potent, and a little goes a long way when applied topically (maximum .5% dilution) or when diffused. A drop or two is all you need to push away fatigue and surround yourself with the delicious and spicy-sweet scent of clove.