Clove
CLOVE
Syzygium aromaticum
Common Name
Family
Actions
Analgesic, anthelmintic, anti-asthmatic, anti fungal, antimicrobial, anti-nauseant, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, carminative, circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic, digestive expectorant, rubefacient
Energetics
Warming, drying
Edible Uses
Clove is used as a culinary spice for its flavor and aroma and added to cuisine worldwide, usually in combination with other herbal spices.
Native To
Indonesia
Geographic Distribution
Indonesia, Zanzibar, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Caribbean, Brazil
Botanical Description & Identification
Cloves are harvested from flower buds of a tropical evergreen tree which can grow to about 26-40 feet. They typically take 6 years to grow their highly aromatic fruit/flowers and become fully mature by 20 years. The tree will continue to bear fruit for more than 80 years.
Harvested cloves are usually from 0.5-0.75 inches in length. They contain stems with four petals, forming a ball in the middle. Their oppositely arranged leaves reach up to 13 cm long. Cloves are considered immature flower buds - as they are harvested before maturity - and range in color from pale green to red, with yellow stamens.
Key Constituents
Tannins, flavonoids, thymol, benzene, methylene chloride, and volatile oils including: eugenol, eugenol acetate, beta-caryophyllene, phenols, ketones, methyl salicylate, vanillin
Sustainability Issues
Wild clove trees have been subject to deforestation since the 17th century therefore clove buds come from cultivation only.
Harvesting Guidelines
Clove flower buds are picked before maturity as the volatile oils are at their most potent during this time. The petals at this point will still be enclosed by the plant sepals. Clove is harvested only after they've reached at least 4 years of age.
Uses
**BENEFITS OF CLOVE:
Clove is known to:
*Improve digestion.
*Freshen breath
*Be used as a natural perfume
*Expel parasites (anti- parasitic)
*Aid in healing wounds
*Improve blood vessel health
*Improve nerve health
*Act as an aphrodisiac and prevent impotence
*Prevents and aids in healing infections
*Ease nausea
*Improve a poor circulation
*Dispel mucos
*Regulate blood sugar
*Promote cardiovascular health
*Soothe stomaches
*Balance cholesterol
*Promote cleansing, especially of the lymphatic system
*Stimulate movement of lung fluid
*Stimulate movement of bile
*Reduce inflammation (antioxidant)
*Act as a decongestant
*Dispel and reduce tumor materials
*Ease sore throats
*Ease itchiness
Clove is useful in the following more common disorders and diseases:
Gum disease, food poisoning, toothaches, acne, cavities, diabetes, parasites, IBS, weightloss, gout, poor circulation, sore throat, laryngitis, tonsillitis, low sex drive, pleurisy
Most common uses:
Clove is most commonly used to enhance flavor as a culinary spice, into toothpaste and other products for the mouth, as well as to reinvigorate parts of the body lacking energy, and dispel symptoms of a 'cold' with its warming properties.
Fun Facts:
Clove is:
* An herbal spice that has been used to ease toothaches since at least the 1600's.
* A source of vitamin K, potassium, beta-carotene, eugenol
* A spice with a history of war. During the early 1600's the Dutch of East India
worked to create a clove monopoly by destroying all clove tress except those
growing on islands they controlled. Those who grew without authorization were
punished to torture and death, which included native clove-growing communities
and other European traders.
* Used in the Western Himalayas as a form of medicated acupressure by adding
clove to needle tips or long, sharply-pointed sticks.
References
Apelian, N., & Davis, C. (2019). The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies: The Healing Power of Plant Medicine.
Culpeper, N., & Foster, S. (2019). Culpeper's complete herbal. Illustrated & annotated edition. New York, Sterling Publishing Company.
Hoffman, D. (1987). The Herbal Handbook: A User's Guide to Medical Herbalism.
Holmes P. Aromatica: a clinical guide to essential oil therapeutics – Vol. I. Singing Dragon, London, 2016.
Holmes P. Clary sage. The International Journal of Aromatherapy, 1993; 5(1): 15-17.
The Herbal Academy Herbarium and Materia Medica. Copyright: The Herbal Academy.
Tisserand R, Balacs T. Essential oil safety. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 1995.
McIntyre, Anne. (1996). Flower Power. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company, Inc.
McIntyre, A. (2019). The Complete Herbal Tutor: The Definitive Guide to the Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine.
Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew. (n.d.). Syzygium aromaticum L. Plants of the world online database.
Wood, M. (2008). The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants.
Safety
Clove may aggravate conditions such as ulcers or acid indigestion and should be avoided in highly inflammatory conditions. People with sensitive or irritated kidneys or kidney disease should avoid clove or only use culinary applications.
The essential oil can be irritating to the skin and should be considerably diluted before use.
Medicinally, clove should be avoided while pregnant or nursing.
Dose
Internally used as a tea, glycerine, essential oil, powder in capsules, and tincture; dosage will vary from one individual to another.
Studies and Research
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum): A Precious Spice
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MONOGRAPHS
According to the FDA herbal education may not be linked to any product for marketing purposes and may not make claims to treat, prevent, or cure any disease. Because of this it must be stated that the information provided in the monograph section of this website is for general educational purposes only and not to be taken as medical advice, nor is it meant to make claims that the products listed in the Apothecary with the above ingredients will cure, treat, or prevent any disease.
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