Cloves Profile
Also known as- Syzygium aromaticum and Eugenia aromaticum
Introduction
The aromatic flowers and oil of clove has been used for culinary and medicinal uses for centuries. What we know as cloves are actually the dried buds of an evergreen native to the tropics. Over the course of centuries, cloves have been used to alleviate pain, prevent and treat bacterial infection, ease toothaches, treat worms and relieve congestion. Long before they were used to flavor apple pie, cloves were used to sweeten bad breath and settle upset stomachs. Clove is the active ingredient in many over the counter toothache remedies because it has both anesthetic and antiseptic properties.
Constituents
Volatile oil, gallotannic acid; Caryophyllin; Eugenin; gum, resin, fibre
Parts Used
Dried flower buds (this is the clove bud) powdered, whole or chopped.
Typical Preparations
Essential oil, teas, chai, baked goods and other food items, and sometimes the extract.
Summary
Oil of cloves has been pronounced the safest and most effective ingredient in most over the counter toothache remedies. It is also a strong germicide, and has been used for its antiseptic properties to treat wounds and infections. Oil of cloves can relieve nausea and indigestion, and may relieve diarrhea caused by intestinal bacteria.
Precautions
Clove oil and clove preparations are generally considered safe in the United States, though people who are allergic to balsam may also be allergic to cloves. When taken undiluted in large doses, clove oil can cause vomiting, sore throat, seizures, kidney and liver damage, fluid in the lungs and tissue damage. People who have kidney or liver disorders and those with a history of seizures should avoid the use of cloves.
