CLOVE - Know your HERBS -

**Admin** Tue Mar 12, 2013 5:27 am

The botanical names for Clove are Syzygium aromaticum, Syn. Eugenia caryophyllata, E. aromatica.

The clove tree is an evergreen tree that grows up to 50 feet. The clove tree is pyramid-shaped and strongly aromatic. Twice each year unopened flower buds can be picked and dried. The dried flower buds are called cloves. Leaves and stems can be used, but the flower buds contain the most essential oil.

The parts of the Clove used, are: flower

The nutritional value of Clove is as follows:
vitamin A and beta-carotene, vitamin-K, vitamin-B6, thiamin, vitamin-C and riboflavin, potassium, manganese, iron, selenium and magnesium

Health Benefits of Clove

The essential oil, eugenol in this spice has been in therapeutic use in dentistry as a local-anesthetic and antiseptic for teeth and gum.
Eugenol also has been found to reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics, but further detailed studies required to establish its benefits.
The decoction is sometimes used in treating flatulence and indigestion in traditional medicine preparations.
It is also thought to have natural anti-parasite (kills intestinal worms) function.
The essential volatile oils functions as a rubefacient, meaning that it irritates the skin and expands the blood vessels, increasing the flow of blood to make the skin feel warmer, making it a popular home remedy for arthritis and sore muscles, used either as a poultice or in hot baths.
Clove oil is also used in aromatherapy.

Clove oil can be diluted and used as a massage oil, or as a compress or poultice for ear and tooth pain. Put a few drops on a cotton ball for toothache. Use clove oil in aromatherapy lamps to disinfect rooms. Cloves can be added to herbal teas and used in cooking.