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Cloves are the most stimulating and carminative of all
aromatics; given in powder, infusion, or tonic for nausea , emesis, flatulence, languid
indigestion and dyspepsia, and used chiefly to assist the action of other herbs. The
medicinal properties of cloves reside in the volatile oil. This oil must be kept in dark
bottles in a cool place. If distilled with water, salt must be added to raise the
temperature of ebullition and the same cloves must be distilled over and over again to get
their full essence.
Two constituents of clove oil - Caryophyllene and
Eugenol.
Cloves (Eugenia aromaticus) are actually the dried buds of
the clove tree. Used in China for more than 2000 years, cloves are believed to be an
aphrodisiac. We do know that clove oil is a time-honored remedy for toothache, and that
clove oil is highly antiseptic. The cloves are also used to stop vomiting.
"The clove herb keeps food fresh because the main active component of cloves is
eugenol, which has long been known to help kill bacteria and viruses" says Gary
Elmer, Ph.D., associate professor of medicinal chemistry at the University of Washington
School of Pharmacy in Seattle. By killing bacteria, eugenol helps keep meat fresh and
prevents stomach upset, diarrhea, and wound infections.
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Healing uses for Clove / Cloves:
Mouth Care: Clove oil is suggested for toothaches, and can help freshen
breath. You may have tasted the sweet-hot flavor of clove oil in over-the-counter
toothache medicines. Try a drop of this healing oil (available at drugstores and
health-food stores) to ease an aching tooth until you can see a dentist.
Relieve indigestion: The herb's usefulness
in supporting normal digestive system function has yet to be confirmed in humans, but
laboratory studies indicate that it may be effective.
Control diarrhea: An ingredient in clove
fights the bacteria responsible for diarrhea-the ailment you get from drinking the water
in regions where health standards are substandard.
Heals cuts and bites: Studies show that
the oil in cloves can help kill several strains of staphylococcus bacteria and one strain
of pseudomonas-organisms that can cause skin infections.
Cloves are also known as:
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Ding Xiang,
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clove,
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Eugenia caryophyllata
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