Organic Cloves - Whole (Syzygium aromaticum)

Herbs are Sold By the Ounce, Price is Per Ounce

Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum)

Family: Myrtaceae (Myrtle family)

Common Names: Clove Buds, Mother Clove, Ding Xiang (in Traditional Chinese Medicine)

Origin:

Native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia, but now widely cultivated in tropical regions, including India, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.

Parts Used:

Flower buds

Habitat:

Clove trees thrive in warm, tropical climates with well-drained, loamy soil. They are commonly grown in coastal areas and are hardy in USDA zones 10-11.

History and Folklore:

Cloves have been highly valued for thousands of years, both as a spice and a medicine. They were used in ancient Egypt for embalming, in traditional Chinese medicine as a remedy for indigestion, and in European medieval medicine for treating toothaches. Cloves were a highly traded spice during the Middle Ages and were considered as valuable as gold. In folklore, cloves were thought to bring protection, prosperity, and love, and were often worn as amulets.

Metaphysical Properties:

Cloves are associated with protection, purification, and love. They are often used in rituals to ward off negativity, attract positive energy, and promote clarity. Cloves are also believed to boost courage and were used historically as protective charms.

Botany:

The clove tree is an evergreen that grows up to 20-30 feet tall. It has large, glossy green leaves and produces small, pink flower buds. These buds are harvested just before they open and are then dried, turning dark brown and hard. Dried cloves resemble small nails, with a bulbous top and a slender stem.

Growing and Harvesting:

Cloves are grown from seeds or cuttings and prefer a humid, tropical climate with consistent rainfall. The flower buds are harvested by hand just before they bloom, usually in late summer or early fall. Once harvested, the buds are dried in the sun until they turn brown and brittle.

Constituents:

• Eugenol: The primary active compound in cloves, responsible for its aroma, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties.
• Tannins: Provide astringent properties, helping to tighten tissues and reduce inflammation.
• Flavonoids: Antioxidants that support overall health and reduce inflammation.
• Terpenes (such as beta-caryophyllene): Contribute to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Methyl Salicylate: A compound with mild pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.

Energetics:

• Temperature: Warming
• Taste: Spicy, Sweet, Pungent

Medicinal Actions:

• Analgesic: Provides pain relief, particularly for toothaches and sore gums.
• Antimicrobial: Fights bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it useful for infections and oral health.
• Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation in the body, particularly in the digestive and respiratory systems.
• Digestive Aid: Eases indigestion, bloating, and gas, and stimulates appetite.
• Expectorant: Helps clear mucus from the respiratory tract, making it useful for coughs and colds.
• Antioxidant: Protects cells from oxidative damage and supports overall health.

System Affinities:

• Oral Health: Clove oil is commonly used to relieve toothache, soothe gums, and treat oral infections.
• Digestive System: Helps with bloating, nausea, and indigestion; also used to stimulate digestion and appetite.
• Respiratory System: Used to treat coughs, colds, and bronchitis by reducing inflammation and promoting mucus clearance.
• Musculoskeletal System: Applied topically to relieve muscle pain and inflammation.

Uses:

• Tea: Clove tea is used to treat digestive issues, soothe respiratory infections, and relieve nausea. It is often combined with cinnamon, ginger, or honey.
• Essential Oil: Clove oil is commonly used to relieve toothaches, soothe sore muscles, and clear respiratory congestion. It should be diluted before applying to the skin.
• Poultice: A poultice made with ground cloves can be applied to sore muscles, bruises, or inflamed skin.
• Tincture: Clove tincture is used for digestive support, immune boosting, and pain relief.
• Culinary: Cloves are a popular spice in both sweet and savory dishes, often used in baked goods, curries, mulled wine, and marinades.

Cautions:

• Concentrated Essential Oil: Clove oil is highly concentrated and can cause skin irritation if applied undiluted. Always dilute with a carrier oil before topical use.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Cloves are generally safe in culinary amounts, but concentrated forms (such as clove oil) should be used with caution. Consult a healthcare provider before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Medication Interactions: Cloves may interact with blood-thinning medications, as eugenol can have mild anticoagulant effects. Consult a healthcare provider if you are taking such medications.
• Children: Clove oil should be used with caution in children, as it can cause skin irritation and should not be ingested in large amounts.

Scientific Studies:

1. A study in Phytotherapy Research highlighted the analgesic and antimicrobial effects of eugenol, confirming its effectiveness in treating dental pain and oral infections.
2. Research in Journal of Ethnopharmacology demonstrated the antioxidant properties of clove, supporting its role in protecting cells from oxidative damage.
3. A study published in Journal of Food Science explored clove’s potential as an antimicrobial agent in food preservation, showing its ability to inhibit bacterial growth.