Cloves - Health Benefits

Cloves - Health Benefits

Scientific Name: Syzygium aromaticum 
Family: Myrtaceae
Part of Plant Used: Unopened flower buds 
Origin: Spice Islands 

Cloves are the dried flower buds of an aromatic tree.Clove is the immature flower bud of the clove plant that is harvested and processed for culinary and medicinal use.  A clove resembles a tiny nail. In fact, the English name “clove” is derived from the Latin word “clavus,” meaning nail. Cloves have been used for over 2,000 years in Asia. They were used by the Chinese as breath fresheners and they have also been used to mask the flavor of poorly preserved foods. 

Health Benefits:
#1. Cloves have antiseptic, disinfectant and germicidal properties. Clove oil is effective as a broad spectrum antibiotic. Historically, dentists used powdered cloves to disinfect and treat tooth infections and treat gum disease. (Their patients probably appreciated the numbing effect of the cloves ).

#2. Clove oil is effective for the treatment of diarrhea and eradicating the fungus that caused athlete's foot. Several drops of clove oil diluted with garlic, olive or sesame oil can be dripped into the ear to disinfect ear canals and remedy the cause of ear infection. Diluted clove oil can be used topically to treat acne, wounds, scabies, insect bites and prickly heat.

#3. Cloves contain Eugenol, which relieves pain and inflammation. Clove oil can relieve toothaches and earaches.

#4. Clove oil spray has been used to help relieve bronchial inflammation and cough.

#5. Cloves Fight Nausea and Aid Digestion

#6. Cloves are safe to use in pregnancy, and clove tea can ease the nausea and vomiting commonly referred to as morning sickness.

#7. Cloves aid in digestion and can relive gastric and intestinal gas. The stimulative effect of the clove aids the metabolic processes of the body

#8. Cloves have antispasmodic and expectorant properties. Topical use of clove oil can ease muscle spasms

#9. Cloves Repel Insects

#10. A diet rich in cloves can repel insects. The clove oil creates a smell and taste insects don't like, so they don't bite you. Clove studded oranges have been used for hundreds of years in closets to repel moths and protect clothing.