Latin name: Eugenia caryophyllata thunb., Flos caryophilli, Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. et Perry
Chinese name: ding xiang
What are Cloves?
Cloves are very useful in both culinary seasoning and herbal medicine. Cloves come from an evergreen tree that grows in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Tanzania. The name “clove” comes to English by way of the French word clou, which means “nail.” This is because the dried herb resembles a small, ball-headed nail.
What are the health benefits of Cloves?
Medicinally, clove is considered a warming herb. As such, it is most often used to treat conditions of cold or stagnation, including pain and digestive issues. Some common ailments treated by cloves include: bad breath, diarrhea, appetite loss, nausea, stomach pain, ulcers, and vomiting. Cloves can boost memory and help vision. They can also treat certain types of impotence and clear vaginal discharge. This herb’s warming and moving properties help it treat cold hands and feet, tendonitis, and lumbar pain.
Clove has antibiotic properties as well, and can be used as a gargle for a sore throat. The essential oil from clove is used in dentistry to treat tooth pain.
Where can I find Cloves?
Cloves are available in several forms, including powder, tincture, oil, and dried whole. Cloves can be found at most any grocery store, online through herb suppliers, or at the offices of Chinese medical practitioners. Clove essential oil may be found in natural foods stores.
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