Clove
Clove Uses and Benefits - image to repin / share
Infographic: herbshealthhappiness.com. Photo credits: See foot of article
Clove - Background & Uses
Native to Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Madagscar and Zanzibar, clove is used as a spice by cultures the world over.
Clove oil is used in Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine) as a painkiller and anti-bacterial agent. [4] In Chinese medicine - and more recently, in Western herbalism - Clove oil is used by herbalists to treat digestive complications and skin disorders. [3]
Clove - Scientific studies
Clove oil has been studied for its potential to improve
immune function [1], which correlates with cancer-prevention.
According to the American Pharmaceutical Association's Practical Guide to Natural Medicine,
clove oil appears to have antioxidative properties and might have potential
as an anticancer agent. However, more reseach must be carried out before any definitive
claims are made. [3]
On the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) scale, pharmacutical-grade clove oil measures at 1,078,700 ute/100g; it has the highest concentration of antioxidant activity of any single ingredient tested by the ORAC. According to the American Cancer Society, there is not sufficient evidence to suggest that clove oil can assist in the prevention or treatment of cancer. However, its high antioxidant rating and chemical constituents indicate that it may have potential to inhibit the growth of tumors and combat existing cancer cells.
Clove in old Herbals & Pharmocopœia
John Hill's "The Family Herbal" (1812):
Regarding Cassia caryophylata, or "Clove Bark-Tree": A tall and beautiful tree, native of the West Indies.
The trunk is covered with a thick
brown bark, that of the branches is paler and thinner. The arms spread abroad, and are not
very regularly disposed; the leaves are oblong, broad, and sharp-pointed; they are like
those of the bay tree, but twice as big and of a deep green colour. The flowers are small
and blue; they are pointed with streaks of orange colour, and are of a fragrant smell; the
fruit is roundish; we use the bark, which is taken from the larger and smaller branches, but
that from the smaller is best. It is of a fragrant smell, and of a mixed taste of
cinnamon and cloves; the cinnamon flavour is first perceived, but after that the taste of
cloves is predominant, and is so very strong that it seems to burn the mouth. It is so
excellent against colic; and it warms and strengthens the stomach, and assists digestion:
it is also a cordial, and in small doses joined with other medicines promotes sweat. It
is not much used fairly in practice, but many tricks are played with is by the chemists,
to imitate or adulterate the several productions of cloves and cinnamon, for it is cheaper
than either.
Other names for Clove, Past or Present
Latin - Syzygium aromaticum, syn. Eugenia aromaticum or Eugenia caryophyllata
English - Clove bud
Cloves
Cloves
References:
[1] Shifko, Robert. Clove Oil Health. 2004. https://www.livestrong.com/article/116469-clove-oil-health-benefits/
[2] Peirce, Andrea. The American Pharmaceutical Association practical guide to natural medicines
1999. Stonesong Press, Inc. New York.
[3] Balch, Phyllis A. Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of
Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies. 2002. Penguin Putnam: NY.
[4] Khalsa, Karta Purkh Singh and Michael Tierra. 2008. The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs:
The Most Complete Guide to Natural Healing and Health with Traditional Ayurvedic Herbalism. Lotus Press: Twin Lakes, WI.
Main article researched and created by Kelsey Wambold,
© herbshealthhappiness.com
Infographic Image Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_flowers_of_clove_tree_in_Pemba_island.JPG
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:CloveCloseUp.jpg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Orange_pomander.jpg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_clove_under_sunshine_for_drying_up_in_Pemba_island.JPG
(Creative Commons)
1. Famous Chef Sheds 60lbs Researching New Paleo Recipes: Get The Cookbook FREE Here
2. #1 muscle that eliminates joint and back pain, anxiety and looking fat
3. Drink THIS first thing in the morning (3 major benefits)
4. [PROOF] Reverse Diabetes with a "Pancreas Jumpstart"
5. Why Some People LOOK Fat that Aren't
6. Amazing Secret Techniques To Protect Your Home From Thieves, Looters And Thugs
7. The #1 WORST food that CAUSES Faster Aging (beware -- Are you eating this?)
If you enjoyed this page:
