🌿 Clove
Gewürznelke
Syzygium aromaticum (L.)
Clove is an evergreen tropical tree originally native to the Maluku Islands of Indonesia and now cultivated in many tropical regions. The dried unopened flower buds are used as a spice. The tree can grow to around 8–20 metres in height.
The characteristic main component of clove oil is eugenol. Clove is traditionally used as a culinary spice as well as in herbal medicine and dentistry.
The characteristic main component of clove oil is eugenol. Clove is traditionally used as a culinary spice as well as in herbal medicine and dentistry.
Notes
Cloves are among the spices particularly rich in antioxidants. Their polyphenols and eugenol are being studied for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
The European Medicines Agency recognises the traditional use of clove oil for the temporary relief of toothache and for minor inflammations of the mouth and throat. However, clinical evidence remains limited.
Cloves can be used regularly as a culinary spice in small amounts. For medicinal use, whole cloves should be distinguished from highly concentrated clove oil.
The European Medicines Agency recognises the traditional use of clove oil for the temporary relief of toothache and for minor inflammations of the mouth and throat. However, clinical evidence remains limited.
Cloves can be used regularly as a culinary spice in small amounts. For medicinal use, whole cloves should be distinguished from highly concentrated clove oil.
Effects
- digestive
- soothing
- studied for cancer prevention
- anti-inflammatory
- supportive of healthy blood glucose
- lipid-regulating
- antioxidant
- antibacterial
Conditions
- inflammation of the mouth and throat
- toothache
- gingivitis
- digestive complaints
- oxidative stress
- cancer prevention
- elevated blood glucose
- elevated blood lipids
- inflammatory processes
Application Areas
- gums
- teeth
- mouth and throat
- cancer prevention
Plant Parts
- florets
- flower
Preparations
- topical oil
- tincture
- tea
- raw
- dried
- ground
- extract
- infusion
Contraindications
- caution when taking anticoagulants, particularly warfarin
- breastfeeding
- pregnancy
- allergy