The scientific name of Clove: Syzygium aromaticum / Eugenia caryophyllata
Name of Clove in different languages:-
Sanscrit: lavang, defrutum, vary, tikshnapushpa, divyagandha, Balaji, grahanihar
Hindi: Jati
Malayalam: Karayamboo കരയാമ്പൂ, Grampoo
Plant description of Clove:
Clove is a medium-sized evergreen tree, commonly 10 to 30 m tall, trunk approximately 10 inches in diameter, brown in color, branches semi-erect and numerous. Leaves are green and glabrous, Flowers are small, in terminal cymose clusters, bear 3 to 4 stalked flowers at the end, commonly blossoming in September. Fruit is also found in clusters and one-seeded, aromatic. The brown, dried, flower buds are called cloves.
Leaf Arrangement
| Shape-Oblong, Elliptic |
Margin-Entire |
Venation-Reticulated |
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 |
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Useful plant parts:
flower.
Medicinal uses of Clove
- Culinary Uses: Cloves are a popular spice in various cuisines worldwide, known for their distinctive warm, sweet, and aromatic flavor. They are used in both savory and sweet dishes, as well as in beverages like mulled wine and chai.
- Dental Health: Clove oil and its active compound, eugenol, have been traditionally used for toothache relief and gum pain. They are included in dental products like toothpaste and mouthwash for their analgesic and antiseptic properties.
- Digestive Aid: Cloves are believed to aid digestion by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes. They can help alleviate common digestive issues like bloating, indigestion, and flatulence.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Eugenol, a key component in cloves, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. This can be beneficial in managing inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
- Respiratory Health: Cloves are used in traditional remedies to relieve respiratory issues. They have expectorant properties that can help in clearing congestion and soothing coughs.
- Pain Relief: Clove oil is applied topically for pain relief. It’s used for headaches, muscle aches, and even for conditions like toothache.
- Antioxidant Powerhouse: Cloves are rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce cell damage caused by free radicals.
- Anti-fungal Properties: Clove oil may have anti-fungal properties, making it potentially useful in treating fungal infections.
- Blood Sugar Regulation: Some studies suggest that compounds in cloves can help regulate blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for individuals with diabetes.
- Aphrodisiac Properties: In traditional medicine, cloves have been used as an aphrodisiac to enhance libido.
- Aromatherapy: Clove oil is used in aromatherapy for its warm and comforting scent. It’s believed to help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Preservative and Flavor Enhancer: Due to their antimicrobial properties, cloves have been used historically to preserve food. They are also used to enhance the flavor of pickles and certain dishes.
While cloves have a rich history of traditional use, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before using them for medicinal purposes, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. They can provide guidance on proper dosage and usage.
Chemical content:
Eugenol.
Clove is one of the ingredients in Ayurveda medicines like:-
