Clove – Syzygium aromaticum – Eugenia Caryophyllata

Aromatic clove is an excellent herb or even better a spice with useful healing properties, known since antiquity.

The main properties for which clove is already known, are its antiseptic action, anti-inflammatory and of course its use as a local anesthetic. For many years it was used and is used to treat inflammation of the gums and oral cavity, while its anesthetic action made it ideal for treating toothache. It is a very good disinfectant of the oral cavity, which also helps in the treatment of bad breath. Of course, when we use the dried flower, it needs to be used in moderation as it will color the teeth.

But beyond the already known actions, there are a number of properties that are particularly useful and necessary in our daily lives.

The content of clove essential oil is high, and more specifically in eugenol.

Eugenol to be precise offers this sweet aroma to the flower. It also contains good amounts of potassium, manganese, selenium, iron and magnesium, important electrolytes for healthy heart function. Consumption therefore helps regulate heart rate, blood pressure, while there is an ongoing study to stabilize blood sugar. Clove in short, protects against both cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

Clove is also beneficial for the skin, due to its strong anti-inflammatory and antiseptic action, it is ideal for treating nail fungus, wound disinfection, acne, scabies and other skin diseases such as lupus and athlete’s foot.

In relation to the digestive system, clove has a lot to offer, as it fights intestinal parasites, while helping with a variety of digestive disorders, such as nausea, vomiting, indigestion, constipation and flatulence. The active ingredients contained in clove oil, promote intestinal motility and accelerate the process of digestion through the secretion of gastric juices. Its antispasmodic action also helps in cases of diarrhea.

Its analgesic action in combination with the anti-inflammatory, makes it ideal for muscle and joint pain, stimulates blood circulation and relieves migraines and neuralgia.

You can use clove in detox diets due to its antioxidant action, while the expectorant action of the oil helps in diseases of the upper respiratory tract. You can use it in cases of cough, sore throat, bronchitis, sinusitis, common cold and nasal congestion.

In aromatherapy, cloves help treat cases of chronic fatigue, anxiety, and depression.

Clove also has insect repellent properties. Individual but not confirmed properties of clove, is its anti-cancer action, due to the antioxidants it contains, and its aphrodisiac action.

You should pay special attention to consumption in cases of hypertension, abdominal pain and sensitive skin. The essential oil is very strong so it needs to be properly dissolved and used in moderation. Do not use clove oil and essential oil during pregnancy and lactation. Avoid using it if you have a liver or kidney disease.