The world is home to more than 2,50,000 species of plants, out of which around 80,000 possess medicinal properties. The use of medicinal plants dates back centuries, rooted in traditional and folk beliefs. Among these, Clove stands out as a spice with remarkable healing powers. Since ancient times, it has been widely used for treating various ailments and maintaining overall health.
What is Clove (Syzygium Aromaticum)?
Clove is an aromatic spice obtained from the flower buds of an evergreen tree belonging to the Myrtaceae family. It holds a significant place in Ayurvedic medicine and is known for preventing and curing several body disorders. Beyond its medicinal value, it is also one of the most prized kitchen spices for its flavor and fragrance.
Origin and Discovery
Clove was originally discovered on the Maluku Islands (Spice Islands) of Indonesia. Historical records show that it was used thousands of years ago in China, Rome, and Africa. Over time, it spread across the world and became a vital spice in both culinary and medicinal traditions.
Cultivation
Today, major clove-producing countries include Indonesia, Zanzibar, and Madagascar. In South Asia, it is also cultivated in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. In Indian cuisine, cloves are considered an essential spice, adding aroma and flavor to numerous dishes.
Appearance
The dried flower buds of the clove tree are the part used as the spice.
- Taste: Bitter and pungent
- Tree height: Around 30–40 feet
- Leaves: Long and green
- Flowers: Reddish and clustered at branch tips
When buds reach 1.5–2 cm in length, they are plucked and dried in the sun to become the familiar brown cloves used in households.
Names of Clove in Different Languages
| Language | Name |
| English | Clove |
| Hindi | Laung |
| Bengali | Lobong |
| Gujarati | Lavinga |
| Marathi | Labanga |
| Telugu | Lavangam |
| Punjabi | Kali |
| Odia | Labanga |
| Malayalam | Gramapu |
| Tamil | Kirangpu |
Other names: Chengkeh, Cengkih, Chingkeh
Scientific name: Syzygium aromaticum
Nutritional Composition (per 100 g of Clove)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Fiber | 0.4 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrate | 66 g |
| Potassium | 1020 mg |
| Sodium | 277 mg |
| Calcium | 63% |
| Magnesium | 64% |
| Iron | 65% |
| Manganese | 64% |
| Vitamin A | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 3% |
| Vitamin K | 4% |
The Eugenol compound (72–90%) is primarily responsible for clove’s strong aroma and medicinal value. It acts as a natural disinfectant. Other compounds include Beta-Caryophyllene, Acetyl, Vanillin, and Creta Lic acid.
Scientific Classification
| Category | Classification |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Clade | Tracheophytes |
| Clade | Angiosperms |
| Clade | Eudicots |
| Clade | Rosids |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Genus | Syzygium |
| Species | S. aromaticum |
| Scientific Name | Syzygium aromaticum |
Benefits of Clove (Syzygium Aromaticum)
Clove has been valued in Ayurvedic medicine since ancient times. Below are some of its key Benefits of Clove:
- Toothache Relief: Applying clove oil to the affected tooth helps relieve pain and combat gum infections.
- Removes Mouth Odor: Acts as a natural mouth freshener.
- Relieves Headache: A paste of clove and salt applied to the forehead eases headaches.
- Eases Earache: 2–3 drops of clove oil can reduce ear pain.
- Improves Digestion: Helps in treating stomach problems like gas, acidity, and indigestion.
- Reduces Skin Irritation: Clove oil soothes itching and skin rashes.
- Controls Diabetes: Helps in maintaining blood sugar levels.
- Anti-Bacterial: Destroys harmful bacteria in the body.
- Relieves Cold & Throat Problems: Gargling with clove water helps relieve sneezing and throat irritation.
- Reduces Body Pain: Alleviates muscle and bone pain.
- Prevents Vomiting: Taking clove with honey helps stop nausea.
- Promotes Hair Growth: Prevents hair fall and stimulates new hair growth.
- Fights Cancer: Contains antioxidants that enhance the body’s defense against cancer.
- Supports Liver Health: Eugenol improves liver function and protects against psoriasis.
- Removes Pimples: Helps clear acne and reduces scars.
- Beneficial for Asthma & Alzheimer’s: Drinking clove water with honey may help control symptoms.
- Treats Bile & Gastric Issues: Useful for digestion and stomach-related disorders.
How to Use Clove (Syzygium Aromaticum)
- Apply clove oil to tooth roots for toothache relief.
- Drink boiled clove water to ease cough and sneezing.
- Apply clove paste on the forehead to reduce headaches.
- Take a small piece of clove to improve digestion.
- For throat irritation, gargle with clove water.
- Drop 2–3 drops of clove oil into the ear to relieve pain.
- Mix clove powder with honey to prevent vomiting.
Side Effects of Clove (Syzygium Aromaticum)
Although clove has numerous health benefits, excessive or improper use can cause harm.
Some precautions include:
- Pregnancy Warning: Pregnant people should avoid high intake as it may cause complications.
- Bleeding Issues: Those with bleeding disorders should avoid it, as clove can increase blood flow.
- Liver Health: Overconsumption may damage the liver.
Conclusion
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is not only a flavorful kitchen spice but also a powerful natural medicine. This article covered its history, origin, chemical composition, uses, and both Benefits of Clove and side effects of clove.
While it offers significant health advantages, excessive consumption can be harmful. Therefore, anyone with specific health conditions should consult a medical expert before using clove-based remedies.
FAQs
1. What are the main chemical compounds present in Clove?
Ans: The major compound in clove is Eugenol (72–90%), responsible for its strong aroma and medicinal value. Other compounds include Beta-Caryophyllene, Vanillin, and Creta Lic acid.
2. What are the main nutrients found in Clove?
Ans: Clove is rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and contains small amounts of vitamins A, C, and K. It also provides fiber and protein.
3. What are the traditional uses of Clove?
Ans: Traditionally, clove is used to treat toothache, headache, cough, stomach disorders, and skin irritation. It is also used for flavoring foods and beverages.
4. How does Clove help in dental problems?
Ans: Clove oil is known for its pain-relieving and anti-bacterial properties. Applying clove oil to an aching tooth can relieve pain and kill harmful bacteria in the mouth.
5. Can Clove help in digestion?
Ans: Yes. Consuming a small amount of clove or clove tea aids in digestion, reduces gas, and relieves acidity or bloating.
6. Is Clove beneficial for diabetic patients?
Ans: Yes. Clove can help control blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity, but it should be taken in moderate amounts.
7. Does Clove promote hair growth?
Ans: Yes. Clove oil helps reduce hair fall and promotes new hair growth by improving blood circulation to the scalp.
My self Anita Sahani. I have completed my B.Com from Purbanchal College Silapathar. I am working in Dev Library as a Content Manager. A website that provides all SCERT, NCERT 3 to 12, and BA, B.com, B.Sc, and Computer Science with Post Graduate Notes & Suggestions, Novel, eBooks, Health, Finance, Biography, Quotes, Study Materials, and more.
