evergreen conical-shaped tree which grows up to
some 50ft and is strongly aromatic. Cloves are the
dried flowers buds, and have been used as a culinary
spice and herbal medicine for thousands of years
- they were one of the earliest spices to be traded
and were imported into Alexandria in 176AD - and
who doesn’t remember the clove stuffed oranges so
readily used to freshen wardrobes, ward off infection,
and repel insects?
have powerful antiseptic qualities and a local anaesthetic
effect, making it ideal as a remedy for toothache
and mouth infections - dab a little essential oil
on to the affected tooth; alternatively nibble away
on a whole clove, ensuring that you use the tooth
which is causing you pain, spitting out the remains
(never use more than 2 cloves). An infusion of crushed
cloves makes a soothing mouthwash.
warming spice, with anti-spasmodic properties which
make it particularly useful at easing coughs. Add
a bruised clove to winter drinks, or to a hot lemon
and honey drink with a pinch of cinnamon, to ward
off chills, coughs, colds and ‘flu. Cloves are effectively
used for treating viral infections, and in tropical
Asia are often employed in treating cases of malaria,
cholera and tubercolosis.
tea can help hay fever sufferers, especially if
sweetened with local honey.
oil should not be used during pregnancy - but can
be reserved for labour and childbirth : clove oil
can be used as an abdominal massage during labour
as it helps stimulate and strengthen the uterine
muscle contrations, whilst easing pain.
wonderfully spicy aroma makes crushed or ground
cloves an ideal addition for a warming incense mix.
Cloves are a stimulant, both to the body and mind,
and have been used as an aphrodisiac in India and
Essential oil should not be used during pregnancy