Health Benefits of Clove

Scientific name: Syzygium aromaticum
Part used: flower buds

Origins & Properties

Cloves are native to the Maluku Islands (or the Moluccas) in Indonesia.

The clove tree is an evergreen that grows up to 8–12 meters tall, with large leaves and crimson flowers grouped in terminal clusters. The flower buds initially have a pale hue, gradually turn green, then transition to a bright red when ready for harvest. Cloves are harvested at 1.5–2 centimeters long, and consist of a long calyx that terminates in four spreading sepals, and four unopened petals that form a small central ball.

Common Uses

Cloves are commonly used as a spice and give aromatic and flavor qualities to hot beverages. Long-used in traditional medicine as an essential oil, it is effective for toothache pain and other types of pain and used for aromatherapy.

Benefits

Digestion: Increase production of gastric mucus and limits spasms and diarrhea
Nutrients: Contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals
Antioxidant: Helps reduce oxidative stress