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Cloves

Written by Robert A Wilson
Thursday, 22 February 2007
The Clove is an evergreen tree, 15 to 30 feet tall, native to the Molucca Islands and the Philippines but also grown in the West Indies, Brazil, and other tropical areas. In ancient Chinese history, those who addressed the Chinese emperor were required to hold Cloves in their mouths to mask bad breath. Clove oil is obtained by distilling and is used in perfumes, spice blends, medicines, candies, and in some tobacco products. Cloves are believed to have antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anaesthetic properties. Parts used: Oil extracted from flower buds, leaves. Potential Uses: A powerful antiseptic can be distilled from the oil in the buds (20% of the Clove’s weight) As a local anesthetic for toothaches Traditional Chinese medicine has long used the herb to treat indigestion, diarrhea, hernia, and ringworm, as well as athlete's foot and other fungal infections India's traditional Ayurvedic healers have used clove since ancient times to treat respiratory and digestive ailments Alternative medicine information is provided as a service to familiarize physicians and their patients with medicinal claims available through the media. This does NOT constitute a treatment recommendation.
Last Updated ( Friday, 08 February 2008 )

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