Clove has been used in dentistry as an analgesic and antibacterial. Human studies have also shown potential anti-diabetic activity. It also has insecticidal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. Of all essential oils, clove shows one of the highest amounts of antibacterial activity against multiple microbe species.
The name clove is derived from the Latin word "clavus", meaning nail. since the buds look like nails!
Over 60 research articles were catalogued on clove, mostly on the antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal actions. Human studies demonstrated a potential anti-diabetic effect, the ability to improve oral health, and use of the herb as an aid to quit smoking. In vivo and in vitro studies showed insecticidal, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-cancer activities. Click the button below for a detailed review of research.
Latin Name: Syzgium aromaticum
Family: Myrtaceae
Clove comes from an evergreen tree with light grey leaves, smooth bark, and red flowers that are picked while they are still in bud, hense clove buds.
Dried cloves can be used, or crushed into a powder.
Essential oil is steam distilled or cold pressed from the buds; but stem and leaf parts may also be used, making for an oil with significantly varying constituents than the bud. Oil is thick, thickening more with age, is slightly oily, and colorless to light yellow, but darkens with age. The aroma is spicy, fruity, and pungent.