Medicinal Uses of the Clove Plant

Cloves are the unopened buds from the evergreen clove tree. Many cooks have cloves on their spice rack. They may be well-versed on how to cook with this spice, but they may not know that cloves have been prized for their medicinal value for more than 2,000 years.

Cloves Fight Disease

• Cloves have been used by dentists to treat tooth and gum disease.

  Cloves have antiseptic, disinfectant and germicidal properties. Clove oil is effective as a broad spectrum antibiotic. Historically, dentists used powdered cloves to disinfect and treat tooth infections and treat gum disease. (Their patients probably appreciated the numbing effect of the cloves.) Oil of cloves can be used to remedy bad breath, not only because of its aromatic scent, but because it kills germs that cause bad breath.

  Clove oil is effective for the treatment of diarrhea and eradicating the fungus that caused athlete's foot. Several drops of clove oil diluted with garlic, olive or sesame oil can be dripped into the ear to disinfect ear canals and remedy the cause of ear infection. Diluted clove oil can be used topically to treat acne, wounds, scabies, insect bites and prickly heat.

Cloves Ease Pain and Inflammation

• Cloves relieve pain and inflammation.

  Cloves contain Eugenol, which relieves pain and inflammation. Clove oil can relieve toothaches and earaches. Clove oil spray has been used to help relieve bronchial inflammation and cough.

  Cloves have a stimulating effect and improve blood circulation. Clove oil can be made into a salve and rubbed into sore muscle and joints to relieve pain and increase blood flow to the tissues.

  The stimulating effect of cloves can ease headaches, clear the mind and reduce fatigue. Cloves may also ease depression and anxiety.

Cloves Fight Nausea and Aid Digestion

• Clove tea can ease morning sickness.

  Clove tea has been recommended by herbalists worldwide for digestive upset. Cloves are safe to use in pregnancy, and clove tea can ease the nausea and vomiting commonly referred to as morning sickness.

  Cloves aid in digestion and can relive gastric and intestinal gas. The stimulative effect of the clove aids the metabolic processes of the body.

Cloves Ease Spasms

• Clove tea can ease coughs due to colds and upper respiratory infections.

  Cloves have antispasmodic and expectorant properties. Clove tea can ease cough and bronchial spasms brought on by colds, upper respiratory infections, cholera, malaria and tuberculosis. Topical use of clove oil can ease muscle spasms.

Cloves Repel Insects

• Cloves can keep moths off your clothes.

  A diet rich in cloves can repel insects. The clove oil creates a smell and taste insects don't like, so they don't bite you. Clove-studded oranges have been used for hundreds of years in closets to repel moths and protect clothing.

Nutritional Benefits

• Cloves have good nutritional value.

  Cloves are rich in manganese. Cloves contain significant amounts of potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium. Cloves are a good source of vitamins C and K, and to a lesser degree, vitamins A and B-complex. Cloves are also a great source of dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.