|
Syzigium aromaticum/Eugenia aromatica (Myrtaceae)
CLOVES
Cloves, the dried buds of this
evergreen tree, contain an oil which is widely used to relieve
toothache. Herbalists also give it internally for digestive problems.
Cloves are the dried flower buds of the tree.
They were used in the Far East as a ceremonial herb and a medicine for centuries before they reached Europe in the 4th century.
The trees are native to the Moluccas in the East Indies but have since been introduced to other tropical islands for commercial production.
An evergreen tree, S. aromaticum has undulating, bright-green, spear-shaped leaves with a strong scent and clusters of yellow flowers in summer,
which turn to small berries.
PARTS USED
Oil from flower buds.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Volatile oil containing eugenol, methyl salicylate,
and sesquiterpenes; flavonoids, kaempferol and rhamnetin; sterols, including
sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol.
ACTIONS
Stimulant; eases pain; relieves wind and colic; aromatic.
MEDICINAL USE
Widely used externally to relieve toothache.
Internally, it is given for stomach infections with indigestion, and has been used to treat worms.
PREPARATIONS
Clove water, oil.
|
