Cloves are the rich, brown, dried, unopened flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, an evergreen tree in the myrtle family. The name comes from the French “clou,” meaning nail. Used in China for more than 2000 years, legend has it that cloves are an aphrodisiac; although there isn’t any evidence to back this claim, we do know that clove oil is a time-honoured remedy for toothaches. Clove oil is highly antiseptic. There are many proven benefits when using cloves: it relieves tooth pain and has an antiemetic action that helps control vomiting.
This herb keeps food fresh because the main active component of cloves is eugenol, which has long been known to help kill bacteria, parasites, and viruses. By killing bacteria, eugenol helps keep meat fresh and prevents stomach upset, traveler’s diarrhea, and wound infections.
Cloves are not limited to only preserving food: this is a powerful herb that can ease tooth pain. The eugenol in cloves makes the herb effective as an antiseptic and painkiller. Just a drop of this healing oil can ease tooth pain until you can see a dentist.
This herb is also used for combating intestinal problems such as indigestion, and laboratory studies have shown its effectiveness. It has been used in Asia for thousands of years for many ailments. There is an ingredient in cloves that fights the bacteria responsible for creating diarrhea, and cloves have a history as a relief for such problems.
Studies show that the oil in cloves can help kill several strains of Staphylococcus bacteria and one strain of Pseudomonas, organisms that can cause skin infections. To treat cuts, empty 1 capsule and mix its contents with water to form a paste. Apply the poultice directly to the site of the cut. Cover it with a warm towel.