Family: Myrtaceae; other members include myrtle, eucalyptus
Genus and species: Eugenia caryophyllata or Syzgium aromaticum
Also known as: Clavos, caryophillus
Parts used: Dried, powdered flower buds
Step into any spice shop, take a deep breath, and enjoy the rich, warm aroma that fills the air. Chances are the dominant fragrance is clove, one of the world’s most aromatic healing herbs.
Step into your dentist’s supply room, though, and things smell quite different. But chances are clove oil is one of the items on the shelf. It’s a dental anesthetic – and more.
HEALING with Clove
Clove oil, like allspice is 60 to 90 percent eugenol, which is the source of its anesthetic and antiseptic properties.
1. Toothache, Oral Hygiene. Dentists use clove oil as an oral anesthetic. They also use it to disinfect root canals. Clove oil is the active ingredient in Lavoris mouthwash and a number of over-the-counter toothache pain-relief preparations, including Benzodent and Numzident.
2. Digestive Aid. Like many culinary spices, clove may help relax the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract, supporting its age-old as a digestive aid.
3. Infection Fighter. Clove kills intestinal parasites and “exhibits broad antimicrobial properties against fungi and bacteria,” according to one of the many reports supporting its traditional use as a treatment for diarrhea, intestinal worms, and other digestive ailments.
Rx for Clove
For temporary relief of toothache prior to professional care, dip a cotton swab in clove oil and apply it to the affected tooth and surrounding gum.
For a warm, pleasant-tasting infusion, use 1 teaspoon of powdered herb per cup of boiling water. Steep 10-20 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Medicinal amounts of clove should not be given to children under age 2. For older children and people over 65, start with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.
SAFETY FACTOR
Japanese researchers have discovered that like many spices, clove contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help prevent the cell damage that scientists believe eventually causes cancer.
On the other hand, the laboratory tests, the chemical eugenol, has been found to be weak tumor promoter, making clove one of many healing herbs with both pro- and anti-cancer effects. At this point, scientists aren’t sure which way the balance tilts. Until they are, anyone with a history of cancer should not use medicinal amounts of clove.
For otherwise healthy non-pregnant, non-nursing adults, powdered clove is considered nontoxic. However, high doses of its oil may cause stomach upset when ingested and rash when used externally.
Clove or clove oil should be used in medicinal amounts only in consultation with your doctor. If clove oil causes minor discomforts, such as stomach upset or diarrhea, use less or stop using it. Let your doctor know if you experience any unpleasant effects or if the symptoms for which the herb is being used do not improve significantly in two weeks.
Some smokers switch to clove cigarettes, believing they’re safer than tobacco. They aren’t. Most clove cigarettes are 50 to 60 percent tobacco. And when clove burns, it releases many carcinogens.
Ref: Healing Herbs, by Michael Castleman, 1991
