What is Clove? Clove is the dried unopened bud of a small evergreen tree and is one of the oldest spices in the world. This herb was initially found in the Moluccas Islands of Indonesia. This plant grows well in warm climates and is grown commercially in Sumatra, Tanzania, Madagascar, Sri Lanka and South America. The plant on which it grows is tall – it grows to almost 20 meters and has leathery leaves. The clove spice that we use is the dried unopened flower along with its calyx lobes. The four petals that fold over the lobes hide numerous stamens. Other than the flower, essential oil of the plant is extracted from its stem, leaves and buds. Clove trees are not easy to grow and are rarely cultivated at home or in gardens. Once grown, the clove tree may well live for over 100 years. The plants start producing fruits after seven years. The word ‘clove’ is derived from the French word ‘Clov’ which means nail and points to the peculiar nail-like shape of the bud. Clove has been valued throughout history for its flavor, taste, smell and medicinal value. Many popular home remedies still make use of cloves. 
What is Clove Used for? Clinical trials of the herb have proved beyond doubt that Clove has mildly antiseptic properties and can even be used as a mild anesthetic. Certain other uses attributed to clove are to treat premature ejaculation, dry socket and fever. Eugenol, a constituent of clove, is used as a mild analgesic. It was also used for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Traditional medicine advocates chewing a clove in case of pain in the gums or teeth. Clove is also used to form a dental cement and filler.
Clove has a rich and glorious history of medicin as well as culinary use. The oil of the plant has been used as an expectorant and was prescribed for dry cough. The slightly astringent taste of clove allowed it to be used in cases of slight nausea and diarrhea. Even today, clove is used in case of respiratory ailments like bronchitis and asthma. Its mildly analgesic effect makes it ideal for treating mild muscle aches, sprains and strains, rheumatism and arthritis. Traditionally, Clove has been used to treat abdominal pain, allergies, artherosclerosis, fungal and bacterial infections, arsenite induced toxicity, athlete’s foot, bad breath, cancer, colic, cavities, cough, diabetes, gout, hernia, herpes, high blood pressure, mouth and throat inflammation and oral candidiasis. Clove oil is used in toothpastes. Clove Cautions Clove oil has led to some side effects including severe anaphylaxis. In some people, clove oil can cause skin rashes and allergic reactions when applied to the skin or the inside of the mouth. Individuals with a known allergic reaction to cloves should avoid inhaling or using clove. Blood tinged sputum has been noticed in clove cigarette smokers. Although there has been no documented report of the toxicity of clove, ingestion of higher concentration of the oil or its spillage on the body can result in undesirable side effects.
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