From time immemorial, cloves have occupied a pride of place as an important ingredient in the Indian cuisine and medicine. In the distant past, it has been the main export item from the shores of the Tamils. Mainly, the flower buds and essential oils extracted there from find use as antiseptic, antispasmodic, anodyne, carminative and stimulant. They are also used to prevent vomiting. Some believe in its aphrodisiac properties as well.
Cloves: A Profile
Latin Name: Syzigium aromaticum (L)
Indian Names: Laung, Lavangam
Family: Myrtaceae
Cloves: How to use it
| Ailment | Prescription |
| Bronchial diseases | Boil 6 to 8 cloves in 30 ml water. A teaspoon of such decoction is taken with honey frequently. |
| Throat irritation due to coughing | Chew 2 to 3 cloves with a pinch of common salt. |
| Headache | Make a smooth paste of cloves, water and salt. Apply on the affected areas. |
| Nausea | Mix powder of fried cloves on the affected areas. |
| Gum and teeth ailments | Apply the powder of fried cloves on the affected areas. |
| Stomach upset; pitta aggravation | 2 to 3 drops of clove oil is poured over a sugar-lump and eaten. |
| Toothache | Few drops of clove oil is poured over a piece of cotton wool which is pressed on affected areas. |
| Gum ailments; Throat irritation | Powder of fried cloves is mixed in lukewarm water and used for gargling frequently. |
| Nausea in the case of pregnant women | Mix 10 gm powder of fried cloves in 200 ml boiling water and allow it cool for 30 minutes. Drink 50 ml of this solution frequently. |
| Heaviness in head; water accumulation in head | 2 to 3 cloves are ground into a fine paste along with dried ginger and applied on nose, forehead, etc. |
| Muscular cramps | Apply clove oil on affected parts. |
Caution
Because they are pungent and likely to produce heat in the body, cloves are to be avoided in cases of hyper tension, high pitta and inflammatory conditions