Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata)
Photo: Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen · Public domain
- Digestive
- 2 conditions
- Licensed photo
Overview
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) consists of the dried, unopened flower buds of an evergreen, pyramid-shaped tree that can reach about 49 ft (15 m) in height. Known for their potent aroma and taste, cloves have a significant history both as a culinary spice and as an herbal medicine, particularly in India and Southeast Asia. Clove’s volatile oil is rich in eugenol. Clove oil is an irritant and must be used with caution on the skin.
Safety & precautions
Large Quantities: Cloves can irritate the digestive tract and skin; moderation is advised. Clove Oil: Highly concentrated; never ingest internally unless professionally supervised. Must be diluted before topical application. Pregnancy: Use with caution and under guidance, particularly in strong medicinal forms like the essential oil.
Educational reference only - not medical advice. Herbs can interact with medications. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use. Full disclaimer.
Drug interactions
Interaction data is not available for this herb - talk to a pharmacist before combining it with any medication. A blank entry here means we have not documented interactions, not that none exist.
Habitat
Originally native to the Molucca Islands (Indonesia) and the southern Philippines, cloves are now widely cultivated in Tanzania, Madagascar, the West Indies, and Brazil. Propagation is from seed or semi-ripe cuttings, usually in warm, humid climates. Twice yearly, the unopened flower buds are harvested (picked while green), then dried in the sun until they turn brown.
Traditionally used for
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Frequently asked questions
What safety cautions apply to Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata)?
Large Quantities: Cloves can irritate the digestive tract and skin; moderation is advised. Clove Oil: Highly concentrated; never ingest internally unless professionally supervised. Must be diluted before topical application. Pregnancy: Use with caution and under guidance, particularly in strong medicinal forms like the essential oil.
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