The clove tree is an evergreen that grows to about 8 to 12 meters (25 to 40 feet) in height. Its gland-dotted leaves are small, simple, and opposite. The trees are usually propagated from seeds that are planted in shaded areas. Flowering begins about the fifth year; a tree may annually yield up to 34 kg (75 pounds) of dried buds. The buds are hand-picked in late summer and again in winter and are then sun-dried.
Origin of clove
Clove is one of the most ancient and valuable spices of the orient and holds a unique position in the international spice trade. Native to Moluccas, the so called ‘Spice Islands’ in the East Indian Archipelago, this spice was first introduced in India around 1800 A.D. by the East India Company.
Presentation Forms
Dried Buds, Oil
Pharmacological actions
- Analgesic
- Antiseptic
- Antimicrobial
- Anti-fungal
- Anti-oxidant
Uses
- As spice, used for scenting, chewing tobacco, and as ingredient in betel chew.
- Biochemical constituents allow for use as ant repellent.
- Combined with orange, used to make a fragrance pomander.
- Used in aromatherapy.
- Clove oil used for toothache and other types of pain. Oil used in preparation of some Clovacaine solution and anesthetic toothpastes used for oral ulceration and inflammation. A mixture of eugenol and zinc oxide is used as temporary tooth cavity filling.
- Used in manufacture of perfumes and soaps.
Scientific name:
Syzygium aromaticum
Botanical Family:
Myrtaceae
Other Common Names:
chicken-tongue spice,
Used parts:
Flower Buds, Leaves