{"id":10842,"date":"2023-12-11T12:46:17","date_gmt":"2023-12-11T12:46:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=10842"},"modified":"2025-04-09T16:52:41","modified_gmt":"2025-04-09T15:52:41","slug":"clove","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/clove\/","title":{"rendered":"Clove"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":13479,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"c72722b1-6ede-4613-a508-0464b060e0a1","beyondwords_preview_token":"533c6a5e-e600-40a2-8b84-64392786568b","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[1470,1632],"conditions":[685,696,698,695],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[17,16,27],"western_action":[993,989,990,991,997,999,1003,1010,1252],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[1069,1095,1072,1105,1112,1075,1099,1078,1087],"energetics_action":[1539,1557,1622,1533,1614,1554,1543,1558,1560,1547,1552,1556,1617,1562,1618,1545,1550],"region":[1897],"class_list":["post-10842","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-anti-fungal","tag-antiemetic","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-nervous-system","conditions-reproductive-system","conditions-respiratory-system","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-aromatic","sense-hot","sense-sweet","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-alterative","western_action-analgesic","western_action-anthelmintic","western_action-antispasmodic","western_action-aphrodisiac","western_action-carminatives","western_action-expectorant","western_action-vermifuge","ayurvedic_action-chhardi-nigrahana","ayurvedic_action-shirovirechan","ayurvedic_action-dipaniya","ayurvedic_action-swasahara","ayurvedic_action-vedana-sthapana","ayurvedic_action-hikka-nigrahana","ayurvedic_action-shula-prasamana","ayurvedic_action-kanthya","ayurvedic_action-pachana","energetics_action-pungent-post-digestive-effect-vipaka","energetics_action-blood","energetics_action-circulatory","energetics_action-cooling","energetics_action-digestive","energetics_action-kapha-constitution-dosha","energetics_action-light","energetics_action-muscle","energetics_action-nervous","energetics_action-penetrating","energetics_action-pitta-constitution-dosha","energetics_action-plasma","energetics_action-reproductive-channel-srotas","energetics_action-reproductive","energetics_action-respiratory","energetics_action-unctuous","energetics_action-vata-constitution-dosha","region-ayurvedic-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20231211","herb_author":null,"banner_text":"Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of a tree in the Myrtaceae family","latin_name":"Syzygium aromaticum<\/em>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Myrtaceae","herb_summary":"Clove has been used for thousands of years as both food and medicine. Its unique phytochemistry has been the focus of some interesting research which offers deeper insights into its traditional uses, as well as new ideas for the modern potential of this herb.","key_benefits":"Local anodyne\r\nDental pain\r\nLow mood\r\nRespiratory congestion\r\nPoor digestion\r\nErectile dysfunction\r\nAphrodisiac","how_does_it_feel":"Cloves have a completely unique flavour profile. They are highly aromatic and pungent, with sweet, warming, and slightly peppery tones. If you chew on a whole clove or put a little powdered clove in the mouth, it will leave a lingering, numbing sensation in the mouth.","hdif_image_1":13480,"hdif_image_2":10845,"hdif_image_3":13479,"hdif_video":"","sense":[17,16,27],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"[caption id=\"attachment_10850\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Clove Clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nClove has a strong reputation as a local anodyne (pain reliever) for dental pain (9). It is often used in powdered form or as a diluted pure essential oil (see dosage for instructions) applied directly onto the affected gum. Essential oils are powerful substances and must be used with caution, so follow our advice for the correct application of clove for dental pain.<\/span>\r\n\r\nAs a common kitchen ingredient, clove is often close at hand and makes an excellent digestive remedy, particularly where there is sluggishness or a low state of function in the upper and lower digestive tract. It can help speed up digestive processes and calm spasms in the intestines (9).<\/span>\r\n\r\nClove can also help to relieve flatulence, an action known as carminative (9). It soothes stomach cramps due to these digestive actions and its analgesic effects. It has a post-digestive effect (9) which means it can help support digestive processes lower down in the digestive tract.<\/span>\r\n\r\nCloves also have expectorant properties which may help reduce the severity of coughs by improving the clearance of phlegm in the lungs (9). This may be used for spasmodic coughs as well as for laryngitis, bronchitis or sore throats (9).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe essential oil of clove diluted into a carrier oil can be used topically for muscular pain and cramping, as well as for the relief of headaches and lower back pain (9). The essential oil of clove also has mood-enhancing effects and can be used as an aphrodisiac (12).<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_10848\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Clove Clove flower buds (Syzygium aromaticum<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nEnergetically, clove is sweet, pungent and warming due to its unique combination of phytochemicals and aromatic compounds. The essential oil of clove is popular in aromatherapy where it is used for severe fatigue, low energy and depression (12).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) cloves help qi<\/em> (life force) to descend (11), which is related to the Western carminative action. This action makes it an excellent herb to use for the relief of nausea and vomiting, as well as for excessive flatulence and hiccoughs (11). For this application, cloves combine well with ginger and cardamom drunk as an infusion (tea) (9).<\/span>\r\n<\/span>\r\n<\/span>This grounding downward energy of clove is especially helpful where nausea is connected to anxious or nervous feelings.\u00a0 (11).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn Ayurvedic medicine, there is a different model and understanding of holistic physiology that is used as a way to understand patterns of imbalance. Ayurveda also has its own unique philosophy and understanding of herbal qualities that, built up over thousands of years.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThere are three doshas<\/em>: vata<\/em>, pitta<\/em> and kapha<\/em>. Their energies are believed to circulate in the body and govern physical, mental and emotional characteristics. They are described as follows; Vata<\/em>\u00a0controls basic bodily functions as well as the mind. Pitta<\/em> governs metabolism, digestion and hormones linked to appetite. Kapha<\/em> is responsible for strength and stability, muscle growth, weight and the immune system.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nClove is described in Ayurveda as having a KPV- (kapha, pitta, vata<\/em>) effect (9). This means that its predominant action is in reducing excess kapha<\/em> activity in the body. Excess in kapha<\/em> may manifest as stagnation or congestion in the tissues. This may be demonstrated by some of clove's best-known uses. Kapha<\/em> may manifest as lethargy and low mood, and clove is understood to clear the orifices of the head, making way for higher clarity (9). Kapha<\/em> may also manifest as congestion in the lungs; clove helps to clear this type of congestion or stagnation (9).<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"[caption id=\"attachment_10844\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Young Young clove flower buds (Syzygium aromaticum<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe earliest written evidence of cloves being used as food or medicine dates back to around the year 300 B.C. During the Han Dynasty of China, clove was referenced for use as a breath freshener (7).<\/span>\r\n\r\nUntil the last few hundred years, cloves were exclusively grown in the famous \u2018spice islands\u2019 off the coast of North Indonesia during the years of Dutch colonisation. At its peak, the value of cloves rivalled that of oil (7). Other sources suggest that \u2018cloves and nutmeg were among the most precious items of Europe of the 16th and 17th centuries, and they were worth more than their weight in gold\u2019 (10).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn the 18th century, clove plants were smuggled out of the spice islands and eventually found their way to Zanzibar, which is the most prolific producer of cloves today (7).<\/span>\r\n\r\nTraditionally, cloves and their oil were used to relieve nausea and vomiting, flatulence, and to strengthen digestion (10). In a UCLA (University of California) biomedical library\u2019s history and special collections article, it is said that 'the oil of cloves sometimes afforded relief when introduced into the cavity of a carious tooth (10)'.<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"[caption id=\"attachment_10847\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"400\"]\"Young Young clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Digestive system<\/h3>\r\nClove has many beneficial effects in the digestive system. It helps to relieve intestinal spasm and can also improve the appetite. Due to its anti-fungal effects clove may be used as part of a treatment approach to tackle <\/span>C<\/span>andida albicans<\/span><\/i><\/a> <\/i>(9)<\/span>. <\/span><\/i>It has a wide range of antibacterial and anti-fungal actions (9) which may make it a useful herb for associated dysbiotic conditions in the gastrointestinal tract.<\/span>\r\n\r\nHerbalists may use clove among other herbs such as <\/span>neem<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>calendula<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>triphala<\/span><\/a> to address <\/span>candida<\/span> and intestinal dysbiosis. Lifestyle and dietary interventions are vital elements of treatment for correcting such imbalances. Reducing sugar during the treatment of fungal infections or dysbiosis is essential, as fungus and bacteria thrive on sugars.<\/span>\r\n\r\nClove has also long been used for the treatment of intestinal parasites such as worms. This is thought to be due to the damaging impact of clove\u2019s constituents on the cuticle and tegument of helminths (13). As with the above, there are a number of important elements to the effective elimination of parasites which may also include dietary and lifestyle changes.<\/span>\r\n

Respiratory system<\/h3>\r\nCloves are used for conditions associated with congestion and stuck phlegm in the lungs due to their expectorant properties. They may be useful as part of an approach to treat bronchitis, coughs, <\/span>asthma<\/span><\/a> and pleurisy.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nCloves have an anti-spasmodic action on the lung tissue which may also contribute to its benefit for use in <\/span>asthma<\/span> (9). To effectively support patients with asthma, a herbalist may use expectorant and anti-spasmodic herbs like clove along with other herbs like <\/span>black seed<\/span><\/a> to support lung health.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Reproductive system<\/h3>\r\nClove may sometimes be used for conditions that affect sexual function in both men and women. It has a strong history of use for male reproductive conditions as well as some promising modern research. This includes the treatment of premature ejaculation and impotence. The mechanism of action for this is unclear. However, clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of clove for male reproductive conditions (2) which may support an indication for this application in practice.<\/span>\r\n\r\nClove also has mood-enhancing and aphrodisiac qualities which means it may also be able to help improve sex drive for those who suffer from low libido (9).<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_10846\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Farmer Farmer spreading cloves to dry on a thatched mat at Pemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThere are a good number of studies, including some interesting clinical trials, on clove and some of its bioactive compounds. Among the studies and reviews included, there may be reference to animal studies that demonstrate the mechanism of action for some clove\u2019s medicinal properties. Animal studies are not condoned by herbal reality, however, for the purpose of including research from which some understanding of therapeutic actions can be confirmed, some animal studies have been included.<\/span>\r\n

A randomised double-blind clinical trial of polyphenolic clove extracts in the treatment of metabolic syndrome<\/h3>\r\nA randomised double-blinded comparative study was carried out to investigate the effects of a clove bud polyphenol extract called Clovinol on metabolic syndrome in 70 healthy adults. The study compared the effects of Clovinol with synthetic glutathione (s-GSH) given at 250\u00a0mg a day over a period of 84\u00a0days.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nTreatment with Clovinol significantly increased the total leukocyte (white blood cell) and reduced neutrophil\/lymphocyte ratio and inflammatory markers, all of which are vital in mounting healthy immune responses. It also improved markers for plasma concentration of endogenous antioxidants, inflammatory markers, blood sugar, lipid metabolism and insulin resistance markers. It also significantly reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins and increased high-density lipoproteins (1). The synthetic GSH showed no significant effect on blood glucose and lipid metabolism (1).<\/span>\r\n

A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial on topical clove gel for premature ejaculation<\/h3>\r\nA double-blind randomised placebo-controlled study was carried out to identify the potential of a topical extract of clove oil for the treatment of premature ejaculation. The study was carried out for a period of 8 weeks where 22 subjects who had been randomly assigned into two groups to receive either clove 1% gel or placebo gel 10 minutes before intercourse.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe study results showed a significant improvement in intercourse satisfaction ratings as well as a significant improvement in erectile performance, and erectile function including prolonged ejaculatory latency timescale in the clove gel group. No adverse effects were observed (2).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Inhibition of dengue virus by compounds isolated from clove flower buds<\/h3>\r\nDENV protease is considered an important target for identifying new protocols for the treatment of the dengue virus because of its crucial role in the viral replication cycle. This report discusses DENV protease inhibitor eugeniin, an important compound isolated from cloves, along with two other milder inhibitors, isobiflorin and biflorin. The mechanisms by which these compounds may actively inhibit dengue virus are summarised in the context of antiviral therapeutics. The review concludes that the findings show promising development, considering there is currently still no specific antiviral treatment available against dengue fever (3).<\/span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_10845\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"600\"]\"Cloves Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Comparative Anticancer Potential of Clove Against Cancer Cell Lines of Various Anatomical Origin<\/h3>\r\n\u00a0Clove was investigated in vitro to determine whether three different extracts had any activity against cancer cells (4). Water, ethanol and oil extracts were screened for anti-proliferative activity against HeLa (cervical cancer), MCF-7 (ER + ve) and MDA-MB-231 (ER \u2013 ve) breast cancer, DU-145 prostate cancer and TE-13 esophageal cancer cell lines, along with normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes. In the examined five cancer cell lines, the extracts showed different patterns of cell growth inhibition activity, with the oil extract having maximal cytotoxic activity. Morphological analysis and DAPI staining showed cytotoxicity as a result of cell disruption with subsequent membrane rupture. The oesophageal cancer cell lines were most sensitive to the clove extract (4). This study was only done on cells, so cloves may not have the same effect on people, but this research does show the need for further clinical trials.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

A randomised triple-blind trial on clove mouthwash for the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in intensive care unit patients<\/h3>\r\nA comparative, randomised, triple-blind, clinical trial was carried out to identify the effects of clove on ventilator-associated pneumonia in intensive care unit patients. 168 hospital patients were divided into intervention and control groups to either receive a clove extract mouthwash at 6.66% concentration or chlorhexidine 0.2% twice a day for a period of 5 days. The study showed that the risk of illness was 2.06 times higher in the control group than in the clove extract group, and so the clove mouthwash significantly reduced the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (5).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Evaluation of Clove Phytochemicals as Potential Antiviral Drug Candidates Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease: Computational Docking, Molecular Dynamics Simulation, and Pharmacokinetic Profiling<\/h3>\r\nAn evaluation of natural phytochemicals isolated from clove was carried out to ascertain their effects against the main protease (an enzyme that breaks down the proteins or peptides responsible for the viral replication inside the host) of SARS-CoV-2. This paper discussed the mechanism by which viral replication inhibition is <\/span>p<\/span>ossible by targeting the SARS- CoV-2 protease.<\/span>\r\n\r\nSome of the most relevant constituents discussed in this paper were syzyginin B, eugenol, and casuarictin. These all demonstrated potential binding properties against the target SARS-CoV-2 main protease. Whilst these results show some direct beneficial potential of clove phytochemicals, these tests were by analysis and lab studies. Human studies are required to fully establish the prospects of clove as an anti-viral medicine (6).<\/span>","did_you_know":"Spices such as clove, nutmeg and mace were exclusively found growing on t<\/span>he islands that were known as the Spice Islands in the Northeast of Indonesia. <\/span>The presence of these precious spices sparked colonial interest in Europe in the 16th century.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nDuring the years of Dutch colonisation, it is said that the <\/span>wild clove trees were destroyed from the surrounding native islands to secure a monopoly; the spice islands were colonised and the plantations of clove and nutmeg among other spices were managed under strict export. In the 18th century, cloves were smuggled out of the spice islands and introduced to Mauritius where they began to be cultivated, <\/span>eventually finding their way to<\/span> Penang, Sumatra and <\/span>Zanzibar, which is the most prolific producer of cloves today <\/span>(7).<\/span>\r\n\r\nCroucher (8) states in an article written on clove plantations in relation to African archaeology that \u2018<\/span>clove plantations on nineteenth-century Zanzibar were sites on which many recent immigrants from Oman and Africa constructed new identities within the complex social relations of colonial rule, enslavement and concubinage<\/span><\/i> (8)\u2019.<\/span>\r\n\r\nCroucher then continues, that \u2018<\/span>clove plantations allow for reflections back on the broader field of historical archaeology. In turn, this may allow for a clearer understanding of the particularities of colonialism and capitalism in many different places<\/span><\/i> (8)\u2019.<\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":10852},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Clove is a slow growing evergreen tree that grows to a wide range of different heights between 8 metres to 20 metres. It flowers after about 6 years and takes up to 20 years to reach maturity and can bear fruit for more than 80 years. Each leaf is around 10cm long and 5cm wide, elliptic or oblong, very narrowly attenuated at the base, and points upwards. The undersides of the leaves have black spots. New leaves are bright pink in colour and turn light green and glossy. They are simple with leathery and shiny texture on the upper (adaxial) surface. They are arranged opposite each other, and are aromatic when crushed.\r\n\r\nEach flower is about 6mm wide and occurs in terminal clusters. The unopened flower buds are green at first, slowly changing to pink, red or crimson, then finally bright red when in full bloom.\r\n\r\nFruits are dark purple, oblong, about 2-2.5cm long and 1.3cm wide containing a single seed.","common_names":"