Clove Extract

Species name: Eugenia caryophyllata-Syyzygium aromaticum; family: Myrtaceae (myrtle/clove)

What is Clove Extract? Clove is the immature dried flower bud of an evergreen tree that is harvested by hand in the dry season and then sun-dried.

Civilizations such as the Chinese, Romans and Greeks have used the spice for centuries.

It was used for its medicinal and homeopathic remedies as well as for its many culinary benefits.

Traditional Chinese Medicine from the first century BC to this day has used clove in its herbal formulas.

Clove is native of the Molucca Islands and the Philippines, but is also cultivated in other areas such as Madagascar, Zanzibar, Sumatra, Indonesia, the West Indies and Brazil.

By the year 1500 with ocean travel and trade gaining popularity clove began its spread into an important commercial commodity.

Clove is invaluable for its contributions to the culinary world.

Worcestershire sauce is probably one of the most recognizable, getting some of it's flavor from the clove.

Many liquor recipes use cloves and clove is also being used for fragrances (described as woody, spicy and slightly bitter) for both men and women.

Home Remedies using Clove Extract:

Benefits and Uses of Clove Extract:

The oil as well as the extract plays a vital role in many medicinal treatments for its analgesic properties.

Cloves many benefits include antiseptic, antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant properties.

The spice is rich in minerals such as calcium, iron, sodium, potassium, phosphorus and hydrochloric acid as well as being a good source of vitamins A and C.

Important for its use to relieve pain of neuralgia and rheumatism and to its use as a pain reliever for toothaches and other periodontal disease (mouth ulcers and sore gums).

It is recommended for colds, coughs, asthma, sinusitis, bronchitis and tuberculosis because of its expectorant properties.

Clove extract can be used to boost the immune system due to its antiviral and antibacterial properties and its ability to purify blood.

It increases our resistance to diseases and its oil can be used to ease ear aches and to induce sleep and mental states such as memory loss, anxiety and depression.

Clove—the spice itself, extract or oil helps in controlling the blood sugar levels making it useful for those who suffer with diabetes.

Clove also has a warming effect, often taken advantage of in teas, to ease nausea or quiet a digestive system in need of calming—indigestion, hiccups, vomiting, flatulence, diarrhea and for those who suffer anorexia due to its anti-microbial, anti-parasitic, and antispasmodic properties.

Side effects of Clove Extract:

Clove does have a few restrictions. It is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women or for children.

Because so many of the spices have not been extensively researched and because clove properties are strong (particularly the oil and extract) those with a history of hemophilia, alcoholism, cancer, liver or kidney problems should avoid it without a physician’s recommendation. This holds true for those who take anti-coagulants as well.

It can irritate mucous membranes or those with sensitive skin so care should be taken not to exceed the recommended dose.