Scientific name: Caryophyllus aromaticus, Eugenia aromatica, Eugenia caryophyllata, Syzygium aromaticum

Other names: Eugenol

Medical uses and remedies:

Analgesic
Anesthetic
Anodyne
Antiemetic
Antimicrobial
Bloating
Colic
Coughing
Digestion aid
Flatulence
Fungal infection (antifungal)
Infections
Intestinal parasites
Mouthwash (antiseptic)
Muscle cramps
Nausea
Oral hygeine
Toothache
Vomiting

Dosage:

Oil - Use a cotton swab and gently apply on an aching tooth and the surrounding gums.

Tea - Make an infusion of 1 teaspoon of powder per cup of water, steeping for at least 10 minutes. Take up to 3 times per day.

Whole - Several whole cloves may be gently bitten in the mouth to begin releasing their oils, then moved to the location of the toothache.

Cautions and side effects:

Clove usage will not solve toothaches, but is simply a temporary pain reliever. Taken internally in high doses, clove oil may result in an upset stomach. It is also possible for a rash to appear if applied externally.

Clove usage while in pregnancy is not recommended. Individuals with a history of cancer should not make use cloves in medicinal amounts. Cloves should not be given in medicinal amounts to individuals under the age of two, and the elderly (65+) should begin with lower dosages before going to full strength. Check with a medical professional for additional precautions and contraindications before taking any herb.

Active ingredients:

Eugenol (60 to 90 percent)
Acetyl eugenol
Furfurol
Methyul salicylate
Pinene
Vanillin

Learn about other herbal medicines: browse by common name or scientific name.