Herb library

Clove

Syzygium aromaticum

Clove is a warm, pungent spice traditionally kept in the kitchen medicine chest. It is used in small amounts for soothing household remedies and as a warming flavoring in simple preparations.

Traditionally used for.

• •Traditionally used for quieting occasional stomach upset and supporting comfortable digestion when taken as a mild tea or chewable spice.
• •A long-standing household remedy for soothing a sore or achy tooth area, applied carefully as a compress or in a gentle oil-based application.
• •Traditionally used as a warming inhalation for stuffy noses and chest congestion, added to steam or fragrant sachets to ease breathing.
• •A common pantry remedy for adding a warm, aromatic note to cough syrups and honey blends in small amounts to soothe the throat (honey not for children under one year).

Simple preparations.

• •Clove tea: crush 2 whole cloves slightly, steep in 8 ounces hot water for 8 to 10 minutes, strain and sip warm, up to 2 cups a day.
• •Clove steam inhalation: place 4 whole cloves in a bowl of just-off-boil water, lean over with a towel tent for 5 to 10 minutes, breathing the steam gently.
• •Clove honey syrup for adults and children over one year: simmer 6 crushed cloves with 1 cup water for 5 minutes, cool slightly, strain, stir into 1 cup honey, store refrigerated and use 1 teaspoon as needed for a soothing throat. (Do not give honey to children under one year.)

Cautions.

• !Clove oil and concentrated clove preparations can be irritating to skin and mucous membranes; use whole cloves or well-diluted preparations for household use.
• !Large amounts of clove can upset the stomach or mouth lining; keep doses small and occasional.
• !Clove products can increase bleeding risk in some people when used in larger amounts; avoid before surgery and check with your doctor about interactions with blood thinners.
• !If you are pregnant, nursing, taking regular medications, or have health concerns, check with your doctor before using clove in medicinal amounts.

Often kept beside.