Wonder Plant #006 - Clove (Caryophyllus Aromaticus/Syzygium Aromaticum), the painkilling preservative
*Remember to always consult a doctor if you plan to medicate with natural plants. Don't take any of this for granted, do your own research.
Wonder Plant #006 - Clove (Caryophyllus Aromaticus/Syzygium Aromaticum), the painkilling preservative
The Clove, whether it's the Caryophyllus Aromaticus or the Syzygium Aromaticum is an evergreen tree that can grow over 25 feet tall. It is native to the Spice Islands and the Philippines. The flower buds are the part of the plant consumed and used in medicinal concoctions. The cloves can also be used to help preserve food for longer periods of time. The main compnent of cloves is eugenol which has been known to kill bacteria and viruses and this is why it is used in infusions. Eugenol is a powerful painkiller and antiseptic, a few drops of it mixed in oil on a painful tooth and you'll be a lot better.
Properties and uses:
- Anodyne: alleviate pain
- Antiemetic: used or tending to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting
- Antiseptic: opposing sepsis, putrefaction, or decay; especially : preventing or arresting the growth of microorganisms (as on living tissue)
- Toothaches
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Aphrodisiac: an agent (such as a food or drug) that arouses or is held to arouse sexual desire
- Releave traveler's diarrhea
- Calm digestion
- Soothe minor wounds and insect bites
Preparation and dosage:
Infusion: use 1 tsp. of powedered cloves in 1 cup of water et and let sit for 10-20 minutes.
Eating the cloves is said to be aphrodisiac, but not a lot of information is available on the subject.
Useful links:
Cloves Benefits and Information
What is Clove? A Very Stimulating Herb
Cloves Benefits and Uses as Herbal Medicine
Sources:
- All definitions were taken for the Merriam Webster website: https://www.merriam-webster.com
- Prevention Magazine Health Books. The Complete Book of Medicinal Cures. 1994. Berkley Health Reference. p. 313.
- Lust, John. The Herb Book. 1974. Bantham Books. p. 102.
Pictures (in order of appearance):
- s3.amazonaws.com/plantvillage-production/images/pics/000/003/712/large/1024px-Syzygium_aromaticum_on_tree.jpg?1415735234
- 4.bp.blogspot.com/-SKFDi9guKKg/UewPwceeEXI/AAAAAAAAOj4/U8TNLtL56o4/s1600/Cloves.png
Edits:
- 24/6/17 - tags
- 28/6/17 - formatting