Clove (English)
Lavang (Sanskrit)
‘Syzygium aromaticum’ (Latin)
Basic Properties
Characteristics (Guna): Light & Unctuous
Taste (Rasa): Pungent & Bitter
Potency (Virya) : Cold in nature
Taste after digestion (Vipaka): Pungent
Action (Karma) : Removes excess Kapha Dosha by its pungent and bitter tastes. Pacifies Pitta Dosha by its cold potency.
External Uses
It is a stimulant, antimicrobial and bitter, therefore it is used locally for headaches and Sinusitis.
Cloves can be useful in Stomatitis and Skin disorders.
Clove oil is used for massage in rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, backache and loss of libido.
An oil swab can be used in Dental caries and toothache to reduce the pain.
Internal Uses
Digestive System
Being pungent and bitter, it is a natural appetizer and digestive.
It stimulates the salivary glands, thereby increasing salivary secretions.
Relieves dryness of the mouth
Removes bad breath and cleans the oral cavity
It is carminative and analgesic
Useful in Anorexia, Loss of Appetite, Flatulence, Abdominal Colic, Hyperacidity, Nausea, Thirst and Liver disorders.
Cloves are especially effective in relieving the nausea associated with morning sickness during pregnancy.
Circulatory System
Stimulates the heart and circulation
Increases blood pressure
Used in Cardiac debility, Blood disorders and Syphilis
Respiratory System
Reduces cough, foul smell radiating from the oral cavity and relieves breathlessness
Stimulates respiratory mucosa thereby causing expectoration
Assists in relieving Asthma symptoms
Tuberculosis related cough and Bronchitis are treated effectively by Cloves
Therapeutic Recipes
A decoction or tea of Cloves in water, is useful in subsiding nausea or thirst
A paste of Cloves, pounded in warm water can be applied externally to relieve pain and swelling
Chewing of Clove, Elachi and Mint leaves, clean the oral cavity and leave a pleasant fragrance
Cloves boiled in water act as a good remedy for reducing a fever
Other Recipes
Cloves have a strong, spicy flavor with a warm to hot taste, so they can be added to pickles, chutneys & relishes
They can also be used to complement the tastes of many fruits and vegetables such as Pumpkin, Squash or Cabbage
Indian dishes are incomplete without the pungent tinge of cloves – they are added to curries and breyanis to add extra flavor
Clove oil mixed well with 4x the amount of water, can be used as a mosquito repellent if lightly misted on the skin.
The same water/oil mix can be sprayed as a natural air freshener, which wards off insects and bugs
Precautions
Sensitivity to Clove Oil may occur. Sensitive people may face breathing problems, rashes or redness of skin and irritation. If this occurs, stop the intake of Cloves or external application of Clove oil.
Children should not internally digest Clove oil, as it may result in seizures due to an increase in blood pressure.
Clove oil must be diluted with a carrier oil such as Almond or Olive oil, and should not be used in its raw concentrated form, as it is extremely potent.
