Clove
Syzygium aromaticumIn the 17th century the Dutch had clove trees outside their control on the Malukus cut down to keep prices high.
What is Clove?
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is a plant of the Myrtaceae family. Traditions that use it: Asia and Siberia. Part used: unopened flower buds.
What is Clove used for?
Traditional use: On Indonesia’s Spice Islands a clove tree was planted when a child was born; the tree’s health was tied to the child’s. Scientific evidence: traditional. Eugenol in clove oil has long been used in dentistry as a local painkiller and antiseptic.
Is Clove safe?
Safety label: caution. Safe as a spice. Swallowing the pure oil can cause liver damage and seizures, especially in children. Applied often to the gums it irritates the tissue. May interact with blood thinners.
Traditional use
On Indonesia’s Spice Islands a clove tree was planted when a child was born; the tree’s health was tied to the child’s.
For toothache a single clove is placed by the aching tooth; cloves go into winter teas, compotes and fruit drinks. Pushed into a lemon or orange, they are hung in rooms against bad smells.
In nature
Mix-up risk
The garden carnation (Dianthus) is an entirely different plant; the spice is the dried bud of a tree.
Preparation
Whole buds are boiled or ground. The essential oil is used in tiny amounts in dentistry.
What science says
Eugenol in clove oil has long been used in dentistry as a local painkiller and antiseptic. The EMA recognises clove oil for mouth and throat inflammation and toothache as traditional uses. Human studies of other claims are few.
Safety
Safe as a spice. Swallowing the pure oil can cause liver damage and seizures, especially in children. Applied often to the gums it irritates the tissue. May interact with blood thinners.
Drug interactions
| Medicine or substance | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Blood thinners | Eugenol affects platelets and may increase bleeding risk. |
This list is not complete. If you take regular medication, ask your pharmacist or doctor before trying Clove.
Similar plants
Sources
- EMA monographCaryophylli floris aetheroleum: European Medicines Agency herbal assessment
- Botanical recordKew Plants of the World Online: Syzygium aromaticum
- Titles of research sources are summarised in Turkish on the Turkish page; links open the original English publications.
Written by Edanaz Tınmazlar · Last reviewed: · Türkçe