Cloves are the dried buds of a tree of the myrtle family, Syzygium aromaticum. The tree, which may reach a height of 40ft. (12m), produces abundant clusters of small red flower buds that are gathered before opening and dried to produce the dark brown, nail-shaped spice, clove. Whole and ground cloves used as food seasonings account for half the world production of cloves.
USES
• Oil of cloves can be placed directly on a sore tooth or mouth abscess to draw out the infection and ease the pain. Chew cloves for the same effect.
• Dab a tiny amount of neat oil on insect bites.
• Clove tea is warming, and can encourage the body to sweat, which is helpful for high fever or vomiting. • Oil of cloves may be used during a long labor to hasten birth.
• Clove tea can be used to soothe wind and ease nausea— particularly the nausea of travel sickness.
• Inhale an infusion of cloves to clear the lungs and refresh the airways.
• A clove and orange pomander can be hung in cupboards as an effective insect repellent.
PROPERTIES
• Antiseptic and powerfully analgesic— particularly to the gums and teeth
• Cloves are warming, and useful for people who are prone to colds
• Anti-infl ammatory, when used locally on swellings
• Cloves are calming to the digestive system • Eliminate parasites from the body
CAUTION
Cloves can cause uterine contractions, and should not be used in pregnancy.
Thursday, 9 January 2014
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