Clove

Clove
Syzygium aromaticum L.
Myrtaceae Family

Description of Clove

Clove evergreen tropical tree shrub height 26–39 ft (8–12 m). Root branched depth 3.3–6.6 ft (1–2 m). Trunk straight smooth gray-brown bark. Leaves leathery oval-lanceolate 3.1–5.9 in (8–15 cm) dark-green glossy oil glands. Flowers clusters 3–10 pinkish-white four petals fall opening. Fruit berry rarely used. Raw unopened buds (clove) 0.4–0.8 in (1–2 cm) red-brown dried. Blooms year-round harvest September–December. Propagation seeds cuttings. Varieties ‘Zanzibar’ ‘Madagascar’ ‘Molucca’.

 

Distribution and Ecology of Clove

Origin Moluccas (Indonesia) cultivated 2000+ years. Grown tropics (Indonesia Madagascar Zanzibar India Sri Lanka Malaysia). Loose drained soils pH 6.0–7.0 high humidity 8–12 hours sun. Optimal 72–86°F (22–30°C) no frost. Bud yield 8.8–17.6 lb/tree year. Care water (15–20 l/m² every 5–7 days) organic fertilizers (44–66 lb/tree) fungal aphids protection. Seeds cuttings rainy season. Enriches soil organic monoculture depletes. Invasive tropics uncontrolled.

 

Raw Materials from Clove

Raw unopened buds (clove) essential oil rarely leaves. Buds September–December dry 95–104°F (35–40°C) red-brown yield 20–25%. Oil steam distillation buds yield 15–20%. Leaves year-round shade dry yield 15–20%. Quality buds whole humidity <12% oil ≥12% impurities ≤0.5% ash ≤7%; oil clear yellowish; leaves green no darkening. Store buds leaves airtight 2–3 years oil dark glass 2 years. Aroma buds oil spicy warm; taste sharp burning.

 

Chemical Composition of Clove

Buds essential oil (15–20% eugenol 70–90% eugenol acetate caryophyllene) tannins (10–15%) flavonoids phenolics sterols carbs (20–30%) proteins (5–7%) minerals (potassium calcium magnesium). Oil eugenol beta-caryophyllene methyl salicylate. Leaves oil (0.2–0.5%) tannins flavonoids. Calories buds 270–300 kcal/100 g.

 

Uses and Benefits of Clove

Antiseptic anti-inflammatory analgesic antispasmodic antioxidant eugenol tannins. Buds toothache stomatitis gingivitis colds cough digestion (flatulence colic). Oil dentistry inhalations bronchitis aromatherapy stress concentration. Leaf infusions anti-inflammatory antiseptic skin irritations. Improves circulation appetite immunity. External oil massage muscle pains cosmetics skin care.

 

Precautions for Using Clove

Infusions buds (>6.8 oz/200 ml/day) oil (>3 ml/day internal undiluted external) stomach irritation allergies dermatitis. Prolonged (>1 month) liver eugenol. Store buds humidity <12% mold. Children under 3 infusions ≤0.17 oz/5 ml/day. No anticoagulants blood clotting drugs doctor. Avoid oil sensitive skin undiluted.

 

Contraindications for Using Clove

Allergy Myrtaceae ulcers acute gastritis pancreatitis pregnancy lactation children under 1. External oil eczema psoriasis open wounds. Caution hypotension blood clotting disorders.

 

Medicinal Recipes with Clove

1. Bud infusion toothache. 0.18 oz (5 g) buds 6.8 oz (200 ml) boiling steep 30 min rinse mouth 3 times day 5 days.
   
2. Inhalation cold. 3 drops oil 33.8 oz (1 l) hot water breathe steam 10 min daily 5 days.
   
3. Leaf infusion dermatitis. 0.35 oz (10 g) leaves 6.8 oz (200 ml) boiling steep 1 hour wipe skin 2 times day 7 days.
   
4. Tea flatulence. 3 buds 6.8 oz (200 ml) boiling steep 15 min drink 3.4 oz (100 ml) 2 times day 7 days.
   
5. Massage oil pains. 5 ml oil 0.68 oz (20 ml) olive massage muscles daily 5 days.
   

 

Cosmetic Uses of Clove

Oil infusions antiseptic antioxidant improve skin hair.

1. Face mask. 5 ml oil 0.35 oz (10 g) clay 0.34 oz (10 ml) water apply face 10 min rinse. Weekly.
   
2. Skin toner. 0.35 oz (10 g) buds steep 6.8 oz (200 ml) boiling 30 min wipe face daily 7 days.
   
3. Body scrub. 0.35 oz (10 g) ground buds 0.34 oz (10 ml) coconut massage skin 5 min rinse. Weekly.
   
4. Hair rinse. 0.35 oz (10 g) buds steep 16.9 oz (500 ml) boiling 1 hour use after wash 2 times week.
   

 

Culinary Uses of Clove

Spice baking drinks meat marinades small amounts intense flavor. Store buds 32–41°F (0–5°C) airtight 3 years. Varieties ‘Zanzibar’ (baking) ‘Madagascar’ (drinks).

1. Mulled wine. 5 buds 16.9 oz (500 ml) red wine 1.76 oz (50 g) sugar 1 cinnamon stick heat 158°F (70°C) steep 10 min.
   
2. Cookies. 0.11 oz (3 g) ground add dough (7 oz/200 g flour 3.5 oz/100 g sugar 3.5 oz/100 g butter) bake 356°F (180°C) 15 min.
   
3. Meat marinade. 5 buds 6.8 oz (200 ml) vinegar 0.35 oz (10 g) salt 0.35 oz (10 g) sugar steep 24 hours use.
   
4. Tea. 2 buds 6.8 oz (200 ml) boiling steep 10 min add honey serve warm.
   

 

Other Properties of Clove

Perfumery pharmaceuticals (toothpastes antiseptics). Oil insect repellent. Ornamental tropical gardens. Buds aromatherapy natural flavor.