Clove

Considered one of the world's most important spices, cloves are the dried, unopened flower bud of the tropical evergreen clove tree.

Reddish brown and nail−shaped, their name comes from clavus , the Latin word for nail.

Cloves are sold whole or ground and can be used to flavor a multitude of dishes ranging from sweet to savory.

Cloves trees are grown in several countries in Asia such as Indonesia and India. Also, they are cultivated in Africa and other tropical countries in the world. Cloves trees are widely planted since they have several benefits for our healthy.

Cloves consist of a significant amount of proteins, iron, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and hydrochloric acid. They are also rich in vitamins like A and C, manganese, and dietary fiber.

Cloves are also used as an anti-inflammatory agent, due to their high content of flavonoids. Aromatherapists use pure clove oil to cure the symptoms of rheumatism, and arthritis. The aromatic clove oil when inhaled, can help soothe certain respiratory conditions like cold, cough, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, and also clears the nasal tract.

Researchers have suggested that the cloves can effectively prevent lung cancer as well as skin cancer. Eugenol, an essential component found in cloves, helps in minimizing the harmful effects of environmental wastes that can cause cancer of digestive system.

In Ayurvedic systems, cloves are considered to help with digestive problems of all kinds, as well as improving the circulation and metabolism. And in traditional Chinese medicine, cloves are considered both pungent and warming, and can help to purify the stomach, spleen and kidneys.

This aromatic spice works as a mental stimulant and decreases oxidative stress because of its antioxidant properties. Plus, it contains phenol compounds that help remove toxins and support cellular health.

Also, clove oil can be used as aromatherapy to stimulate the brain and make you more attentive and energetic. The oil blends well with other oils like peppermint, rosemary, basil, lavender, and orange oil.

Clove essential oil is highly toxic to a wide range of bacteria.  It is also toxic to animals and humans, when it is ingested. The primary component of clove essential oil is Eugenol.  Eugenol makes up 70-90% (by volume) of clove essential oil.  The second most abundant component is usually Caryophyllene, which represents 2-20% of the volume.