Cloves are the unopened pink flower buds of the evergreen clove tree in the family Myrtaceae. Cloves are native to Indonesia and are harvested primarily in Zanzibar, Indonesia and Madagascar. The buds are picked by hand when they are pink and dried until they turn brown in color. Cloves are about 1.2cm long and 0.5cm in diameter and with their tapered stem, they resemble tiny nails. This is how their English name is actually derived – from the Latin word clavus, which means nail. Although cloves have a very hard exterior, their flesh features an oily compound that is essential to their nutritional and flavour profile.
Cloves are warming, stimulating, anodyne and anesthetic (topical). They also possess preservative properties. Apart from using this wonderful spice in cooking, cloves have been prescribed by western herbalists to ease toothaches. This spice has been extensively used in Ayurveda and Chinese herbalists as painkillers, or for bringing warmth and circulation within the body. Cloves contain significant amounts of an active component called eugenol, which is said to be useful in removing toxicity from environmental pollutants. This component is also anti-inflammatory. Cloves are an excellent source of Manganese, dietary fiber, vitamin C, omega-3, calcium and magnesium.
Cloves can also be used to aid digestion. If you are feeling a bit blotted after a meal, make yourself a cup of Clove tea. Immerse yourself in the wonderfully warming aroma of this beautiful herb whilst sipping the tea to aid digestion:
Cloves Tea 5-10 buds of whole cloves, Freshly boiled water
Place the cloves buds inside a cup and pour freshly boiled hot water over it to fill the cup. Cover the cup and let the infusion work its magic for about 15 minutes. Ready to use.
A note of caution: Although the above Clove Tea Recipe is generally safe to use by most people, do not consume large amounts of cloves or use this tea for a prolong period of time without first obtaining a medical opinion. Do not use clove tea on your child until your pediatrician approves it.
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