Eugenia aromatica
Other names: Clovos, Caryophyllus
Family: Myrtaceae

Description
A small evergreen tree, pyramidal, trunk soon divides into large branches covered with a smooth greyish bark; leaves large, entire, oblong, lanceolate (always bright green colour), which stand in pairs on short foot-stalks, when bruised very fragrant. Flowers grow in bunches at end of branches. At the start of the rainy season long greenish buds appear; from the extremity of these the corolla comes which is of a lovely rosy peach colour; as the corolla fades the calyx turns yellow, then red. The calyces, with the embryo seed, are at this stage beaten from the tree and when dried are the cloves of commerce. The flowers have a strong refreshing odour. If the seeds are allowed to mature, most of the pungency is lost. Each berry has only one seed. The trees fruit usually about eight or nine years after planting. The whole tree is highly aromatic. The spice was introduced into Europe from the fourth to the sixth century.

Parts used
Undeveloped flowers.

Usage
Great aromatic for cooking, widely used in sweets and bakery productsΝodyne, antiemetic, antiseptic.
Toothache, oral hygiene: Dentists use clove oil as an oral anesthetic. They also use it to disinfect root canals.
Antiseptic Uses: Clove oil is the active ingredient in several mouthwash and a number of over-the-counter toothache pain-relief preparations.
Infection fighter: Clove kills intestinal parasites and exhibits broad antimicrobial properties against fungi and bacteria supporting its traditional use as a treatment for diarrhea, intestinal worms, and other digestive ailments.
Digestive aid: Like many culinary spices, clove may help relax the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract.
Clove oil will stop the pain of a toothache when dropped into a cavity. A few drops of the oil in water will stop vomiting, and clove tea will relieve nausea. Eating cloves is said to be aphrodisiac.
It is a strong germicide, a powerful antiseptic, a feeble local anesthetic applied to decayed teeth, and has been used with success as a stimulating expectorant in phthisis and bronchial troubles. Fresh infusion of Cloves contains astringent matter as well as the volatile oil. The infusion and Clove water are good vehicles for alkalies and aromatics.

Infusion: Use 1 teaspoon of powdered herb per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 to 20 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day.

External use: Decoction can be applied onto wounds. Great for mouthwash.

* The information here should not be considered medical advice, and you should always consult a physician before beginning any herbal therapy.