Clove
CLOVE
Healing Power and Curative Properties Cloves have many medicinal virtues. They are stimulant. They are useful in counteracting spasmodic disorders and in relieving flatulence. They help stimulate sluggish circulation and thereby promote digestion and metabolism. In the Indian system of medicine, cloves are used in various conditions either in the form of a powder or a decoction made from them. Clove oil contains ingredients that help stabilize blood circulation and regulate body temperature. Clove oil, applied outwardly, has stimulating effects on the skin, producing heat and redness.
Summary - Digestive Disorders, Cholera, Coughs, Asthma, Teeth Disorders, Earache, Muscular Cramps, Headaches, Stye
Digestive Disorders Cloves promote enzymatic flow and boost digestive functioning. They are used in various forms of gastric irritability and dyspepsia. Licking the powder of fried cloves mixed with honey is effective in controlling vomiting. The anesthetic action of clove numbs the gullet and stomach and stops vomiting.
Cholera Cloves are very useful for treating cholera. About 4 grams of cloves are boiled in 3 liters of water until half the water has evaporated. This water, taken in draughts, will check severe symptoms of the disease.
Coughs Chewing a clove with a crystal of common salt eases expectoration, relieves the irritation in the throat and stops cough in the pharynges—that is, inflammation of the pharynx. Chewing a burnt clove is also an effective medicine for coughs caused by congested throat and pharyngitis.
Three to five drops of clove oil mixed with honey and a clove of garlic helps alleviate the
painful spasmodic coughs in tuberculosis, asthma and bronchitis. It should be taken once before going to bed.
Asthma Clove is an effective remedy for asthma. A teaspoon of decoction prepared by boiling 6 cloves in 30 ml of water can be taken with honey thrice daily as an expectorant.
Teeth Disorders The use of a clove in toothache decreases pain. It also helps to decrease infection due to its antiseptic properties. Clove oil, applied to a cavity in a decayed tooth, also relieves toothache.
Earache A clove sautéed in a teaspoon of sesame oil and 3 to 5 drops of this (warm) oil put into the ear can cure earache.
Muscular Cramps Muscular cramps are often relieved when the oil of dove is applied as a poultice near the affected portion.
Headaches A paste of clove and salt crystals in milk is a common household remedy for headaches. Salt, as a hygroscopic agent, absorbs fluid and decreases tension.
Stye Clove is one of the best remedies for styes which is an inflammation around the eyelash. A clove stub rubbed in water and then applied over the stye gives relief.
Other Uses Cloves are used as a table spice and mixed with chilies, cinnamon, turmeric and other spices in the preparation of curry powder. They are also used to flavor the betel quid (pan pad). Clove oil is used in the manufacture of perfumes, soaps, bath salts and as a flavoring agent in medicine and dentistry.