Syzygium Aromaticum

SYZYGIUM AROMATICUM

Syzygium Aromaticum is also known is Clove. This is a spice or condiment that has been used in the kitchen for centuries. Clove is known as Laung in Hindi and is obtained from an evergreen tree. Clove is the dried unopened bud obtained from a middle sized tree.
The trunk of this tree is straight and can grow up to a height of 12 metres. The tree has large leaves and the flowers form small clusters. The clove is harvested when it is 1.5 to 2 cm long and consists of long calyx, 4 unopened petals and 4 sepals.
The English name is derived from the Latin word ‘clavus’ nail as the bud resembles the shape of a nail. The clove is known to have once been one of the most expensive and valuable commodities available across the globe.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SYZYGIUM AROMATICUM

Clove has been used in Chinese and Indian cuisine for over a period of 2000 years. This spice helps in checking tooth decay and combats the problem of halitosis or bad breath. In Persia this spice is known for its aphrodisiacal properties.
This evergreen tree is native to the islands of Molucca. The Chinese obtained this spice in the 3rd Century BC and then imported it to Alexandria in early 176 AD. By the 8th Century this condiment was available in use across Europe. As on date, Zanzibar is a leading producer of Syzygium Aromaticum. The other countries that supply this herb to the world are Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, India and Madagascar.
The buds, stem, and leaves of the tree are steam distilled to obtain essential oils. The clove bud oil is obtained from the buds and eugenol acetate and carophyllene.

Clove is a common table spice with is usually mixed with cinnamon, turmeric and chillies to prepare curry powder. It is also used to flavor betel leaves and its oil is used in the manufacturing of perfumes, soaps, baths salts as well as flavoring agents in toothpastes.

THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES OF SYZYGIUM AROMATICUM

Clove is known to have excellent medicinal virtues. It acts as a stimulant and is very useful in relieving problems of spasmodic disorders. It relieves flatulence and stimulates the sluggishness of blood circulation promoting digestion. The oil of cloves regulates the body temperature and can stimulate the skin by producing heat.

NUTRIENT COMPOSITION

When researchers evaluated the properties of clove they found that it was rich in protein, volatile oil, fat, crude fibres, carbohydrates and calcium. It also contained significant amounts of riboflavin, niacin, Vitamin A and C, phosphorus, iron, pottasium and sodium.The calorific value of clove was recorded at 430.

CARE FOR AILMENTS

Clove or Syzygium Aromaticum, the popular Indian Spice can relieve ailments such as:-

• Digestive Disorders: Cloves improve enzymatic flow and the digestive system. It can also relieve dyspepsia as well as control gastric irritability. Licking the powder made of fried cloves with honey is effective in controlling vommitting.
• Cholera: Relieving cholera is also possible by consuming clove in the right quantity.
• Coughs: Chew on clove and salt relieves the irritation in the throat and helps in relieving pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharynx).
• Asthma: Clove is a very effective remedy for relieving patients suffering from asthma. A decoction of the plant taken with honey can work wonders for an asthamtic patient.
• Teeth Disorder: Clove is suggested for people who complain of tooth ache. It helps in decreasing infection and has remarkable antiseptic properties. Clove oil is also applied on decaying tooth.
• Ear Ache: Clove sauted in sesame oil can help in relieving the problem of pain in the ear.
• Muscular Cramps: Clove oil applied as a poultice near the cramped area helps in relaxing the muscle.
• Head aches: Paste made of clove and salt with milk is a household remedy used for relieving headaches.
• Stye: Inflammation around the eyelash can be relieved by using a clove stub and water on the affected area.

SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONARY TIPS WHILE USING SYZYGIUM AROMATICUM

Clove or Syzygium Aromaticum generates a lot of heat and excessive intake can cause boils or pimples. Besides that it is a relatively safe herb to use and seldom has any drastic side effects. Its use can however, be restricted with children and pregnant women.

PLANET AYURVEDA PRODUCTS THAT USE THIS HERB

Currently there are no Planet Ayurveda Products that use this herb as an ingredient in them; however the below mentioned Planet Ayurveda products are useful in some conditions for which Digitalis Purpurea is used: