Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata)

Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) is a member of the Myrtaceae family, native to Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Traditionally, its fruits, bark, and resin have been used for decoctions, infusions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and carminative actions, and has a long history of use in ayurvedic medicine, traditional chinese medicine, and european herbal medicine.

Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Clove
Scientific Name	Eugenia caryophyllata
Plant Family	Myrtaceae
Genus	Eugenia
Species	caryophyllata
Native Range	Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia
Plant Parts Used	Fruits, Bark, Resin
Primary Medicinal Actions	Astringent, Anti-Inflammatory, Carminative
Primary Traditional Systems	Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, European Herbal Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Eugenia caryophyllata
Common Name: Clove
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Allspice, Syzygium Aromaticum, Jamaican Pepper
Plant Family: Myrtaceae
Genus: Eugenia

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 4 to 12 meters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with upper surface dark brown and lower surface pale brown, featuring prominent stomatal bands.
Flowers: Bilaterally symmetric flowers with four fused petals forming a tube, two lobes at the mouth, and two stamens, yellow anthers, and a superior ovary with two chambers.
Stems: Woody, erect, unbranched stems with smooth, reddish-brown bark, bearing opposite, sessile, elliptical leaves.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Ayurvedic Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine
European Herbal Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Astringent: In herbal literature, noted as a cooling astringent, for skin-related applications.
Anti-inflammatory: In herbal texts, considered a calming anti-inflammatory, in topical or internal use contexts.
Carminative: As described in traditional systems, a gentle carminative, for digestive process support.
Tonic: Traditionally described as a warming tonic, for foundational support.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: Naturally occurring plant oils composed primarily of volatile constituents.
Tannin: High-molecular-weight phenolic compounds found in many plant species.
Flavonoid: A group of naturally occurring compounds commonly present in many flowering plants.
Phenolic Acid: A class of aromatic plant compounds commonly found in leaves, seeds, and stems.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Some general precautions have been associated with the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Contraindications for this herb are not clearly established in available sources.
Allergies: Sensitivity or allergy-related effects have not been clearly established.
Drug Interactions: Interactions with prescription medications have not been well documented.
Toxicity: Reports of toxicity related to this herb are not well documented in available literature.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well documented.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: A preparation method involving steeping plant material in heated water for a short period.
Decoction: Plant material is simmered in water to extract compounds from tougher parts.
Poultice: Poultices involve external application of prepared plant matter.
Capsule: Powdered plant material is enclosed in a capsule for oral consumption.
Culinary Use: Plant material is incorporated into food or beverages for flavor or aroma.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.