CLOVES

(Syzygium aromaticum)

    Cloves, which gives you a sharp and spicy flavor, are the dried flower buds of the clove tree. Cloves is native to Indonesia and can grow up to 25 feet high.

    In the Middle Ages people studded oranges with cloves as a protection against plague. They believed that this would ward off bad luck.

Jewish people smell cloves in the service that closes the Sabbath (Havdalah). Take internally (tea) for an upset stomach, chills and impotence. You can also chew a clove to freshen your breath or to ease the pain of a toothache.

    Apply externally (essential oil) for toothache, headache, cold, arthritis and rheumatism.

    According to a study at the University of Iowa, two little-known compounds in clove oil have shown "strong activity" against bacteria associated with plaque formation and gum disease.

Clove oil is very potent and it can cause gum irritation, so it is best to dilute the clove oil with equal amounts of vegetable oil. For infants you need to make an even milder dilution. Mix four drops of clove oil to one tablespoon vegetable oil.

To determine whether a clove is fresh or not, put them in water. If the cloves float vertically or sink to the bottom they are fresh. You can use cloves in baking and to give flavor to preserved meat.

    Parts used: Dried powdered flower buds and oil.

    Don't use if you are pregnant, or if you have sensitive skin.