Medicinal Properties of Cloves – for Tooth Pain, Sore Throat, Parasites... How to Use Cloves in Medicine

Clove flower buds represent a prized spice derived from dried flower buds harvested before full bloom. The trees from which this spice is obtained are primarily cultivated in Indonesia, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka. After four years of cultivation, the first flower buds emerge, forming the basis of this spice. Research conducted by Pérez-Jiménez and colleagues demonstrated that clove flower buds are the richest source of polyphenols among the 100 richest sources of these compounds. The findings indicate that 100 grams of this spice contains 15,188 mg of polyphenolic compounds. Furthermore, clove flower buds exhibit significant antioxidant potential, comparable to butylated hydroxytoluene – a synthetic food preservative. The primary active component of this spice is eugenol.

The analgesic properties of clove flowers have been recognized for centuries. Historically, they served as a home remedy for dental and joint pain. Even today, they are recommended to alleviate pain, such as that caused by cavities. To achieve the desired effect, simply place a clove flower on the aching tooth and wait for its action. Alternatively, a cotton swab can be soaked in clove oil and gently massaged onto the painful area. However, it should be noted that this method provides only temporary relief, without addressing the root cause of the pain. Modern medicine enables causative treatment, but clove flowers can serve as a temporary solution.

Can cloves be effective in treating upper respiratory tract infections? Research suggests they can. Studies have examined the antibacterial properties of several essential oils derived from natural sources against common respiratory pathogens. The most effective oils were found to be cinnamon, thyme, and clove oil. Notably, these oils also demonstrated efficacy against antibiotic-resistant strains. One of the most sensitive bacteria to these oils was identified as the cause of pneumonia. When experiencing throat pain, it may be beneficial to crush a few cloves and chew them briefly. Due to their analgesic properties, this approach can help alleviate discomfort while also targeting the bacteria responsible for inflammation.

Eugenol, the primary component of cloves, demonstrates antiparasitic effects. However, it should not be used independently for parasite elimination. Research indicates that this compound inhibits the growth of lamblia, a globally prevalent parasite that inhabits the small intestine of infected individuals. Eimeria, a type of parasite causing coccidiosis, is relatively common in poultry. In vitro studies revealed that oils from thyme, cloves, and tea tree oil effectively eradicated these parasites. This finding is promising, suggesting that natural plant-derived compounds may offer a viable approach to combating such organisms. Eugenol also exhibits antifungal properties - for instance, its addition to fluconazol, a medication used to treat Candida albicans infections, enhances its efficacy.

During pregnancy, excessive consumption of carnations and their derived oils should be avoided. Research indicates that eugenol derivatives may pose risks to developing embryos. In rats administered isoeugenol, delayed fetal development, irregular feeding patterns in pregnant animals, and cranial formation abnormalities were observed. Additionally, carnations can serve as a natural breath freshener. Instead of chewing gum with artificial sweeteners, it is advisable to chew a few pieces of carnation petals for about 2 minutes to refresh breath and leave a pleasant taste in the mouth.