Cloves are more than a kitchen spice – they carry centuries of wisdom and healing within their tiny buds. Whether you enjoy them in a warming winter tea, a soothing mouth rinse, or sprinkled in your cooking, cloves have a way of bringing comfort while quietly supporting your body. They invite us to slow down, savour the flavours of nature, and let their gentle strength work in the background.
Name: Clove
Latin Name: Syzygium aromaticum
Energetics: Warming, stimulating, aromatic

Key Properties

  • Rich in eugenol, the main volatile oil that gives clove its analgesic, antiseptic, and anaesthetic qualities.
  • Traditionally used to numb toothache.
  • Excellent in natural mouthwashes: helps reduce swollen gums and supports gum tissue health.​
  • Protective effect on teeth – eugenol helps guard against acids that erode dentin, supporting remineralisation.

Digestive Support

  • Carminative – eases bloating and digestive discomfort.
  • Stimulates the production and secretion of digestive enzymes, aiding assimilation of nutrients.​

​ Immune & Antimicrobial Benefits

  • Rich in antioxidants, helping the body fight oxidative stress and free radical damage.
  • Antimicrobial – eugenol has been shown to fight harmful organisms, supporting the body in easing infections and protecting against viruses and bacteria.
  • Antifungal – can inhibit yeast such as Candida.
  • Strong antibacterial qualities.
Constituents
  • Volatile oils (especially eugenol – up to 80–90%)
  • Tannins
  • Flavonoids (including kaempferol, rhamnetin)
  • Triterpenoids
  • Methyl salicylate
  • Sterols

​Uses & Applications

  • Dental care: A few drops of clove-infused oil or a clove bud can be applied carefully to aching teeth or gums for temporary relief.
  • Mouthwash: Add to herbal rinses to support gum and oral health.
  • Digestive aid: Used in teas or culinary blends to reduce bloating and aid digestion.
  • Immune support: Infused in honey, syrups, or teas to help the body fight infections.​
  • Culinary spice: Adds warmth and depth to sweet and savoury dishes, while carrying medicinal benefits.
References
The Gaia School of Healing and Earth Studies