Cloves have a local anesthetic effect and are therefore used in dentistry for local analgesia. Furthermore, cloves are used for inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat, and traditionally as a means to relieve flatulence.
Apart from the medicinal use of cloves, they are also used as a spice.
Cloves in folk medicine
Since the 13th century, cloves have been used in folk medicine to relieve toothache, flatulence and digestive problems. Today they play a role, often in combination with other medicinal plants, as a stomachic (stomachic), antiflatulent (carminative) and tonic.
Homeopathic use of cloves.
Homeopathic use corresponds in the broadest sense to the officinal use. Again, cloves are mainly used to relieve toothache.
Ingredients of cloves
The flower buds of cloves contain large amounts of essential oil (14-26%). Eugenol is the main component of the oil (75-85%), along with smaller amounts of eugenol acetate (up to 15%) and β-caryophyllene (up to 7%). Other constituents of cloves include circa 0.4% flavonoids, phenolic carboxylic acids, tannins, triterpenes, and small amounts of fatty oil.
Cloves: indication
Cloves are used medicinally in the following applications:
- Pain
- Toothache
- Inflammation of the oral mucosa
- Inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa
- Digestive problems
- Flatulence
