Botanical and Common Names

• Family Cupressaceae
• Cupressus sempervirens (Common Cypress)
• Taxodium mucronatum (Montezuma Cypress; Spanish: Ahuehuete, Sabino; Nahuatl: Ahuehuetl

Cautions

• Do not take the essential oil internally without professional supervision.

Description

 Indigenous to Turkey and cultivated throughout the Mediterranean region, the cypress is an evergreen tree, growing to 100 feet, having tiny dark green, feathery leaves and male and female cones. The herb is gathered in the spring. Native to Mexico, the Montezuma Cypress looks a little like the giant cypress trees, with a brown bark, brilliant blue-green foliage, and conical fruit.

History

 Ancient Greeks took the cones, mashed and steeped them in wine, for dysentery, the coughing up of blood, asthma, and coughs.

The Spanish name comes from the Aztec words for "old one of the water" because they live for hundreds of years.

It is said that Cortés knelt and wept under such a tree outside Tenochtitlán during his temporary defeat on June 30, 1520, at the hands of the Aztec forces.

The ancient tree of Tule, near Oaxaca, is a tourist attraction, and stands more than 144 feet high and 160 feet in circumference.

The Aztecs used a tea made from the leaves and bark to bathe wounds. They also placed a piece of burned bark directly on sores, burns, and ulcerations of the skin.

Packets of twigs and needles are commonly found in botánicas and markets in Mexican markets and in Mexican-American neighbourhoods.

Key Actions

• astringent
• antispasmodic
• mild antiseptic
• tonic
• vasoconstrictor

Key Components

• volatile oil (pinene, camphene, cedrol)
• tannins

Medicinal Parts

• Cones, branches, essential oil

Traditional Uses

 Used internally, is an expectorant for head colds, coughs, bronchitis, and for whooping cough.

Externally, it is used in ointment or lotion forms and applied to varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

A footbath of the cones is prepared as a foot cleanser and to counter excessive sweating.

Such conditions as colds, flu, sore throats, rheumatic aches, and pains also benefit from cypress.

In Latin America, all parts of the tree are used to heal hemorrhoids, varicose veins, chest congestion, scabies, and wounds.

Botanical Name

• Family Primulaceae
• Primula species

Common Names

• Primrose (P. vulgaris), Cowslip (P. veris), Peagles, English Cowslip, True Cowslip, Butter Rose, Herb Peter Paigle Peggle, Key Flower, Key of Heaven, Fairy Caps, Petty Mulleins, Buckles, Crewel, Palsywort, Plumrocks, Mayflower, Password, Arthritica, Our Lady’s Keys, Keys of St. Peter, Oxlip, Primula, Primuli

Cautions

• Avoid the root if sensitive to aspirin.
• Do not take high doses of the herb during pregnancy because it is a uterine stimulant.
• Do not take if on blood-thinning or anticoagulant drugs.
• Excessive doses can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Description

 Native to Europe and western Asia, the plant is a member of about 500 species that prefer fields and pastures with chalky soil. It is rarely seen in the wild anywhere in the world anymore and should not be picked if one is found. In many areas of Europe, the plant has been picked almost to extinction, mainly to make seductive cowslip wine, but also for the childish delight of sucking the sweet nectar from the flowers.

It is a hairy perennial, growing to about four inches in height, producing a basal rosette of slightly rough oblong leaves. The stems of the cowslip bear clusters of bright yellow bell-shaped flowers with reddish centers of each petal. The flowers of the primrose vary slightly in that they are paler yellow with golden centers at the bottom of each petal. The flowers are harvested in the spring, while the roots are gathered in the fall from established plants.

History

 The Cowslip take its name from the Anglo-Saxon cu-sloppe, a reminder of the days when they bloomed in meadows among dairy herds. It is also speculated that the name resulted because the scent of the flowers has a unique milky aroma like that of a cow’s breath or that of a new baby.

The plant is so closely associated with springtime that it is known as primavera, or spring, in Spanish and Italian.

The plant has long been reputed to preserve beauty, as stated by a 16th century herbalist, William Turner.

Key Actions

(a) Flowers

• astringent
• calming
• promote sweating
• sedating nervine

(b) Root

• antispasmodic
• anti-inflammatory
• astringent
• stimulating expectorant

Key Components

(a) Flowers

• volatile oil
• glycosides
• bitters
• flavonoids

(b) Root

• saponins
• glycosides
• salicylates
• volatile oil
• tannin
• flavonoids
• sugars
• silicic acid

Medicinal Parts

• Flowers, root
• The plant is rich in glycosides, consisting of several sugar parts and one non-sugar part. It is the non-sugar parts, called aglycones, that have the therapeutic action.

Remedies

(a) Flowers

• Infusions are used to treat headaches, feverish chills, or head colds with mucus.
• Tincture are used for insomnia, anxiety, or over-excitement.
• Compresses soaked in hot infusion are applied to facial or trigeminal neuralgia.
• Ointment is used on sunburns and skin blemishes.
• Essential oil is used for insomnia by placing a few drops into the bathwater.
• Massage oil is made by diluting essential oil into a neutral oil and using to treat nerve pain or, when applied to the temples, for migraine headaches.

(b) Root

• Decoctions are taken to clear stubborn phlegm, especially during chronic bronchitis; but it can also relieve arthritis and rheumatism.
• Tinctures are taken for the same ailments as the decoction.
• Compresses soaked in a decoction are used for painful arthritic joints.

Traditional Uses

 The roots are high in saponins, irritating chemicals with expectorant properties, which make it a good herb to take for colds and bronchitis. It is also rich in salicylates, which have similar actions to aspirin. The flowers, however, contain neither of these compounds.

The flowers have very different uses in herbal medicine. The petals are very sedating and ideal for excited states. They also promote sweating and can be used for feverish colds, nasal congestion, and flu.

The roots were once a popular European standby for arthritis, but are now used mainly for chesty coughs. The root does help to stimulate and warm the lungs, which can be helpful when phlegm needs encouragement to move out.

Botanical Name

• Family Asteraceae (formerly Compositae)
• Centaurea cyanus

Common Names

• Centaurea, Batchelor’s Buttons, Bluebonnet, Bluebottle, Blue Centaury, Cyani, Bluebow, Hurtsickle, Blue Cap, Cyani-flowers

Cautions

• None listed

Description

 Native to the Near East, cornflower now grows wild in all temperate regions, often in cornfields. It is an annual, or biennial, growing to three feet producing multi-branched stems, a basal rosette of leaves, and sky-blue flowers, which are gathered just after they open.

History

 Cornflower's medicinal properties were first mentioned in the 12th century writings of Hildegard of Bingen. Later, the herbalist, Pierandrea Mattioli (1501-1577), recommended it on the basis of the Doctrine of Signatures, which held that a plant's appearance indicated the ailments it would cure. Since the flower's deep blue colour symbolized healthy eyes, it became a prime treatment for eye ailments — which may explain why it never caught on in countries where the eye colour is not blue!

In France, the plant is known as casse-lunette meaning "break glasses". A related species, C. scabiosa (Greater knapweed), formed part of the medieval salve, an ointment applied to wounds and skin infections.

Key Actions

• antiseptic
• antibacterial
• bitter
• digestive tonic
• mild laxative
• stimulant for liver and gall bladder

Key Components

• anthocyans
• bitter principles
• coumarins
• flavonoids
• mildly antibiotic

Medicinal Parts

• Flowers, seeds, leaves

Traditional Uses

 In France, the plant is still used as a remedy for the eyes, including conjunctivitis and inflammations. A strained infusion is used as an eyewash, and the petals are applied as a poultice.

The petals are also taken as a bitter tonic and stimulant improving digestion, as well as for possibly supporting the liver function. Poultices made from the petals can also be used for eye problems. The petals may also improve resistance to infection.

The seeds are used as a mild laxative for children.

The leaves are used in decoctions for rheumatic complaints and as a hair rinse to treat scalp eczema. A douche is used to treat vaginal candida infections.

Botanical Name

• Family Umbelliferae
• Coriandrum sativum

Common Name

• Cilantro, Coriander seed, Chinese parsley

Cautions

• Do not take essential oil internally.

Description

 Native to southern Europe and western Asian, this herb is now cultivated worldwide. It is a strongly aromatic annual, growing to about twenty inches. The upper leaves are finely cut and called Cilantro. The white or pink flowers produce beige seed coats with little, round seeds known as Coriander.

History

 For over 2,000 years, coriander has been used throughout Asia, northern Africa, and Europe.

It is listed in the Ebers papyrus, dating about 1,500 BCE. The herb was apparently much used in ancient Egypt, as well as in ancient Greece by Hippocrates and other physicians.

The herb reached China during the Han Dynasty (202 BCE-9 CE).

>Pliny (23-79 CE) described its use: "for spreading sores…diseased testes, burns, carbuncles, fluxes of the eyes, too, if woman's milk be added".

Key Actions

• antispasmodic
• antibacterial
• antifungal
• digestive stimulant

Key Components

• volatile oil (up to 1.5% mainly of delta-linalool [70%], as well as alpha-pinene and terpinine)
• fatty oil
• coumarins
• flavonoids
• malic acid
• phthalides
• phenolic acids
• tannins

Medicinal Parts

• Seeds, essential oil, leaves
• Recent research indicates that coriander also has insulin-like abilities and may be helpful in treating some forms of diabetes.

Traditional Uses

 Coriander is more often used as a culinary spice and to flavour cigarettes rather than a medicine; but an infusion of the seeds is a gentle remedy for flatulence, bloating, and cramps. As a digestive aid, it settles spasms in the gut and counters nervous disorders. It can also help control blood sugar levels. Infusions are taken inbetween meals for digestive complaints, while tinctures are taken after meals.

It is also used for coughs, chest pains, bladder complaints, leprosy rash, fever, dysentery, headaches (external use), oral inflammations, and postpartum complications.

In Chinese medicine, it is used for loss of appetite, the pre-eruptive phase of chicken pox and measles, hemorrhoids, and rectal prolapse.

In Ayurvedic medicine, it is used to treat nose bleeds, coughs, hemorrhoids, scrofulous, painful micturation, edema, bladder complaints, vomiting, amoebic dysentery, and dizziness.

The leaves are chewed to sweeten the breath, especially after eating garlic.

The seeds can be made into poultices, lotions, or salves for external use to prevent infection of wounds and to ease muscle and joint aches.

Botanical and Common Names

• Family Leguminosae (Fabaceae)
• Copaifera langsdorffi (Copaiba Balsam, Copaiva)
• Copaifera officinalis (Copaiba, Jesuit's balsam, Copal, Balsam)

Cautions

• Use only under the guidance of a knowledgeable professional as it is toxic in overdose.

Description

 Indigenous to the tropical regions of South America, mainly Peru, Brazil, Panama, and Venezuela, the tree also is found in South Africa. Copaiba is an evergreen tree, reaching up to 100 feet in height, producing compound leaves and small yellow flowers. The medicinal part is the resinous oil that is bitter to the taste and yellow-brown in colour. It is obtained from drillings into the trunk. A single tree can yield up to forty liters of resin.

History

 The resin was used by native Brazilians long before the arrival of Europeans. It was introduced into Europe in the 16th century.

In 1625, a Portuguese monk observed that it was used to heal wounds and to remove scars.

As well as being used for medicinal purposes, the resinous oil has also been used for nonmedical purposes, including as an additive to perfumes and varnishes.

Key Actions

• antimicrobial
• antiseptic
• diuretic
• expectorant
• laxative
• stimulant

Key Components

• volatile oil (30-90% mainly alpha- and beta-caryophyllene, sesquiterpenes, resins, and terpenic acids)

Medicinal Parts

• Oleo-resin
• Brazilian researchers found in a 1998 study that there was less damage to the stomach tissue and concluded that the resin increased mucus production that acted as an antacid.

Traditional Uses

 Copaiba is used mainly in Brazil for infections of the urinary and respiratory tracts, as well as for kidney stones and gonorrhea. It irritates the mucous membranes and promotes the coughing up of phlegm.

Tintures are used in homeopathic medicine for bronchitis and catarrh, as well as chronic cystitis, diarrhea, and hemorrhoids.

It has also been used as a styptic for wounds and ulcers to promote healing. Infusions are used to wash wounds, eczema, and other skin diseases.

Several of the forty Copaifera species yield a medicinal oleo-resin. The main one is Copaiba, but others are tapped as well including the following: C. coriacea, C. multijuga, C. officinalis, and C. reticulata. In Zimbabwe, a decoction of C. mopane is inhaled for temporary insanity.

Botanical Name

• Family Asclepiadaceae
• Marsdenia cundurango syn. Gonolobus condurango

Common Name

• Eagle Vine

Cautions

• The plant contains a latex, which is poisonous, and should never be taken internally.

Description

 Native to the deciduous forests of the Andes in Peru and Ecuador, the climbing vine grows to thirty feet. It has heart-shaped leaves and funnel-shaped, whitish green flowers. It is generally found growing at altitudes between 1,000 and 2,000 feet. The bark is collected throughout the year.

History

 Early in the 20th century, the plant was thought to be a cure for cancer.

Key Actions

• digestive tonic
• stimulates gastric secretions
• stimulates liver and pancreas

Key Components

• glycosides (based on condurangogenins)
• volatile oil
• phytosterols
• caffeic acid derivatives
• flavonoids (including rutin, saponarin, quercitrin)

Medicinal Parts

• Bark, latex
• Research is still determining the effects of the condurangogenins in the plant to counter tumors.

Traditional Uses

 The caustic white latex is used to remove warts.

In South America, the bark is used as a bitter and digestive tonic that stimulates the liver and pancreas. Its bitterness slowly increases the appetite and the stomach's ability to process increased quantities of food. It is a specific treatment for nervous indigestion and anorexia nervosa.

A related species, M. zimapanica, is native to Mexico and has been used to poison coyotes.

Botanical Name

• Family Asteraceae (formerly Compositae)
• Tussilago farfara

Common Names

• Colt’s Foot, British Tobacco, Bullsfoot, Butterbur, Coughwort, Cough Herb, Flower Velure, Foal’s Foot, Fool's Foot, Horse-foot, Horsehoof, Hallfoot, Ass’s Foot, Foalswort, Fieldhove, Donnhove

Cautions

• Because the herb contains minute amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can cause liver damage, it should be used internally only under professional guidance. Note that Swedish researchers have determined that these alkaloids are destroyed when making a decoction.
• Do not take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
• The herb is not suitable for children under six.

Description

 Native to Europe and northern Asia, the plant has been naturalized in North America and has spread to northern Africa. The herb is a perennial, growing to about a foot high producing flowering stems with purple scales, yellow-gold flowers, and heart-shaped leaves.

It is a common plant found along roadsides and in open areas, inhabiting damp, clay-rich soil and arable land; but it will grow in an urban environment, as well as in the country. It quickly becomes established in new areas before that of other plants. The flowers are gathered in late winter, while the leaves are picked in summer.

History

 The herb has been used for at least 2,500 years, almost exclusively in the treatment of bronchial and pulmonary disorders, hence its common names.

Native North Americans have used it for thousands of years, placing considerable value on its curative properties in cases of cold, coughs, lung diseases, and skin ailments. The Lummi Indians also used it as an emetic (induces vomiting).

Dioscorides recommended smoking coltsfoot for coughs and asthma.

The botanical name of the plant is Latin for "cough dispeller," and even now, some herbal cigarettes contain the herb.

The flowers appear in early spring and the leaves only after the flowers have died down; hence, the plant's old name of filius ante patrem (the son before the father).

Key Actions

• anti-inflammatory
• antispasmodic
• demulcent
• emollient
• expectorant
• immunostimulant
• reduces phlegm
• relaxant
• topical tissue healer

Key Components

• mucilage (8%)
• tannins (10%)
• pyrrolizidine alkaloids (not in all plants)
• inulin
• minerals (including zinc, potassium, calcium)
• vitamin C
• bitter principle
• sterols
• flavonoids (including rutin)

Medicinal Parts

• Aerial parts
• The plant also contains a phytochemical known as tussilagone, a potent cardiovascular and respiratory stimulant.

Remedies

(a) Flowers

• decoction for all coughs, including those with phlegm
• tincture for chronic and persistent coughs (combines well with thyme and elecampane)
• syrup for coughs, being more moistening for dry, stubborn coughs than the infusion

(b) Leaves

• decoction for coughs and phlegm and topically to relieve itching
• tincture for chronic or persistent coughs
• poultice is applied to ulcers, sores, and other slow-to-heal wounds, as well as rheumatism
• compress to treat swellings

Traditional Uses

 The leaves are very rich in minerals, especially zinc which is known for its healing. Also rich in tannins, its astringent nature promotes rapid tissue healing. The leaves can be applied fresh to skin sores and chronic wounds.

The leaves, either dried or fresh, are used to treat colds, coughs, bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough, tuberculosis, flu, sinus problems, and sore throats.

The flowers have expectorant and antispasmodic qualities and are ideal for a wide range of chest conditions, including bronchitis, asthma, and stubborn, irritating coughs. The plants mucilagens have a soothing effect on the bronchi and will protect delicate mucous membranes from further irritation.

In Chinese medicine, only the flowers (kuan dong hua) are used, and specifically for coughs with copious amounts of phlegm, and to reinforce the rising lung energy (qi) to descend. It has a long history as an emollient and refrigerant.

Botanical and Common Names

• Family Rubiaceae
• Galium aparine (Cleavers, Clivers, Goosegrass, Barweed, Hedgeheriff, Hayriffe, Eriffe, Grip Grass, Hayruff, Catchweed, Scratweed, Mutton Chops, Robin-run-in-the-Grass, Love-man, Goosebill, Everlasting Friendship, Bedstraw, Coachweed, Cleaverwort, Goose Grass, Gosling Weed, Hedge-burs, Stick-a-back, Sweethearts)
• Galium odorata (Woodruff, Sweet Woodruff, Master of the Wood, Woodwrad, Waldmeister)
• Galium verum (Lady’s Bedstraw, Yellow Galium, Cheese Rennet, Curdwort, Maid’s Hair, Yellow Cleavers, Petty Mugget, Cheese Renning)

Cautions

• Excessive doses can cause internal bleeding and should not be taken if on conventional medication for circulatory problems or during pregnancy.
• As the plant dries, coumarin is released, containing as much as 1% in the freshly dried product. Therefore, it should not be taken with other anticoagulant medications.
• Do not use if there are existing kidney problems.

Description

Cleavers is a straggling annual, growing to about four feet in height. The plant is common throughout Europe and North America and found in many other temperate zones, including Australia. It grows prolifically in gardens and along roadsides, intertwining through hedges and producing long, sticky stems with Velcro-like, green fruits, sometimes called burrs. Each plant has the ability to produce some 3,500 seeds that often withstand the winter and get a jump-start on other plants in the spring. Livestock and birds relish its bitter flavour. For medicinal use, it is gathered when just about to flower in late spring.

Woodruff is a perennial, growing to about eighteen inches in height with a square stem, whorls of narrow elliptical leaves, and small white flowers. Native to Europe, it is also found in Asia, Siberia, and North Africa, and is harvested during or shortly before the flowering season.

Lady’s Bedstraw is a short, also sprawling, perennial that grows to almost three feet in height, producing whorls of leaves and tufts of very small bright yellow flowers. The plant can be found throughout Europe, except in Lapland and arctic Russia. It also grows in Asia Minor, Iran, and Syria, thriving in dry meadows, along roadsides, and in wayside places. It is harvested during the flowering season of summer.

History

 Cleavers received its name from its ability to cling (or cleave) to fur or clothing. Dioscorides, a 1st century Greek physician, prescribed it for weariness. Ancient Greek shepherds fashioned sieves from its vinelike stems; and, in some areas of Sweden, some dairy farmers still strain milk through such sieves.

English poulty farmers encourage its growth because it is a favoured food of geese, which explains its nickname of goosegrass.

Lady’s Bedstraw was named for obvious reasons. Because of its pleasing scent, it was often used to stuff mattresses; and, during medieval times, it was strewn on the floor to rid rooms of unpleasant odours. Its yellow flowers were also used to curdle milk and to colour cheese. An herbal from 1735, advocated using the crushed flowers to alleviate inflammation of burns and wounds.

Woodruff was used in a similar manner as Lady’s Bedstraw. Because of its scent of newly cut hay, it was often placed inbetween clothing and strewn about. It was also used on bruises, boils, and inflammations.

Woodruff has long been used to flavour wines, as stated by Gerard; and the practice continues with it now being used mainly to flavour alcoholic beverages such as bitters, May wine, and vermouth.

Key Actions

• anti-inflammatory
• antispasmodic
• diuretic
• induces sleep
• lymphatic cleanser
• mild astringent

Key Components

(a) Cleavers

• anthraquinones (only in the root)
• alkanes
• flavonoids
• iridoids (including asperuloside)
• polyphenolic acids
• tannins

(b) Woodruff

• anthraquinones
• coumarins
• flavonoids
• iridoids
• tannins

(c) Lady’s Bedstraw

• anthraquinones
• alkanes
• flavonoids
• iridoids (including asperuloside)
• rennin

Medicinal Parts

• Aerial parts
• According to French research in 1947, an extract of cleavers appeared to lower blood pressure.

Remedies

 Infusions are taken for kidney stones and other urinary problems, as well as serving as a cooling drink for fevers.

Juice is obtained from the fresh plant and used in such serious illnesses, as cancer, and as a strong diuretic to rid the body of toxins. It is also used for kidney stones and other urinary problems, including prostate disorders and makes an effective lymphatic cleanser for a range of conditions.

Tinctures are used for the same conditions as infusions and can be combined with such other lymphatic detoxifying herbs as dried pokeroot.

Compresses made from the infusion can be applied to burns, grazes, ulcers, or other skin inflammations.

Creams are regularly used to relieve psoriasis.

Hair rinses from the infusions are used to treat dandruff or scaling scalp problems.

Young shoots have long been a popular cleansing tonic in the spring since it appears very early (a remedy long used in central Europe and the Balkans). It is often used as a vegetable where it is gently sweated in a pan like spinach and can be continually harvested until fall.

Traditional Uses

 Cleavers is often taken as a diuretic, but it is also effective to soothe such skin disorders as seborrhea, eczema, and psoriasis, as well as for sunburn and blisters. It is also good for swollen lymph glands and as a general detoxifying agent in such serious illnesses as cancer.

Cleavers is used internally and externally to reduce the discomfort of ulcers, festering glands, and fibrocystic breasts. It may also help induce sleep.

Medicinally, bruised leaves of woodruff are applied to wounds or infused to take for such internal complaints as stomach pains. However, large doses of the tea can cause dizziness and vomiting.

Woodruff has long been helpful for varicose veins and phlebitis, as well as being used as an antispasmodic and given to adults and children alike for insomnia.

Lady’s Bedstraw is a slightly bitter remedy used mainly as a diuretic, but also for skin conditions and other disorders. It is used in much the same way as Cleavers, but only if that herb is unavailable, since it is the preferred one of the species.

In France, Lady’s Bedstraw has a longstanding reputation for being a valuable herb used for epilepsy, but it is rarely used for that today. A related species, G. elatum, has also been used in France for epilepsy.

Herbalists value all parts of the plant, from its roots to its seeds, which are dried and roasted to make a coffee substitute. The plant can also be cooked and eaten as a vegetable.

Related species in Mexico, G. orizabense, is used by the Mazatecs to treat intestinal parasites and relieve fever. Iin New Zealand, G. umbrosum, is used to treat gonorrhea.

Botanical Names

• Family Myrtaceae
• Eugenia carophyllata syn. Syzygium aromaticum

Common Names

• None listed.

Cautions

• External use can cause dermatitis.
• Do not take essential oil internally unless under direct professional supervision.

Description

 Originally from the Molucca Islands (Indonesia) and the southern Philippines, cloves are now grown extensively in Tanzania and Madagascar and, to a lesser extent, in the West Indies and Brazil. Strongly aromatic, it is an evergreen pyramid-shaped tree, growing to fifty feet. Twice a year, the unopened flower buds, called cloves, are picked and then sun-dried. Although it is the flower buds that contain the best essential oil, the stems and leaves can also be distilled for their oil.

History

 Cloves was one of the first spices to be traded. It was imported into Alexandria in 176 CE.

Used in Southeast Asia for thousands of years, it was regarded as a panacea for almost all ills.

It is recorded that Chinese officials in 266 BCE, would chew on cloves to sweeten their breath before audiences with the emperor.

Key Actions

• antiseptic
• analgesic
• antibacterial
• antispasmodic
• antifungal
• antiviral
• antiparasitic
• anesthetic
• carminative
• prevents vomiting
• stimulant

Key Components

• volatile oil containing up to 85% eugenol and acetyl eugenol, methyl salicylate, pinene, and vanillin
• gum
• tannins
• flavonoids
• sterols

Medicinal Parts

Lower buds, leaves

Argentinian research in 1994 showed the volatile oil to be strongly antibacterial.

In the test tube, scientists have proven that eugenol kills certain bacteria that cause skin infections; as well as fungi, viruses, larvae, and parasites. It is also strongly antispasmodic.

Scientists also note its effectiveness in blocking sensory receptors that are instrumental in perceiving pain.

Traditional Uses

 Still underrated in Western herbal medicine, cloves are still used only in mouthwashes and to relieve toothache; but it has a major use as a local anesthetic for dental fillings. At one time, dentists routinely used cotton swabs saturated with clove oil to relieve the pain of a tooth. Today, they use it to prepare dental cements, fillings, and to treat dry sockets.

The essential oil is extracted by steam distillation and has numerous uses, including as a preservative on microscope slides, a topical anesthetic, a flavouring in gargles and mouthwashs, and as a mild germicidal in toothpastes, perfumes, and aftershaves.

In tropical Asia, cloves are used to treat many microbial conditions, including malaria, cholera, scabies, and tuberculosis.

As a digestive aid, it eases the discomfort of gas and abdominal bloating.

Clove tea is widely regarded as being effective in relieving nausea. The tea is made with just a few drops of clove oil. It is also a time-honoured remedy for traveler’s diarrhea.

Its antispasmodic action eases coughs and, when applied topically, relieves muscle spasms.

It is believed to be a good stimulant for the mind, improving memory.

It is used to prepare for childbirth by stimulating and strengthening uterine contractions during labour.

It is also used to treat acne, skin ulcers, sores, and styes.

Cloves make a potent mosquito and moth repellent. Oranges studded with cloves were used in the Moluccas as insect repellents.

Sucking on cloves is said to reduce temporarily the craving for alcohol, and,likewise, smoking them is thought to help kick the tobacco habit. However, this can be a risky practice. The American Lung Association states that the smoke from cloves contains more cancer-causing substances than tobacco smoke, but fewer than commercial cigarettes. It also numbs the smokers’ throats, causing them to inhale more deeply than they would if just smoking ordinary cigarettes. Such toxic lung reactions as coughing up blood have been reported by those who smoked clove cigarettes.

E. chequeri from Chile and E. gerrodi from South Africa are used to treat coughs and congestion; E. uniflora from Brazil, is used to help repel mosquitoes and other insects.