Allspice
Useful properties and uses of the clove tree
Description of the clove tree
The beautiful clove tree is a very slender, bushy, evergreen tree that belongs to the myrtle family. It has a pyramidal shape. As a rule, it grows up to 12 meters, in rare cases you can find specimens up to 20 meters. All parts of the tree contain incredibly aromatic essential oil. The strong trunk is covered with dark gray bark, it bears a huge number of lateral branches. The opposite, elongated leaves of an elliptical or ovoid shape grow up to 15 cm in length.
Leathery whole-cut foliage is expressed in dark green color. Small glands are located on the upper side of each leaf. The flowers of the carnation tree are collected in graceful semi-umbrellas, which exquisitely form paniculate inflorescences at the ends of the branches. Each flower has a double perianth, about 1.5 cm long. The elongated buds are harvested to produce a well-known aromatic spice. The red calyx is represented by four sepals fused into a small tube. The white or slightly pinkish corolla consists of 4 petals.
The fruit of the clove tree is represented by purple berries of a very oblong shape. Their length can reach 25 mm, and the diameter is 12 mm. Indonesia is considered the birthplace of this tree, although it originates from the Philippine and Moluccan Islands. It is often bred on the East African coast and in the unique Malaysia.
The collection of inflorescences is carried out entirely during the period when they are fully developed, but have not opened. Then the beautiful buds are dried in the open air. The quality of the collected raw materials differs in the place of procurement and in the variety. To obtain an incomparable essential oil, bark and leaves are also used along with flowers.
Useful properties of the clove tree
The active ingredients of the clove tree include essential oils, tannins, phenolic compounds, vegetable alcohols, flavonoids and sterols. Depending on the place of origin, the buds can contain up to 22% aromatic essential oil, which consists of a large amount of eugenol. It is he who gives this fantastic scent to the buds. The unique chemical composition determines the undoubted benefits of this tree.
The clove tree has long been used as a tonic and for the manufacture of highly effective medicines. In the form of a healing tincture, it is prescribed for disinfection of the mouth and throat, or as a gastric stimulant. Its disinfecting properties have been recognized since the Middle Ages. During the time of total cholera and plague, it was recommended to wear carnation beads around the neck. In order not to get infected from patients, medieval doctors chewed buds during examination.
The essential oil of the presented tree has an amazing effect, stimulating the appetite and strengthening the human immune system. In addition, it is famous for its expectorant, stimulant, analgesic, antiseptic and carminative effects. Also proven to be antiparasitic with regular use of the buds. Often they are used to improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. For thrush and other fungal stomatitis, as well as for toothaches, clove oil is indispensable.
The clove tree also has a bactericidal effect. Long-term use of this magnificent plant contributes to the stable normalization of blood pressure. Moreover, the tree is inherent in the restoration of functions and an increase in the tone of the uterus, natural stimulation of childbirth and further normalization of the menstrual cycle. It is used as an excellent aphrodisiac and is a surprisingly powerful antiseptic in dentistry.
Application of the clove tree
Many people with such serious illnesses as flatulence, vegetative-vascular dystonia, intestinal colic, diarrhea, colitis, rectal diseases and hypotension resort to the indispensable help of the clove tree. It also helps to fight dangerous inflammation of the mucous membranes of the tongue and gums, as well as periodontal disease. Its effectiveness has been proven in the treatment of laryngitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, tonsillitis, otitis media and in inflammation of the maxillary sinuses.
The clove tree is also indicated for frigidity, potency disorders and scabies. Various remedies based on this plant will help get rid of corns, large warts and benign tumors. They are able to quickly heal extensive wounds and damaged skin areas, while restoring the general well-being of a person.
Thanks to eugenol, various clove-based preparations have been shown to be excellent antiseptics. They are prescribed for many serious diseases as an analgesic, antimicrobial, diaphoretic, diuretic, and warming agent. They can also treat various intestinal infections and tuberculosis. For the prevention of viral and bacterial infections, it is recommended to add fragrant oil to any drink.
Healing infusion of clove flowers is an effective anthelmintic. A unique tincture of buds on alcohol perfectly heals not only plague and cholera, but also diphtheria and anthrax. Along with this, this tincture can cure the flu in a minimum amount of time. Clove products not only whet your appetite, but also lift your spirits. You will be provided with fragrance and beauty if you wash your face daily with special water, with the addition of a couple of drops of aromatic clove oil.
The use of the clove tree, even in small doses, protects a person from various colds and cleanses the body of mucus accumulated in the intestines. To get rid of a toothache, it is enough to sprinkle the gums with ground powder. Healing decoction of clove buds can successfully treat many eye diseases.
To get rid of hypertensive disease, 40 buds should be poured with one liter of warm water, brought to a boil and kept on fire until the volume of the liquid based on the clove tree is halved. The resulting broth must be drained into a dark bowl, and then stored in a cool place, taking 1 tbsp. l. before meals three times a day. A long course of treatment will delight you with unsurpassed treatment results.
Clove oil can also be used topically for asthma, bronchitis, arthritis and seizures. You can do various baths and carry out effective inhalations with the addition of oil. The clove tree has been proven to be an exceptional remedy for inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. It has been used successfully to treat leukemia.
Dried unblown clove buds
Clove spices are fragrant dried flowers that have not bloomed. Dried buds have a reddish brown tint. This seasoning has a burning taste and unmatched smell. The head of the clove has a brighter aroma, and the petiole is responsible for the taste. A high-quality seasoning should be lightly oily to the touch. The more essential oil it contains, the healthier it is.
If a bud thrown into the water floats only horizontally, then there is a minimum amount of oil in it. High quality spices sink instantly. When cooking, try to use only whole buds, ground immediately before use. Powdered seasoning is less aromatic. It is recommended to store spices without access to air in a very dark place.
Growing a clove tree
The lifespan of a common clove tree is relatively short. Typically, a plant can last for about a hundred years. Selected seedlings must be planted in pre-prepared rows. The distance between them should be about 6 meters. The first fruits can be harvested in the sixth year, when the seedlings get stronger and grow to a height of 5 meters. Starting at about 20 years old, you will be able to harvest the most buds twice a year. Collecting flowers is recommended in early September and from January to mid-April.
In a rainy summer, the clove tree will bloom a few weeks earlier. Do not forget that dense unblown buds are a full-fledged raw material for medicinal purposes. Pedicels are separated from the collected flowers, and then they are scattered in a thin layer for thorough drying. In the open sun, they should be sewn for at least a week. The finished buds are very dry and dark brown in color.
Contraindications of the clove tree
All types of drugs based on the clove tree are rich in a special essential oil that strongly irritates the mucous membrane. Do not increase the prescribed dose to avoid upsetting the digestive system. Patients with high blood pressure and various diseases of the nervous system should be monitored for their well-being during treatment with a clove tree. It is also not recommended to use the presented funds during pregnancy.
The author of the article: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna | Phytotherapist
Education: Diploma in "General Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the Pirogov University (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Peoples' Friendship University of Moscow (2008).
