Scented chaplet, spicy clove (Syzygium aromaticum) – health properties you need to know!

Scented clove, also known as spice clove (Syzygium aromaticum), is a medium-sized tree equipped with a sizable pool of unusual properties and uses. Its dried flower buds, or cloves, are not only a popular spice in kitchens around the world, but also a powerful source of health benefits.

Cloves have been widely used in both natural medicine for years. Why? Among other things, because of their high content of eugenol – a substance with antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anesthetic effectswhich makes cloves excellent for dealing with a variety of infections and pains, including headaches and toothaches. What’s more, their intense, distinctive fragrance has an energizing effect, improves mood and positively affects the work of the mind, making them an invaluable part of aromatherapy, or scent treatment.

Fragrant chaplet (Syzygium aromaticum) – where does it grow, what does it look like and what is its history of use?

Fragrant sapet (Syzygium aromaticum), belonging to the genus Carnation (Eugenia L.) and the myrtle family, is an evergreen tree with a spreading crown growing up to 12 meters high. It is native to the tropical regions of Indonesia, where it grows wild, especially in sunny and windless areas.

The fragrant cap tree grows best in equatorial climates, where high temperatures and high humidity promote optimal growth. Today, in addition to Indonesia, the plant is grown in Madagascar, Sri Lanka, India, Brazil, Zanzibar, Malaysia and Tanzania, where it is one of the most important export products.

The buds of chinaberry are a valued spice with a unique aroma, as well as an important medicinal resource. The history of the use of fragrant capsicum dates back to ancient times. In traditional ancient Chinese medicine and Indian Ayurveda medicine, it was valued for its antiseptic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. To this day, the herb is still used in many cultures, both in the form of dried cloves and essential oil.

The flowers of chapeta are tubular in type, with a red calyx and a pinkish corolla. The leaves of chapeta are elliptical or egg-shaped, glossy, dark green on the upper side and light green underneath. On all parts of the plant, but especially on the young flower buds and leaves, there are glands that produce clove oil. This is what gives the plant its strong, spicy fragrance, which is used in culinary, cosmetic, herbal and pharmacological applications alike.

Fragrant chaplet – uses

The undeveloped, dried flower buds are customarily called cloves and are widely used in many industries, including culinary, herbal medicine and dentistry.

In the culinary world, cloves are an integral part of many dishes, including numerous Oriental-style dishes. They are also added to baked goods and desserts, as well as beverages, including compotes, teas and coffees, and mulled wine and beer. Thanks to their distinctive aroma and preservative properties, cloves are also used in marinades. In addition, they work well as an expressive addition to soups and roasted meats, giving them spicy accents and depth of flavor.

In addition to culinary, the fragrant cap plays an important role in natural medicine, where cloves are used as a remedy for stomach aches, toothaches and infections. In the dental industry, the oil and the eugenol isolated from it are used to decontaminate root canals. They are also used as an anesthetic and as a material for temporary dental fillings.

Moreover, clove oil is used in aromatherapy and physiotherapy (it works well during massage treatments). It perfectly freshens the air while soothing our senses. It has a relaxing and loosening effect, improves mood, adds energy, also helps concentration and reduces stress.

Scented clove – composition and key health-promoting properties

Scented chaplet is a source of numerous active substances with powerful health-promoting effects. Its composition is rich in compounds with proven medicinal properties, which makes it an indispensable part of the home medicine cabinet.

The main active ingredient of clove is essential oil, which is abundant in eugenol and eugenol acetate. They are responsible for the characteristic smell of clove and strong antimicrobial activity. Other valuable active substances are flavonoids, which exhibit antioxidant activity and help the body fight free radicals, and tannins, which reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue regeneration. These compounds give cloves a broad spectrum of medicinal properties.

One of the most important health benefits of clove is its antimicrobial effect. Clove oil effectively fights bacteria and viruses, making it especially helpful during infections and colds. Cloves also have a relaxant effect, making them helpful in relieving muscle spasms and muscle pain. They also work well for various types of tension conditions.

Thanks to its eugenol content, fragrant cap also supports the liver and circulatory system. Eugenol shows protective properties for the liver, helping to cleanse the body of toxins. In addition, chametz improves blood circulation, supporting heart function and lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Health-promoting properties of scented caplet:

• antiseptic,
• purifying,
• antibacterial,
• astringent,
• antiparasitic,
• antifungal,
• antiviral,
• warming,
• antiemetic,
• antitussive,
• antirheumatic,
• anti-inflammatory,
• analgesic,
• aiding digestion,
• antioxidant,
• enhancing immunity.

Clove flower (Caryophylli flos) as one of the most important raw materials in phytotherapy

Large amounts of valuable essential oil can be found in the flower buds of clove, with eugenol , which belongs to the phenols, being the main active ingredient of clove responsible for its health-promoting effects.

Clove oil, extracted from the buds of the cap, is a health-promoting product with an exceptionally wide range of uses, with it being known mainly for its strong antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Thanks to this effect, clove oil is used to treat infections, both external and internal, as well as to disinfect wounds. The active ingredients in clove oil also exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, making it an excellent remedy for a variety of inflammatory conditions, including muscle pain, joint pain and skin infections. Cloves also support the immune system, strengthening the body and helping fight colds.

Both dried flower buds and clove oil exhibit a wide spectrum of health properties, making cloves highly valued in natural medicine. They have an analgesic effect, helping to relieve ailments such as toothaches, migraines or sore throats. Moreover, thanks to its antimicrobial properties, clove oil is sometimes used to treat digestive problems, such as bacterial and parasitic infections.

Clove flowers are also valued in aromatherapy. Their intense aroma not only affects the senses, but also has a warming and calming effect. Inhaling the aroma of cloves is a good method for reducing tension and stress.

Scented clove and its strong antiseptic properties

Thanks to its high eugenol content, clove buds and the clove oil extracted from them exhibit disinfectant properties, which makes them good for fighting internal and skin infections. Both clove infusions and clove oil are used for oral infections, inflamed gums, psoriasis and acne, among others.

Thanks to its anesthetic and analgesic properties, clove oil provides relief from acute toothaches, tension pain, muscle pain and migraines. Also worth mentioning, the eugenol contained in capsicum has an antiviral effect, so the use of clove oil for pharyngitis and flu-like illnesses is an increasingly common practice.

Fragrant cap for better functioning of the liver and digestive system

The active constituents of fragrant cap, especially eugenol, have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, so the plant helps relieve inflammation in the digestive tract.

Thanks to terpene compounds, clove has a diastolic effect, thus effectively supporting the fight against bloating, gas, intestinal cramps, indigestion and similar digestive ailments. The plant also helps fight parasites of the digestive tract. It also counteracts gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, vomiting and nausea.

Using clove is also a way to improve liver health. The herb actively supports detoxification of the liver and helps protect it from damage. The essential oil contained in clove stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes, which improves digestive processes. In case of weakened appetite or lack of appetite, the plant enhances appetite.

Check out this review of a multi-ingredient dietary supplement with fragrant chapeta and Italian blanket, which simultaneously supports liver health and improves cardiovascular function: Lipid Control Plus

Clove oil for skin problems

Obtained from the cap, clove oil accelerates the extinguishing of inflammation and prevents the growth of bacteria on the surface of the skin, making it useful in the fight against eczema and skin infections. It can also be helpful for disinfecting wounds. It speeds up the healing process of minor skin injuries and fights microorganisms. In addition, it can be useful for burns, insect bites, swellings, pus lesions and boils.

An additional benefit of clove oil is its ability to repel insects, including mosquitoes, thus preventing annoying bites. Applied directly to bite sites, the oil soothes itching and redness and reduces swelling. Anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties make it an effective remedy for quick relief of pain and irritation.

Clove oil in cosmetics

Clove oil can serve us as a raw material for creating home concoctions for skin and hair care. It is also added to finished cosmetics, including soaps, lotions, creams and perfumes. Its antibacterial, antiseptic and regenerative properties make it suitable for acne and problematic skin care. It also exhibits antioxidant properties, thanks to which it counteracts the skin’s aging process (protects it from free radical damage).

However, it is worth exercising caution, because when used excessively, clove oil can cause skin allergic reactions. These can manifest as itching, redness, hives or rashes.

In hair care, clove oil promotes hair restoration and scalp nourishment. Using masks and rinses with clove oil, we can count on strengthening hair roots, revitalizing hair, reducing hair loss and stimulating hair growth.

Clove spice – in what forms is it commercially available?

Clove spice is commercially available in many forms, which allows for versatile use of its health properties. The most popular are the dried flower buds, or cloves, which can be purchased both whole and in ground form.

Clove oil and ointments with clove oil are also in high demand. Clove extracts are used in the production of medicines and dietary supplements.

Sources:

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34770801/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32019140/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38474510/
• https://www.healthline.com/health/clove-essential-oil
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-cloves