(Syzygium aromaticum, Caryophyllus aromaticus, Eugenia caryophyllata) Cloves are the unopened bud of the clove tree and are grown all around the Indian Ocean. They were among the most prized of spices that helped fuel the ultimate exploration of the world by Europeans and caused many a fortune to be won and lost. Besides its legendary use in culinary recipes, both savory and sweet, the essential oil from cloves has been used for centuries as a painkiller and a digestive aid. It is a key ingredient in many Indian recipes, in garam masala and especially in chai masala. Topically the oil is used, besides in dental emergencies, for various skin problems. In the US cloves are used in salad dressings, desserts, pickling recipes and sauces, as well as in a variety of meat dishes.

Topically whole cloves can be placed in the mouth near a problem tooth to ease a toothache since the oils from the clove will help to lessen the pain.

Use whole cloves in mulled cider or wine.

Whole cloves are used during the holidays to make pomanders. Take an orange and poke holes in it with a toothpick. Place whole cloves in the holes. Hang the pomander to infuse your house with a warming aroma.

As a tea infuse a few clove buds for 10 minutes in boiling water.

Caffeine Free. Certified Organic

Bay Rum Aftershave
Recipe from Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health by Rosemary Gladstar

Ingredients:
Bay leaves, fresh if possible
Allspice, ground or grated
Whole cloves
Ginger, grated or ground
Rum

Preparation:
Pack a wide-mouthed jar with bay leaves, leaving some room at the top. Add the desired amount of allspice, cloves and ginger to give the product a bit of a spicy aroma. Fill the jar with enough rum that it rises about an inch or two above the herbs. Cover tightly and let sit for 3-4 weeks in a warm place.
Strain out the herbs and rebottle the herbal liquid. You may wish to add a drop or two of essential oil of bay to strengthen the scent, especially if you have used dried bay leaves to make the astringent.

Please Note: The information given here has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.