(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 clove powder can be applied to the gums to help ease the pain of a toothache.

Caffeine Free.

Carrot Cookies

Ingredients:
½ cup canola oil
1 egg
½ cup caster sugar
1 Tbsp molasses
1 tsp orange zest

1 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
1 cup grated carrots
½ cup chopped walnuts

Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 350°. Blend oil and egg in a mixing bowl on medium speed. Add the sugar and beat until blended, then add the molasses and orange zest. In a separate bowl combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Slowly add to the liquid ingredients and beat until blended. Stir in the carrots and walnuts. Drop by rounded teaspoonful onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake for approximately 8 minutes.

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.