Fragrant cloves: a spice for cooking and medicine

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Clove spice has become popular all over the world due to its burning taste and unique aroma. It represents unblown buds that grow on a clove tree. The spice got its name due to the fact that its buds look like carnations with a hat. In everyday life, cloves (spice) are used not only for cooking, but also as a remedy, an interior decor item. So, for the Christmas holiday in Catholic countries, it is customary to decorate a room with an orange, into which clove sticks are stuck. Do not confuse the type of flowers and spice, which have a common name. This is their only similarity. You will learn more about how spice and clove oil are used for various purposes later in this article.

Where does the carnation grow and how is it harvested

The clove tree was originally found on the islands of Indonesia. But it can grow in any country with a warm and humid climate. At the moment the mainspice suppliers around the world - India, Brazil, Africa, Jamaica, Zanzibar, Indonesia. The workers who harvest the spice say that the best buds for cooking are unopened buds that are picked the day before flowering. In many national cuisines of the world, cloves are used. The spice is actively used in India, Africa, China, the Middle East to add spice and flavor to meat, rice, vegetables, sauces, seasoning mixtures. In modern Europe and England, cloves are added to confectionery, marinades and warming drinks. The French put an onion in the broth, into which they stick a few “cloves” of the spice.

To determine the quality of a carnation by eye, you need to lower one thing into the water. If the clove (spice) has floated upside down, then there is little oiliness in it, and if the top of the bud has floated, a very high-quality collection of inflorescences has emerged. Clove oil is pressed from the buds. It has a short shelf life, so it's better not to buy it for future use.

Use of clove oil and buds in the treatment of diseases

Due to its medicinal properties, clove oil relieves toothache and muscle pain, reduces symptoms of arthritis and flu. Clove (spice) helps with flatulence, indigestion, nausea. In order to soothe the pain in the tooth nerve, you need to apply a cotton swab with clove oil to the gum. With inflammation of the lungs, 5-6 cloves with honey are boiled in half a liter of water and taken three times a day. Clove oil can help relieve back and muscle pain when added to a warm water bath. For rinsing the throat and mouth during illness, take one drop of clove oil per 200 ml of water.

Clove: contraindications for use

Clove oil should not be eaten or swallowed while gargling. It is dangerous for children and pregnant women. The essential oil must be diluted before external use as it irritates the skin. When burned, the spice produces smoke, which, when inhaled, causes pulmonary hemorrhages. Use this he althy spice wisely and let it bring you he alth!