Cloves

             

 

December is time for the holidays, time for family get togethers and sitting around a lovely fire with a cup of hot Chai tea.  One of my favorite teas is Chai tea and one of its ingredients is this month’s Herb of the Month – Cloves, Eugenia aromatica.

 

Cloves, the dried buds of the Eugenia aromatica tree, originated in Southeast Asia and have hence been cultivated in wet, tropical climates.  While many of us have used cloves for culinary purposes (quite delicious when poked into your baked ham),  some may not be familiar with the medicinal qualities of this aromatic herb.

 

As I mentioned, I include it in my Chai tea for its unique flavor as well as its ability to aid digestion, prevent flatulence and increase circulation. Cloves are antiseptic and mildly anesthetic.  You might have used clove oil, or the dried clove itself directly on a tooth for a toothache. Cloves are also  used to allay nausea and vomiting.

 

This little aromatic bud can be used as a stimulant, to increase one’s circulation and help with digestion and digestive disorders.  So when thinking of spicy, aromatic herbs for the holidays, think of cloves, not only to decorate or embellish an orange, but consider its many long term medicinal uses.