Cloves seed

Description

🌱 Clove Seeds (Clove Buds) – Full Information

🔬 Botanical Name: Syzygium aromaticum

🌍 Family: Myrtaceae

👄 Common Names:

• Clove seeds / Clove buds (English)

• Clous de girofle (French)

• Karafuu (Swahili)

• Umushogoro (Kinyarwanda – traditional term)

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🌍 Origin & Botanical Profile

Clove “seeds” are actually dried flower buds, not seeds in the botanical sense. They come from the clove tree, native to the Maluku Islands (Spice Islands) of Indonesia. Today, cloves are mainly cultivated in Zanzibar, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, India, and other tropical countries.

The buds are harvested before flowering, then dried to develop their intense aroma and flavour. Once dried, they appear as small, nail-shaped, brownish pods – highly prized in culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic traditions.

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🍽️ Nutritional Profile (per 100g of dried cloves)

• Calories: ~274 kcal

• Protein: ~6 g

• Carbohydrates: ~66 g

• Fibre: ~34 g

• Fat: ~13 g (mainly essential oils)

• Vitamin C: ~21 mg

• Vitamin K: ~141 μg

• Manganese: Very high (~30x RDA per 100g)

• Iron, Calcium, Magnesium

• Active compound: Eugenol (70–90% of essential oil)

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⚕️ Health Benefits

✅ 1. Powerful Antioxidant

• Clove buds are among the richest dietary sources of antioxidants, fighting free radicals and cellular ageing.

✅ 2. Natural Pain Relief

• The compound eugenol acts as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory, especially effective for toothaches and gum pain.

✅ 3. Supports Digestion

• Stimulates enzyme production, reduces gas, bloating, and indigestion.

• Used traditionally for nausea and vomiting.

✅ 4. Antimicrobial & Antiseptic

• Destroys bacteria, viruses, and fungi – useful in oral health and infection prevention.

✅ 5. Boosts Immunity

• Warming and immune-stimulating, helpful during cold, cough, and flu.

• Often infused in teas, tonics, and decoctions.

✅ 6. Blood Sugar Regulation

• May help lower blood glucose levels and improve insulin function.

✅ 7. Supports Respiratory Health

• Clears mucus, soothes sore throat, and eases bronchial congestion.

✅ 8. Aphrodisiac & Reproductive Tonic

• Traditionally used to increase libido and treat male reproductive issues in African and Ayurvedic medicine.

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🧄 Culinary Uses

• A key ingredient in spice blends: garam masala, ras el hanout, Chinese five-spice.

• Used whole or ground in curries, rice dishes, chai, mulled wine, marinades, and baked goods.

• Just 1–2 buds infuse a dish or drink with rich, spicy warmth.

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🧴 Traditional Medicinal & Cosmetic Uses

• Toothache relief: Press whole clove on affected area or use clove oil.

• Herbal teas: Combine with ginger, cinnamon, or lemon.

• Skincare: Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties help in acne treatment (in diluted form).

• Haircare: Used in scalp oils and masks to stimulate growth.

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⚠️ Precautions & Safety

• Potent spice – use in small amounts only.

• Excessive use may irritate mucous membranes or affect liver function.

• Not recommended in large doses during pregnancy or for children.

• May interact with blood-thinning medications.

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📦 Storage Tips

• Store whole cloves in a cool, dark place in an airtight container.

• Best used within 12–18 months for full aroma and medicinal properties.

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🧪 INCI Name (Cosmetic Use)

Syzygium Aromaticum Buds