This botanical profile is part of the Star Naturals Herbal Library.
Cloves
Syzygium aromaticum
Historical / Folk Use
Cloves have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and European herbal traditions as a warming, aromatic spice. Traditionally prepared as tea, infused oil, or culinary ingredient, they were valued for stimulating warmth and supporting digestive comfort. Their rich, spicy scent made them a staple in seasonal blends and vitality-supporting preparations.
Energetics
Traditionally described as:
• Spicy and warming
• Stimulating and activating
• Aromatic and penetrating
• Circulatory-moving
• Nourishing and fortifying
• Grounding and steady
Research & Resources
The research summaries below highlight findings from scientific studies on compounds found in this botanical.
They are provided for educational purposes and do not represent claims about the effects of Star Naturals products.
Study 1:
This review article describes the long history of traditional use of cloves in herbal practices, including use in teas, decoctions, and topical preparations for digestive comfort, respiratory support, throat irritation, oral care, and general wellness.
The article also outlines the nutritional components of cloves, including vitamins and the bioactive compounds such as eugenol, as examined in nutritional and laboratory research contexts.
Study 2:
Preclinical studies in experimental arthritis models show that clove essential oil and its principal constituent eugenol were associated with reduced joint inflammation, edema, and histological damage.
Study 3:
In laboratory research, clove essential oil was associated with inhibition of fungi linked with dandruff at multiple concentrations.
Study 4:
Clove oil contains compounds such as eugenol that have been associated with antioxidant activity in laboratory studies. Some cosmetic sources describe its use on the hair and scalp, but controlled clinical research in humans is limited.