A large shrub or medium sized tree with pyramidal or conical crown 9 to 12 m. high and sometimes taller. The main stem is erect and often forking at a height of 1.5 to 1.8 m. The bark is smooth and grey. Leaves lanceolate, in pairs, acute at both ends, 7.5 to 12.3X 2.5 to 3.75 cm. in size, gland-dotted and fragrant. Flower buds borne in small clusters at the ends of branches, greenish, turning pink at the time of maturity and aromatic. Drupes, fleshy, dark pink, 2.5 cm. long x 1.5 cm. thick. Seeds oblong, soft, grooved on one side and 1.5 cm. Iong.

Antiviral, stimulates the secretion of gastric juices. aphrodisiac and carminative (bud); antiinflammatory (plant); antibacterial, rubefacient, counter-irritant, antispasmodic, aids in stabilizing blood circulation, regulates body temperature and analgesic.

Herbal Monograph
Herb Information

Acetyl-eugenol, benzaldehyde, caryophyllene, caryophyllene-oxide, cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, gallic acid, kaempferol, maslinic acid, methyl-eugenol, methyl-salicylate, oleanolic acid, riboflavin, thiamin, trans-anethole, vanillin (flower); ascorbic acid, beta-carotene (bark); benzyl-acetate, benzyl-alcohol, beta-sitosterol, carvone, ellagic acid, isoeugenol, methyl-chavicol, rhamnetin, stigmasterol, tannin (plant)

As an analgesic and for sensitive teeth and cavities (of the teeth) (essential oil); indigestion, gastric irritation, alleviating nausea and in halitosis (bud); respiratory maladies, sore throat, headache and coryza, for removal of stain in teeth, as salivary stimulator in sublingual pharmaceutical compositions, for treating circulatory diseases such as posttraumatic oedema.

High doses of the clove oil may cause stomach upset when ingested. When used externally, it may develop a rash.

Chandel et al., Biodiversity in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in India.