Clove

A spicy aromatic often used in combination with other herbs, cloves are valuable in liniments, gargles and digestive formulas. Powdered cloves have been used to expel parasites. Clove essential oil applied topically has a numbing effect on the nerves. It can be mixed with olive oil and applied to the gums for teething babies or toothache. Digestive discomfort such as gas, colic and abdominal bloating can be relieved with cloves. Their antispasmodic property also eases coughs and applied topically relieves muscle spasms. Cloves are a stimulant, both to the mind (improving memory) and to the body as a whole. It has also been used as an aphrodisiac. The herb has also been used to prepare for childbirth. It helps stimulate and strengthen uterine muscle contractions in labor. Besides all their other uses, cloves can be used to treat acne, skin ulcers, sores and styes. They also make a potent mosquito and moth repellant