Parts used: Seeds and flower buds Properties Alterative, analgesic, anodyne, anthelmintic, antibacterial, antiemetic, antifungal, antiseptic, aromatic, astringent, carminative, expectorant, germicide, rubefacient, stimulant, stomachic Primary nutrients Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, vitamins A, B-complex and vitamin C Cloves have been used for both medicinal and culinary purposes for thousands of years. Cloves contain one of the most powerful germicidal agents in the herbal kingdom. A few drops of clove oil in water will stop vomiting, and clove tea will relieve nausea. The oil of cloves is also a diffusive stimulant and disinfectant. Cloves can be used to relieve a toothache when dropped into a cavity and are frequently recommended as a remedy for bad breath. Cloves increase circulation of the blood and promote digestion. Clove oil has been found to contain antihistaminic and spasmolytic properties. There is also evidence of the volatile oils in cloves containing antibacterial and antifungal properties to inhibit both gram-positive and negative bacteria and fungi.