Cloves

The clove is the unopened flower bud of a tree belonging to the same family as the guava (Myrtaceae), and is most well-known as an intense, warming and astringent spice used in everything from biryanis to gingerbread. In addition to its culinary uses, the clove bud also has an abundance of medicinal and recreational uses. Clove oil contains the active ingredient eugenol which has antioxidant, anti-fungal, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, anaesthetic and insect-repellent properties. Because of its antibacterial and anaesthetic properties in particular, clove is used in various dental creams, toothpastes, mouth washes, and throat sprays to relieve pain and improve overall dental health. Eugenol is also used in combination with zinc oxide for the temporary filling of cavities.

This particular sample was given to us by Mithila, a young East Londoner who took part in the Making Spaces research project with us. We asked Mithila to bring in a material to add to the library, and tell us a bit about it: 

"They are aromatic flower buds of a tree. They are native to Maluku Islands in Indonesia. The clove plants are usually grown in slightly cooler temperatures with ample rain, which helps its flower grow and produce the highest yield. This is a very commonly used material in my house, as my mother very often tends to use this in different dishes and makes them more aromatic and appetising. This is a very simple and regular material, yet what makes it very special to me is the smell as it reminds me of homemade food. They are commonly used by home cooks as a spice, flavouring or fragrance in food and different dishes to add aroma. They are also used in toothpaste, soaps and cosmetics".