The dried flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, better known as clove or กานพลู, have long carried a reputation far beyond their potent aroma. In Thailand, these tiny, sun-dried buds—known in the North as จันจี่ or ดอกจันทร์—are a fixture not only in cuisine but in traditional herbal medicine, prized for their warming properties and used to address everything from toothache to digestive disturbances. As scientific interest in natural remedies surges globally, clove offers a compelling case study at the intersection of ancient healing traditions and modern pharmacological research—a story that continues to unfold with relevance for health-conscious Thai readers.
Clove’s botanical journey begins in the Maluku Islands of Indonesia, but it quickly traversed trade routes into Thai herbalism and kitchens. In Thai medicine, as in neighboring systems such as Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, clove’s primary use has been as a carminative—a remedy for nausea, flatulence, and indigestion—alongside use as a topical application for pain, particularly in dental care. Many Thais recall the scent of clove mingled with other herbs in home remedies for ailments ranging from coughs to skin infections, and the clove’s resilience in tropical climates made it an ideal import for local apothecaries and a welcome flavor in regional foods.
The enduring cultural significance of clove in Thailand lies in its versatility and potency. Clove’s distinctive sharp flavor, which brightens the base of traditional curry pastes or floats atop จิบน้ำ herbal teas, is paralleled by its reputation for healing. In Buddhist rites and local festivals, clove may be included in offerings and rituals aimed at warding off illness, and clove oil is still preferred by some traditional practitioners as a massage ingredient to relieve muscular pain or stimulate circulation. This blend of ritual, gastronomy, and medicine reflects the holistic Thai perspective on health—a balance between mind, body, and spirit—where powerful plants like กานพลู rightfully play a starring role.
What, then, does modern science reveal about the efficacy of clove? Decades of laboratory and clinical research have begun to catch up with traditional wisdom, providing insights into the bioactive compounds that might explain clove’s healing powers. The star chemical is eugenol, a phenolic molecule that gives clove its unmistakable scent and much of its biological punch. According to a comprehensive review published in Biomolecules (PMC7072209), eugenol comprises between 85% and 92% of clove oil content, and has been linked to anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities—properties that span across many of clove’s traditional applications.
Research summarized in that review and others demonstrates that clove extracts and essential oil are highly effective at inhibiting the growth of a range of pathogenic bacteria and fungi, including drug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida species, both notorious causes of wound and oral infections. Laboratory studies further indicate that clove oil can suppress viruses such as herpes simplex and hepatitis C, and even reduce the viability of parasites like malaria-causing Plasmodium species. In the context of traditional Thai medicine, these findings partly validate the longstanding use of clove for respiratory and digestive tract infections, toothaches, and as a component in wound-cleansing balms.
Beyond its well-documented antimicrobial effects, the antioxidants in clove—flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol, phenolic acids, and gallic acid derivatives—are effective scavengers of free radicals. Both lab and animal studies indicate that clove and eugenol can shield organs like the liver from chemical-induced damage, as well as offer protection against the complications of diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels and oxidative stress (Biomolecules, 2020). The review also highlights clove’s potential in reducing pain (analgesia) and inflammation, which supports its continuing use by Thai healers for joint and tooth pain—sometimes applied as crushed powder or diluted oil directly to the site of discomfort.
Current pharmacological studies have even pointed to clove’s usefulness in combating obesity, improving cardiovascular health, and acting as a mild aphrodisiac (a fact not lost on traditional healers in Asia, who have prescribed กานพลู for boosting vitality). In laboratory models, adding clove extract to a high-fat diet reduced blood lipids, improved liver health, and decreased body weight gain. Researchers attribute these effects to clove’s ability to inhibit the formation of arterial plaque and reduce inflammation—findings that Thai individuals at risk of metabolic syndrome or heart disease might find particularly relevant (Biomolecules, 2020), (RxList).
Thai herbalists and consumers should note, however, that while these findings are promising, most derive from laboratory experiments, animal models, and a few human trials—direct translation to daily self-medication is not always warranted. Notably, the main bioactive, eugenol, can cause allergic reactions or irritation in high concentrations, particularly when used undiluted on skin or mucous membranes. Some adverse effects, including contact dermatitis, gastrointestinal disturbances, or—rarely—systemic toxicity, have been reported, especially when clove oil is swallowed in medicinal quantities exceeding recommended dosages. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the FDA generally regard clove and its derivatives as safe within the range of 2.5 mg/kg body weight per day; still, precise dosing and preparation are critical for safety (Biomolecules, 2020). Vulnerable populations, such as young children, pregnant women, or individuals with a history of allergies, should be particularly cautious and consult a healthcare provider before using clove in supplemental or oil form.
Clove’s story is also intertwined with Thai history and the broader currents of regional culture. Long before pharmaceutical pills, clove was a signature ingredient in local tooth powders and breath fresheners, as well as a component in herbal smoking mixtures and insect-repellent balms—a nod to its broad spectrum of activity. Its importance in commerce—traded across the Bay of Bengal and up the Chao Phraya River—helped shape Thailand’s herbal lexicon alongside other celebrated spices. Such context is vital for appreciating why, even today, many Thai households keep a small stash of กานพลู for brewing into balm, tea, or mouth rinse; this reflects a community memory of healing traditions that blend imported wisdom with local knowledge.
As scientific research continues, several trends suggest expanding roles for clove and its extracts in both integrative medicine and food preservation. Global demand for natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents—driven by concerns over synthetic additives—has renewed interest in essential oils like that of clove for clean-label food products and alternative therapies. In Thai wellness circles, there is growing curiosity about incorporating standardized clove extracts into nutraceuticals, functional foods, and even clinical dental practice, particularly for pain management and infection control. Nonetheless, experts caution that self-treatment with potent herbal remedies must be balanced with professional advice, particularly when pre-existing health conditions or potential drug interactions are involved (MedlinePlus).
Looking ahead, the most exciting frontier may be clove’s possible role in addressing health challenges uniquely relevant for Thai society—antibiotic resistance, rising rates of diabetes, and the quest for affordable, sustainable preventive care. Local researchers are beginning to explore clinical-grade clove extracts in contextually appropriate trials for these indications. Yet, as highlighted in recent reviews (PMC7072209), rigorous human studies are needed to move from promising test tube and animal data to everyday practice. Meanwhile, tradition continues to guide use: many Thai herbalists advise blending clove with other medicinal plants, such as cinnamon or holy basil, to moderate its warming energy and enhance efficacy—a strategy borne from centuries of empirical wisdom.
For Thai readers considering incorporating clove (กานพลู) into their wellness routines, a few practical recommendations are in order. First, use clove as part of a balanced, traditional diet and in accordance with proven recipes—whether as a spice in food, an herbal rinse for oral hygiene, or a topical massage oil. If using clove oil therapeutically, always dilute it with a carrier oil, perform a patch test on the skin, and avoid internal use unless under the direct supervision of a knowledgeable healthcare provider. When seeking relief from pain, toothache, or minor infection, clove may provide temporary comfort, but persistent or severe symptoms should prompt immediate medical consultation. For those managing chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, discuss the use of herbal supplements with a physician or qualified practitioner, as clove may interact with certain medications or underlying health risks.
In sum, clove’s journey from the ancient spice routes to modern laboratory benches and Thai kitchen shelves underlines a powerful lesson: traditional remedies can be both culturally meaningful and scientifically relevant—so long as they are used knowledgeably and respectfully. By honoring both inherited wisdom and evidence-based research, Thai consumers can continue to enjoy the many flavors and gentle healing powers of กานพลู, while helping to shape a future where herbal medicine remains a vibrant, integrated part of the nation’s health landscape.
Sources:
- “Syzygium aromaticum L. (Myrtaceae): Traditional Uses, Bioactive Chemical Constituents, Pharmacological and Toxicological Activities” – Biomolecules, 2020
- “Clove: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions” – RxList
- [“Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) – MedlinePlus”] (https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/251.html)
- “Cloves – Wikipedia”