Cloves

(Cloves)
Sanskrit: लवङ्ग • Botanical: Caryophyllus aromaticus Linn.; Syzygium aromaticum (Linn.) Merr. & L.M. Perry

Lavanga (Cloves) are the dried unopened flower buds of the clove tree. Despite being pungent, they have a cooling potency (Sheeta Virya), which makes them unique among spices. Cloves are one of the most versatile aromatic drugs in Ayurveda - they improve digestion, relieve nausea and vomiting, benefit the heart, and help in respiratory conditions. The essential oil is rich in Eugenol which has strong antiseptic and analgesic properties, making cloves particularly useful for dental pain. Mother cloves (fruits) are also used. Cloves pacify all three doshas.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Pungent (Katu), Bitter (Tikta)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Unctuous (Snigdha)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Eugenol (15-20%), Caryophyllene (12%), Acetyl eugenol, Methyl salicylate, Methylamylketone, Vanillin, Furfural
Also Known As
English: Cloves
Sanskrit: लवङ्ग, देवकुसुम, श्रीप्रसून
Hindi: लौंग, लवंग

What is Cloves (Lavanga / लवङ्ग)?

Lavanga (Cloves) are the dried unopened flower buds of the clove tree. Despite being pungent, they have a cooling potency (Sheeta Virya), which makes them unique among spices. Cloves are one of the most versatile aromatic drugs in Ayurveda - they improve digestion, relieve nausea and vomiting, benefit the heart, and help in respiratory conditions. The essential oil is rich in Eugenol which has strong antiseptic and analgesic properties, making cloves particularly useful for dental pain. Mother cloves (fruits) are also used. Cloves pacify all three doshas.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 2

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Hridya (cardiotonic)
  • Dipana (appetizer)
  • Pachana (digestive)
  • Ruchya (improves taste)
  • Chakshushya (beneficial for eyes)
  • Kasaghna (antitussive)
  • Chhardiighna (antiemetic)
  • Shwasahara (relieves dyspnea)
  • Dahashamaka (relieves burning)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 2

Cloves by Condition

Explore how Cloves is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

⟶
Cloves for Male Sexual Health

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.