Laung (Syzygium aromaticum)
Laung (Syzygium aromaticum) - Benefits and Medicinal Properties
Laung, commonly known as ‘Indian Cloves’ is a pyramidal or conical evergreen tree, which is cultivated mainly in Southern India. It is also known as Lavanga in Sanskrit. The name ‘Lavanga’ indicates that it will expel the Kapha dosha. The word ‘Syzygium’ means caryophyllus and ‘aromaticum’ indicates the aroma or scent of Cloves. Indian Cloves is the most commonly used Indian spice and it has great medicinal values. It is a very beneficial herb for various diseases such as cough, cold, teeth pain, gums pain, etc.
Dr. Gupta’s IAFA conducted various studies in Cloves to find out the therapeutic actions of the herb. Our experts have successfully proven the activities like Dental analgesic, Carminative, Stimulant, Aromatic, Antiseptic, Appetizer, Digestive, Aphrodisiac, and Antiallergic properties of Lavanga. It has been also found out that eugenol extracted from clove oil has antiproliferative action on cancer cells. Cloves also possess antiulcer and purgative action. On topical application, the essential oil extracted from clove relieves pain and promotes wound healing. Gastrointestinal tract diseases can be treated by administering a boiled aqueous extract of Clove.
Action of Laung (Syzygium aromaticum) in Allergies
IAFA experts are putting continuous efforts to prove the antiallergic property of Clove. The plant contains 15- 20% volatile oil, 10- 13% tannin, resin, chromone, and eugenin. The volatile oil contains eugenol (70- 90%), eugenol acetate, caryophyllenes, esters, ketones, alcohols, etc. Thus it is used as an anti-allergic and antimicrobial agent. It also pacifies aggravated Kapha and Pitta doshas. So Clove as powder or oil is used against allergic conditions due to Kapha and Pitta dosha.
Vernacular Names and Botanical Classification
| Botanical Name | Syzygium aromaticum |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Native Names | |
| Sanskrit Name | Lavanga |
| Hindi Name | Laung, Lavang |
| English Name | Cloves, Indian Cloves |
| Malayalam Name | Karampu, Grampoo |
| Kannada Name | Lavanga |
| Marathi name | Lavang |
Ayurvedic Reference of Laung (Syzygium aromaticum)
Morphology of Laung (Syzygium aromaticum)
- Pyramidal or conical evergreen tree, a large shrub or small tree.
- Fragrant and lanceolate leaves in pairs.
- Flower-buds are borne in small clusters at the ends of branches.
- Flowers sessile, in the terminal compound.
- Fruits drupe, fleshy, dark, pink.
Geographical Distribution of Laung (Syzygium aromaticum)
Cloves plant is cultivated in Southern India, Zanzibar and Peruba (Pemba) and Kerala, Tamilnadu, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Southeast Asian countries (particularly Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Indonesia).
Phytoconstituents of Laung (Syzygium aromaticum)
The plant contains 15-20% volatile oil, 10-13% tannin, resin, chromone, and eugenin. The volatile oil contains eugenol (70- 90%), eugenol acetate, caryophyllenes, esters, ketones, alcohols, etc.
Parts Used of Laung (Syzygium aromaticum)
- Flower bud
Dosage of Laung (Syzygium aromaticum)
- Powder (Churna) – 250 mg – 1 g
- Oil (Taila) – 4-6 drops
Medicinal Properties and Benefits of Laung (Syzygium aromaticum)
- Kasa hara – Relieves cough
- Dantaula hara – Relieves toothache
- Swasahara – Relieves asthma
- Dipana – Carminative
- Pacana – Digestant
- Chardighna – Useful in vomiting
- Vishaghna – Useful in poisoning
- Jwaraghna – Cures fever
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– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)
Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®
Home Remedies of Laung (Syzygium aromaticum)
From ancient times, Ayurveda is widely used in India. It used many herbs that are seen around to treat diseases. Laung or Clove is a commonly used spice in India. As it is easily available and of its high medicinal value it is used in treating many diseases like:-
- To Clean mouth (Mukhavaisadyartha) – To clean the mouth one can keep flower buds of Laung in the mouth for 15-20 mins. It can cure bad odor also.
- In Pain due to Vata (Vatarti samanartha) – Paste prepared of Laung with water is applied over the site of pain. The mixture can relieve pain immediately.
- In Thirst (Pipasa) – Clove added to a glass of water if taken will relieve thirst.
- In Anorexia (Aruci) – Flower buds of Clove kept in the mouth can increase taste sensation.
- In Nausea (Utklesa) – Cloves are added to a glass of water and taken internally to alleviate nausea.
- In Hoarseness of voice (Swara bheda) – Honey taken along with the powder of Lavanga can cure Hoarseness of voice.
- In Toothache (Dantasula) – Clove is kept between tooth or Clove paste is applied over gums can cure toothache.
- In Weak digestion (Agnimandya) – Water processed with Cloves is taken in case of weak digestion.
Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)
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