Whole Cloves

One of the more popular spices traded along the ancient spice routes, the clove (Latin: Syzygium aromaticum) has a long and storied history. In fact, fictional character Sinbad the Sailor traded in cloves in Arabian Nights, reflecting the experiences of real life mariners. Originally found only in the historic Spice Islands (the Moluccas), cloves reached China by at least the third century BCE, and Europe (ancient Rome) by at least the first century CE.

In China, cloves found favor amongst practitioners of traditional medicine who believed it helped warm the yang in the kidneys, prescribing it for relief of the kidneys, stomach and spleen. Evidently they were also used for the less medicinal purpose of freshening the breath. Legend maintains that a Han Dynasty ruler required any subject wishing an audience to chew cloves before entering his chamber. Failing to do so, and subsequently approaching the ruler with bad breath, meant immediate banishment from his sight.

Ayurvedic practitioners in India also prized cloves, ascribing them with numerous health benefits. To this day, adherents believe cloves enhance circulation, aid in digestion, increase metabolism and reduce stomach gas, bloating and nausea.