Origin. - The dried flower buds of Eugenia aromatica (L.) O. Kuntze, a hardwood, shrubby evergreen. It was originally found in the Molucca Islands, whence it was introduced and cultivated among the East Indian Islands.

Description and Properties. - The buds are about 5/8 inch (15 Mm.) long, dark-brown, consisting of a subcylindrical, solid and glandular calyx-tube, terminated by four teeth and surmounted by a globular head, formed by four petals covering numerous curved stamens, and one style. A clove resembles a nail (L. clavus; Fr. clou).

Cloves have a strong aromatic odor and a pungent, spicy taste, and when pressed or scratched emit oil.

Constituents. - Cloves contain about 18 per cent. of a highly pungent volatile oil, 17 per cent. of tannin, and small quantities of fixed oil, gum, resin, etc. The most important constituent of the oil is the phenol, eugenol, C10H12O2, making up 70 to 85 per cent. of the oil, also a terpenene, caryophyllene; methyl alcohol and furfural are present in small quantities.

Dose. - 5-10 grains (0.3-0.6 Gm.) [4 grains (0.25 Gm.), U. S. P.].

Official Preparation

Tinctura Lavandulae Composita - Tincturae Lavandulae Compositse - Tincture of Lavender. - Dose, 1/2-1 fluidram (2.0-4.0 Cc). (Formula given under Lavender.)