Lavanga

Description

Lavanga (clove, Syzygium aromaticum) is an evergreen aromatic tree belonging to the Myrtaceae family Habitat: Indigenous to the Maluku Islands (Indonesia) and cultivated in India, particularly in Kerala and Tamil Nadu in humid tropical conditions with fertile loamy soils. Morphology: A medium-sized evergreen tree, growing up to 10–15 m. The leaves are opposite, elliptic, and leathery with a strong aromatic odour. The flower buds are small, initially green, turning bright red on maturity. The dried unopened flower bud is the clove used as spice and medicine. Grahya Lakṣaṇa: Good quality cloves are plump, brownish-black, and oily, with a strong pungent aroma. They should sink in water when fresh and should not be light, hollow, or without oil.

Useful Parts

Flower bud

Benefits

Digestive system –Carminative, digestive, improves taste, stimulates salivary glands to secrete salivary juice and helps to prevent dryness of mouth. Cleanses the mouth, and prevents bad odor. Antispasmodic, and liver stimulant. Indicated in Anorexia, Indigestion, colicky pain, Gastritis, vomiting, excessive thirst, Liver disorders, Malabsorption syndrome Circulatory System – Stimulate heart and circulatory system. Elevate blood pressure. Indicated in Syphilis. Respiratory System – indicated in breathing difficulty, hiccough Excretory system – Increase urine production by stimulating the kidney. Indicated in painful urination Reproductive System – Purifies and increases breast milk production. Aphrodisiac

Pharmacological Action

Dental Analgesic Carminative Stimulant Aromatic Antiseptic Appetizer Digestive Aphrodisiac

Rasapancakam

Rasa: Katu, Tikta

Guna: Laghu, Snigdha, Tikshna

Virya: Sita

Vipaka: Katu

Dosha Karma: Kaphapitta shamaka