Evidence supporting the use of: Clove
For the health condition: Colds (with fever)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) has been traditionally used in various cultures, especially in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, to help manage symptoms of colds and fevers. The aromatic flower buds are valued for their warming properties and their ability to alleviate symptoms such as sore throat, cough, and congestion. Clove is rich in eugenol, a compound with known analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and mild antiseptic properties. These characteristics made it a popular home remedy in the pre-antibiotic era for respiratory complaints, including colds that may present with fever.

However, while clove does possess some antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory activities demonstrated in laboratory studies, there is limited direct clinical evidence supporting its efficacy for treating colds and fever in humans. Most of the available data are preclinical, involving cell cultures or animal models. Human studies are lacking or limited in quality and size. The use of clove for colds and fever, therefore, remains mostly rooted in traditional practices and anecdotal evidence. Its role is generally as a supportive agent—soothing the throat, reducing discomfort, and possibly exerting mild antimicrobial effects. Overall, while clove is safe in culinary amounts and may provide symptomatic relief, robust scientific validation for its use in treating colds with fever is currently lacking.

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