Evidence supporting the use of: Clove
For the health condition: Parasites (general)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, for treating digestive issues, including those related to intestinal parasites. The use of clove for parasite control is primarily attributed to its essential oil, particularly the compound eugenol, which has demonstrated antimicrobial and anti-parasitic activity in laboratory studies. Historically, clove has been combined with other botanicals such as wormwood and black walnut to create herbal remedies aimed at expelling intestinal worms (helminths) and protozoa. While a number of in vitro (test tube) and animal studies have shown that clove extracts can reduce the viability of parasitic organisms such as nematodes and protozoa, robust clinical evidence in humans is limited. Some studies suggest that the eugenol content of clove may disrupt parasite cell membranes or interfere with their metabolism, but these effects have not been thoroughly validated in well-designed human trials. Thus, while there is a substantial traditional basis for the use of clove in supporting the management of parasitic infections, modern scientific validation is still emerging, and its use is best seen as a complementary approach rather than a primary treatment. As always, individuals should consult healthcare professionals for diagnosis and treatment of parasitic conditions.

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