Eugenia caryophyllus, a synonym of Syzygium aromaticum, is a tree with aromatic flower buds commonly used as a spice and harvested primarily in Indonesia, India, Madagascar, Zanzibar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Pemba Island. Cloves, which generally refer to the flower buds of E. caryophyllus, are used in Asian, African, and Near and Middle East cuisine. They are also used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, Chinese and Korean medicine, Western herbalism, and dentistry. Cloves are used as a carminative to increase hydrochloric acid in the stomach and to improve peristalsis. They are also said to be naturally anthelmintic. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy to improve digestive problems.

Topical application over the stomach and abdomen is said to warm the digestive tract. In Traditional Oriental Medicine, cloves are considered acrid, warm, and aromatic and are notable in their ability to warm the stomach and fortify the kidney yang. As for modern medicinal uses, cloves are thought to reduce blood sugar levels and reduce fever effectively.