The clove of commerce is the air-dried unopened flower bud obtained from a medium sized evergreen tree. Clove flavour is imparted by the chemical eugenol. Clove is usually paired with vanilla, red wine, cinnamon, onion, citrus peel, peppercorns etc.
The use of clove in whole or ground form is mainly for culinary purposes and as a flavouring agent in the food industry.
It is highly valued in medicine as a carminative, aromatic and stimulant.
Cloves in India are used in Siddha medicine and Ayurveda