Cloves are the rich brown dried unopened flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum an evergreen tree in the myrtle family. The name comes from the French âclouâ meaning nail. In addition to their sweet aromatic flavour cloves are known for their potent medicinal properties some of which include aiding in digestion boosting the immune system controlling diabetes and preserving bone quality. They also contain anti-mutagenic and anti-microbial properties along with fighting against oral diseases and headaches.