Cloves are the flower buds of the clove tree, an evergreen also known as Syzygium aromaticum (1Trusted Source). Found in both whole and ground forms, this versatile spice can be used to season pot roasts, add flavor to hot beverages, and bring spicy warmth to cookies and cakes.You may know cloves as one of the main ingredients in gingerbread baked goods or a staple spice in Indian cuisine.Cloves are best known as a sweet and aromatic spice, but they have also been used in traditional medicine.In fact, animal studies have found that the compounds in cloves may have several health benefits, including supporting liver health and helping stabilize blood sugar levels