Health Benefits of Cloves

Clove Uses

Clove has been used for thousands of years in India and China not only as a spice but also as a medicine for many ailments.

• Ayurvedic medicine used cloves for tooth decay and halitosis (bad breath).
• In Chinese medicine, clove was considered to possess aphrodisiac properties.
• Ground cloves are traditionally applied to minor cuts for healing purposes.
• Clove tea is a popular warm beverage to relieve congestion.
• Clove oil is thought to help relieve headaches, flatulence, as well as reduce stretch marks.
• It is also popularly used as a bug and insect repellant. Just add a few drops to water and see them vanish!

Health Benefits of Cloves

Packed with nutrients and bioactive compounds, it is no wonder that even a small amount of cloves have some interesting health benefits to offer. Let’s take a look at their health benefits.

Boost Gastrointestinal Health

Cloves are known to have been used in several traditional medicinal cultures as a way to help with stomach issues. According to the book “Herbs that Heal: Natural Remedies for Good Health”, cloves have been used to boost digestion and control gastrointestinal irritation. Furthermore, fried cloves could also be used to stop vomiting, owing to their anesthetic properties. It is also effective against ulcers and can be used as a purgative agent.

Antibacterial Properties

Cloves are touted by many for their antibacterial properties against several human pathogens. The extracts of cloves were potent enough to kill those pathogens.

Liver Protection

Cloves contain high amounts of antioxidants, which are ideal for protecting the organs from the effects of free radicals, especially the liver. Metabolism, in the long run, increases free radical production and lipid profile, while decreasing the antioxidants in the liver. Clove extracts are a helpful component in counteracting these effects with its hepatoprotective properties.

Diabetes Management

Extracts from cloves imitate insulin in certain ways and help in controlling blood sugar levels. One study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that cloves may have a beneficial effect on diabetes as part of a plant-based diet.

Bone Preservation

The hydro-alcoholic extracts of this spice include phenolic compounds, such as eugenol, and its derivatives, such as flavones, isoflavones, and flavonoids. Studies have suggested that these extracts may be helpful in preserving bone density and the mineral content of bone, as well as increasing the tensile strength of bones in case of osteoporosis. More research is needed to confirm the efficacy of these findings.

Immunity Booster

Ayurveda describes certain plants to be effective in developing and protecting the immune system. One such plant is clove. The dried flower bud of clove contains compounds that help in improving the immune system by increasing the white blood cell count, thereby, improving delayed-type hypersensitivity.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

The spice possesses anti-inflammatory and pain-killing properties. Studies on clove extracts administered to lab rats suggest that the presence of eugenol reduced the inflammation caused by edema. It was also confirmed that eugenol can reduce pain by stimulating pain receptors.

Oral Health

Cloves can be taken for a reduction in gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Clove bud extracts significantly control the growth of oral pathogens, which are responsible for various oral diseases, as per a study published in the Journal of Natural Products. They can also be used for toothaches due to their pain-killing properties.

Aphrodisiac Properties

Since ancient times, spices such as clove and nutmeg have been said to possess aphrodisiac properties, according to Unani medicine. Experiments on clove and nutmeg extracts were tested against standard drugs administered for that reason, and both clove and nutmeg showed positive results.

Headache Treatment

Headaches may be reduced by using cloves. Make a paste of a few spice buds and mix it with a dash of rock salt. Add this to a glass of milk. This mixture reduces headaches quickly and effectively.

Where to Buy Cloves?

You can buy good quality whole organic cloves online or at our food store. They are best stored in tiny spice glasses or steel containers in a cool, dry place where they can be kept for months. Fresh cloves are potent in flavour, so make sure you use it sparingly.