The clove tree is an evergreen tree whose scientific name is Syzygium aromaticum. Cloves are the flower buds of the tree and are native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia. This spice is used whole and ground. This flexible ingredient serves a variety of purposes.
These include seasoning curries and potted meats, adding flavor and bringing a spicy heat to baked foods. It is a staple spice in Indian cooking and is known for its sweetness and aroma.
It also has its use in traditional medicine. A combination of studies have proposed several health benefits of cloves. This article assesses everything you need to know about it, so let’s get to it.
Nutritional information of cloves
2.1 grams or one teaspoon of ground cloves contains:
- Calories – 6 calories
- Protein – 0.13g
- Total fat – 0.27 g
- Carbohydrates – 1 g
- Fiber – 0.7g
- Manganese – 1.263 milligrams (mg)
The amount of manganese found in cloves is 63% of the Daily Value (DV).
10 Health Benefits of Cloves
Apart from Indonesia and India, cloves are also native to Pakistan and parts of East Africa. They offer many health benefits, such as aiding digestion, boosting the immune system, and controlling diabetes. They also have anti-mutagenic and antimicrobial properties. These help fight oral diseases and headaches. So let’s take a closer look at their advantages.
1. Cloves aid digestion
Proper digestion is essential for the breakdown of food into nutrients. Our body uses these nutrients for energy, growth and cell repair. If food does not break down into smaller molecules, it hinders the absorption of nutrients by the blood.
Regular consumption of 1 to 2 cloves in the morning improves the secretion of digestive enzymes, thus preventing disorders such as indigestion and constipation. In addition, they contain a high amount of fiber, which is also beneficial for digestive health.
2. Cloves boost your immune system
An effective immune system is helpful in protecting your body from outside forces. These forces include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins, chemicals produced by microbes.
According to a study, Cloves have antioxidant, antimicrobial and gastroprotective properties. This can help boost the immune system.
3. Cloves control diabetes
Cloves have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. They help control your blood sugar. They also promote the insulin production process for better diabetes control.
According to researchClove and fermented ginger supplements have antidiabetic properties, especially in patients with type 2 diabetes.
4. Cloves fight oral diseases
You should know that your oral health is at stake if you suffer from symptoms such as mouth and jaw pain, bleeding and sore gums, and loose or lost teeth.
Eugenol is a chemical found in cloves. Since the 19th century, it has found its uses in dentistry due to its anesthetic and antibacterial properties. To get relief from the affected area, place whole cloves in your mouth for several minutes at a time.
According to to study, a herbal mouthwash with clove, tea tree oil and basil is perfect for dental health. It also serves as an antiplaque and antigingivitis agent.
5. Cloves treat headaches
Headaches often occur because of deep, constant pain in the cheekbones, forehead, or bridge of the nose. They get worse with sudden head movements or exertion.
Cloves can relieve those nagging headaches. They do this with their cooling and pain-relieving properties. To cure your headache, crush a few cloves and cover them with a tissue. Inhale the scent to reassure yourself.
According to researchfor the aforementioned reasons, cloves are used to develop medicines for humans and animals.
6. Cloves help with weight loss
Many health benefits accompany weight loss to a healthy weight. For example, it lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels and puts less pressure on your bones and joints.
A to study states that cloves help boost metabolism. They have cholesterol-lowering properties to lower cholesterol. Plus, they increase your metabolic rate when you combine them with pepper, cinnamon, and cumin seeds. Thus, these help you lose weight.
7. Cloves increase testosterone levels
Testosterone is a sex hormone that regulates libido, bone mass, and fat distribution in men. In addition, it further improves muscle mass and strength as well as the production of red blood cells and sperm.
Cloves stimulate testicular function, which increases testosterone levels. They also improve fertility. Since they increase blood flow and body temperature, they boost energy and nerve function and relieve stress and anxiety. It prevents rapid ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. They help support a good intimate life.
Research states that cloves work as indigenous medicine to treat male sexual disorders in Asian countries.
8. Cloves prevent cancer
The eugenol in cloves has strong anti-carcinogenic or chemopreventive properties. Cloves contain betulinic acid and other triterpenes that fight breast, lung and ovarian cancer only in the early stages. So, to prevent yourself from cancer, eat more cloves.
According to a to studycloves may be the future of cancer treatment due to their action on various cancer cells.
9. Cloves Cure Bad Breath Naturally
The scientific name for bad breath is halitosis. There is an increase in bacteria and foul odors as the food particles break down. So naturally it happens in and around your teeth.
Cloves clean the tongue, palate, and upper throat by removing bacteria or decaying matter. They have strong aromatic qualities that alter unpleasant odors in the mouth.
According to researcha mixture of cinnamon oil and clove oil helps in the treatment of dental caries.
10. Cloves relieve stress
We incorporate various activities into our daily life to relieve ourselves from stress and anxiety exercises, take supplements, etc.
Cloves have anti-stress properties that make you feel relaxed and calm. They are rich in antioxidants to protect your cells against free radicals. Eugenol, present in cloves, is very helpful in reducing oxidative stress.
11. Cloves Treat Erectile Dysfunction
Clove improves libido in men. Moreover, it also reduces the risk of male sexual disorders. Erectile dysfunction is one of them that can eventually cause stress, relationship strains and low self-confidence.
According to a to studyclove increases erection time and improves sexual performance.
How to use cloves?
You have seen the multiple benefits of this powerful ingredient. It remains to know how to use it for various purposes.
- For flavoring foods: Cloves go well with many Indian dishes with intense flavors and aromas. Add a few cloves to your chutney and pickles and enjoy the special effects they provide. For a hot and spicy dessert, use crushed or ground cloves.
- With drinks: You can add it directly to your tea and strain it. You can also grind cloves and use them with any hot drink.
- As an air freshener: You can make your homemade air freshener using cloves. Just mix 5-10 drops of clove oil in water. Then pour it into a spray bottle and shake well.
- To cure a toothache: Gargle your mouth with lukewarm clove water to combat any unpleasant toothache.
Let’s move on to some of the delicious clove recipes to cure yourself.
Healthy clove recipes
#1 Laung Kadha
Preparation time – 15 minutes
Servings- 4
Ingredients:
- Saunf or fennel seeds – 1 tsp
- Ajwain or carom seeds – 2 tsp
- Laung or clove – 4-6 pieces
- Sabut Kali Mirch or black pepper – 2-4 pieces
- Jeera or cumin – 1 tsp
- Water – 4 glasses
- Jaggery- 1 tbsp
Instructions:
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Add the water and all the ingredients to a container except the jaggery.
- Boil this water over high heat for about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Then add the jaggery and boil over low heat/simmer for 15 minutes.
- Continue boiling until it is reduced to 1.5 glasses.
- Use half a teaspoon of grated ginger to enhance the flavor.
Your Kadha is ready to heal you!
#2 Clove tea
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
- ground cloves – 1 tsp
- Water – 1 cup
Instructions:
- Take a tablespoon of whole cloves and grind it.
- Add a cup of water to a saucepan.
- Then add the cloves and bring to a boil.
- Let steep for about 3-4 minutes.
- Leave to cool, strain and serve hot.
Advantages:
- Aid in weight loss
- Boosts immunity
- Helps manage diabetes
Drink it early in the morning for maximum benefits.
Cloves: Precautions and Side Effects
There are certain situations where you should use cloves with great care. These are:
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding – Cloves are generally used to enhance the taste of certain foods. But there is a lack of evidence to affirm this use in larger quantities and its effect on pregnant women.
- Children: You should never take clove oil by mouth. This can cause symptoms of seizures, liver damage, and fluid imbalances.
- Bleeding disorders: Eugenol slows down the blood clotting process. People with bleeding disorders should not use clove oil. This can lead to unwanted bleeding and lead to other such complications.
- Surgery: The chemicals found in cloves affect blood sugar levels. As mentioned above, they are also responsible for slowing blood clotting. They could disrupt the normal functioning of the body. Therefore, do not use them two weeks before and after your scheduled surgery.
Precautions:
- Do not consume cloves in excess for medicinal purposes. They do not cause any serious symptoms when taken with food. But quantities should be limited.
- Clove oil or cream with clove flower extracts is safe and effective for your skin. However, frequent oral application should be limited. It could damage your gums, dental pulp, skin, and mucous membranes in ways you least expect.
- You can suffer from respiratory problems and lung infections if you inhale smoke from clove cigarettes. It can also happen if you inject clove oil into the veins. Therefore, do not make such rash and irresponsible decisions.
- A dried clove can cause mouth soreness and irritation.
Conclusion
We have looked at all the benefits of cloves and their long term effects. Apart from being a common spice in Asian delicacies, they have vast medicinal properties.
Clove tends to keep your body warm and warm. Thus, it is best to have them during the winter season. Cloves get their power from the antioxidant eugenol. They also have antibacterial properties. They can replace synthetic food preservatives. So, make the most of their benefits but use them sparingly to avoid any health complications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What are the health benefits of cloves?
A. Cloves have several health benefits. They aid in the digestion process, boost your immune system, and even control your diabetes. They also fight oral diseases, treat headaches and help with weight loss.
Q. What are the side effects of cloves?
A. Frequent application of clove oil in your mouth can damage your gums, dental pulp, skin and mucous membranes. Also, if you inhale smoke from clove cigarettes, you may suffer from respiratory problems.
Q. Can we eat cloves daily?
A. No, you should eat cloves weekly to experience their potential health benefits. When consumed regularly, they can help you relieve stomach aches, toothaches, and sore throats. It is very beneficial for health, according to Ayurveda.
Q. What are cloves used for?
A. Cloves add flavor to foods and drinks. They can also be used as a deodorant and to treat toothaches. People usually mix ground cloves with spices, and whole cloves add depth and flavor to your food.
Q. What diseases can cloves cure?
A. Cloves can cure diabetes, oral diseases, digestive problems and headaches. They also treat erectile dysfunction and cancer. Along with this, they prevent respiratory ailments. These include bronchitis, colds, sinusitis and asthma.
Q. How does clove cure infection?
A. Cloves have antimicrobial properties to stop the growth of microorganisms like bacteria. The presence of eugenol decreases pain. It additionally cures other symptoms of infection.
Q. Is clove good for the lungs?
A. Yes, cloves are extremely good for your lungs. They inhibit abnormal cell growth in the lungs. Also. several studies prove that cloves can help prevent lung cancer. Additionally, clove oil works as an expectorant to treat respiratory disorders, including colds, bronchitis, coughs, asthma, and upper respiratory conditions.
Q. Can I drink clove water every day?
A. Yes, drinking clove water every day boosts your immune system and protects you against infections and flu cases. It is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals that support your health.
Q. Can I drink clove tea every day?
A. Yes, clove tea has antiseptic, antiviral and antimicrobial properties. Hence, you can drink it every day to reap the benefits. However, do not take it more than once or twice a day as this may cause gastrointestinal upset.
Q. Can cloves reduce belly fat?
A. Cloves help boost your metabolism. Improved metabolism helps you lose weight. They also have cholesterol-lowering and anti-lipid properties. However, there is no direct correlation with belly fat in particular.
Q. Do cloves increase testosterone?
A. Yes, cloves increase testosterone by stimulating testicular function and improving fertility. Increased blood flow and body temperature stimulate energy and nerve function. It also helps relieve stress and anxiety.
Q. Is clove good for erectile dysfunction?
A. Yes, clove is suitable for erectile dysfunction as it increases erection time and improves sexual performance. Moreover, it also acts as an aphrodisiac, necessary for the libido of both men and women. Clove essential oil helps fight impotence.
Q. Can a man take clove water?
A. Yes, a man can take clove water because of its impressive health benefits. It increases male potency, prevents premature ejaculation and improves sperm motility. It also improves oral and liver health.
