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11 Clove Benefits and How to Use them Everyday

Clove is a kind of spice that has various antimicrobial and antibacterial properties and may be found in parts of East Africa as well as Asian nations such as Indonesia, India, and Pakistan. Some of the clove benefits1 include an improvement in digestion2, a strengthening of the immune system, and better management of diabetes.

Cloves also possess anti-mutagenic and anti-microbial qualities, which may assist in the treatment of dental disorders after everyday use as well as headaches.

In this article, we will be discussing how clove benefits the human body.

Origin of Cloves

In the past, cloves were regarded as the most precious of all spices, and the worth of one clove was traditionally assessed in terms of gold. Cloves are really the dried blooms of the clove tree, often known as the “clove tree.” According to legend, cloves first appeared in the Spice Islands, which may be found in the Pacific Ocean not far from China.

Cloves didn’t arrive in Europe and Asia until the late Middle Ages, but once they did, they quickly became an essential part of the culinary traditions of those two continents. Cloves are an important spice that may be included in a wide range of dishes to provide a more robust flavor.

The ground or unground version of clove essential oil may be used for its intended purposes. In order to impart a more nuanced flavor to a wide variety of dishes, cloves, either in their whole or ground form, are often used as an element in a variety of spice combinations as well as recipes.

These tiny pods have a tint that is between dark brown and black, and they are added to a broad variety of meals in order to provide taste. The addition of this flavor component may be beneficial to a wide variety of dishes, including Worcestershire sauce, curries, meats, and even baked products with a spicy taste.

In addition to this, they provide a wide variety of potential health benefits that may be acquired from cloves, making them an excellent source of information in this area.

What Exactly is a Clove?

Clove is a well-known spice that is put to use in a wide number of applications all throughout the globe, notably in Asian cuisine. It serves as the foundation for a variety of various dishes prepared in Asian cuisines.

The blossom buds of the tree Syzygium aromaticum are harvested and dried to produce cloves. Myrtaceae is the name of the plant family to which it belongs.

In both tropical and subtropical environments, this plant maintains its evergreen appearance.

People employ many components of the clove plant, including the dried buds, stems, and leaves, in the preparation of medicinal remedies. Clove is a kind of herb. Clove oil has been used for centuries due to its renowned therapeutic qualities.

Clove, like many other spices that come from Asia and have their origins there, has a long and interesting history. They were brought all the way from Indonesia to China, India, Persia, Africa, and Europe throughout the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries.

At this time, cloves commanded a very high price, which led to the beginning of fights to establish monopolies on their production and distribution.

Because of the archipelago’s reputation as the Spice Islands due to its abundance of nutmeg, mace, and cloves, several conflicts were fought throughout both the medieval and modern eras in an effort to gain control of the Maluku Islands.

A significant amount of effort was spent by the Dutch establishing a colony in the Maluku islands. Clove extract has developed into a highly significant crop for commercial use all around the globe.

Nutritional Values of Cloves

Cloves include a variety of essential elements, including carbohydrates, protein, and energy, as well as dietary fiber, as reported by the USDA Food Data Central. Cloves contain a variety of minerals, including magnesium, potassium, calcium, and sodium. Vitamin E, folic acid, and niacin are some of the vitamins that may be found in them.

In addition to that, they contain phosphorus, iron, zinc, vitamin C, thiamin, and riboflavin, as well as vitamins A and K. Although this spice is used in a variety of meals, only a tiny quantity of it is often used, so even if it has a lot of impressive health benefits, you probably won’t consume a lot of it.

Cloves Include a Number of Bioactive Compounds

Flavonoids, hexane, methylene chloride, ethanol, thymol, eugenol, and benzene are only some of the bioactive components that have been identified from clove extracts, as stated by a research study conducted by the University of Texas at Austin.

It has been shown that these biochemicals contain qualities that are antioxidant, hepatoprotective3, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory.

11 Clove Benefits

Cloves are said to have originated in Indonesia and India, although they are also indigenous to Pakistan and certain regions of East Africa. They help with digestion, improve the immune system, and keep diabetes under control4, just to name a few of the numerous positive health benefits. In addition to this, they possess antimutagenic and antibacterial effects.

These aid in the battle against dental illnesses as well as headaches. Now, let’s take a closer look at the advantages they provide.

1. Cloves are helpful for Digestion

The proper digestion of food is required in order to break down food into its component nutrients. These nutrients are used by our body to provide energy, promote development, and repair damaged cells.

If the meal cannot be broken down into smaller molecules, it will interfere with the blood’s ability to absorb the nutrients it contains.

Consuming one to two cloves first thing in the morning on a regular basis stimulates the release of digestive enzymes,5 which in turn helps avoid digestive diseases such as indigestion and constipation.

In addition to this, they contain a generous quantity of fiber, which is not only helpful but essential for proper digestive health benefits. Thus among other clove benefits, digestion is no. 1.

2. Clove Oil Boosts Your Immune System

There are many clove benefits, one of which is that clove oil helps boost the immune system. It is important to have a robust immune system in order to defend your body from harmful influences from the outside world. Toxins are compounds that are created by microorganisms and may come in the form of bacteria, viruses, fungi, or toxins.

Clove oil has been shown to possess antioxidant, antibacterial, and gastro-protective effects, according to recent research. The immune system may benefit from this to some degree.

3. Consuming Cloves can help Control Diabetes

A few cloves are effective pain relievers, as well as having antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. They contribute to maintaining a healthy amount of sugar in your blood and liver health. In addition, they stimulate the process of producing insulin6, which results in improved management of diabetes symptoms.

Thus, we see diabetes also comes under the clove benefits.

Clove and fermented ginger supplements may have anti-diabetic effects, according to a study, and these effects may be most pronounced in people who suffer from type 2 diabetes.

4. Cloves Protect Against Oral Illnesses

clove benefits
photo by Eva Bronzini / pexels copyright 2019

If you suffer from symptoms such as discomfort in the mouth and jaw, bleeding and painful gums, and loose or missing teeth, you should be aware that your dental health may be in jeopardy.

Clove oil is a natural source of the chemical eugenol. As a result of its anesthetic and antibacterial qualities, it has been put to use in the field of dentistry ever since the nineteenth century. Putting whole cloves in your mouth and letting them sit there for a few minutes at a time might provide relief from the afflicted region.

According to the findings of the research, an herbal mouth rinse that contains clove oil, tea tree oil, and basil is ideal for maintaining oral health. Additionally, it acts as an agent that prevents plaque and gingivitis from developing.

5. Headaches can be Cured with Cloves

Experiencing severe and ongoing discomfort in the cheeks, forehead, or bridge of the nose may often result in headaches. They get much worse when you suddenly shift your head or strain.

These throbbing headaches might be eased with the help of cloves. They do this with the help of their soothing and calming characteristics. If you’re experiencing headache pain, try pounding a few clove teas into a paste and applying it to your temples while covering it with a cloth. Take a deep breath of the aroma to help calm your nerves.

According to studies, cloves are utilized to make treatments for both people and animals because of the reasons that have been discussed above.

6. Consuming Cloves can assist with Weight Loss

When one achieves a healthy weight via weight reduction, they get a number of health benefits from cloves. For instance, it brings about a reduction in cholesterol and blood sugar levels and reduces the amount of stress that is placed on your bones and joints.

According to one research, cloves may assist in chronic disease and acceleration of the body’s metabolic rate. They contain qualities that help lower cholesterol and are known as anti-cholesteric. In addition, when combined with other spices like pepper, cinnamon, and cumin seeds, they have the added benefit of speeding up your metabolism. 7Because of this, they contribute to your weight loss.

7. Cloves Cause an Increase in Total Testosterone in the Body

clove oil
photo by Alesia Kozik / pexels copyright 2019

In males, the hormone testosterone is responsible for regulating sex desire, bone density, and the distribution of fat. In addition to this, it increases the formation of red blood cells and sperm, as well as increases the bulk and strength of the muscles.

Cloves have been shown to improve testicular function, which leads to elevated levels of testosterone. They are also known to improve fertility. They boost energy production and nerve function, as well as decrease tension and anxiety. This is because they raise blood flow and warmth inside the body. It slows down the rate of ejaculation and protects against erectile dysfunction. They contribute to the development of a healthy romantic relationship.

According to recent research, cloves are effective as a traditional medicine in Asian nations for the treatment of male sexual dysfunction.

8. Consuming Cloves can help prevent Cancer

Cloves contain a substance called eugenol, which has potent cancer-fighting and cancer-preventing abilities. Only in the early stages of the disease, the betulinic acid and other triterpenes that are found in cloves are able to combat breast, lung, and ovarian cancer. Consume a greater quantity of cloves to reduce your risk of developing cancer.8

Recent research suggests that cloves, due to their activity in a number of different cancer cells, may one day be used as a therapy for the disease.

9. Cloves are an all-natural Remedy for Halitosis

Halitosis is the medical term for a condition that causes foul breath. When food particles break down, there is an increase in the number of germs as well as an unpleasant odor. Therefore, it is only normal for this to occur in and around your teeth.

By eliminating germs and other rotting debris from the tongue, palate, and upper region of the throat, cloves provide a thorough cleansing. They provide intense fragrant properties that mask any off flavors that may be present on the tongue.

According to the findings of several studies, combining clove oil and cinnamon oil as a therapy for dental caries may be beneficial.

10. Chewing Ground Cloves can help Relieve Stress

We alleviate the tension and anxiety in our lives by engaging in a variety of activities on a daily basis, such as going to the gym, taking vitamin supplements, etc.

Cloves are known to provide calming and relaxing anti-stress characteristics. They have a high concentration of antioxidants, which protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Cloves contain eugenol, which has anti-oxidative properties and may help reduce oxidative stress.9

11. Cloves are an Effective Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction

Men who use clove regularly report increased sexual desire. In addition to this, it lowers the possibility of males developing sexual difficulties. One of these conditions, erectile dysfunction, may ultimately lead to stress, tension in a relationship, and a lack of self-confidence.

Recent research found that clove boosts sexual performance and lengthens the duration of an erection.

Where Can I Purchase Cloves?

You may get whole ground clove extract of a high grade either online or in the grocery store in your area. They may be preserved for many months if they are kept in an airtight, cold, and dry location in a container made of steel or a miniature spice glass. Because the taste of fresh cloves is so intense, you should only use a very small amount.

Cloves’ Adverse Effects on the Body

Ground Cloves contain a number of components, some of which may be toxic if consumed in large quantities or not properly diluted. The following are some of the clove-based products 10that should be used responsibly:

1. Essential Oil of Clove:

The several cloves should never be used straight. Instead, dilute it with either olive oil or water that has been distilled. Even though clove extract oil is widely considered to be free of any health risks, recent research found that it has cytotoxic effects.

2. Cigarettes Made with Cloves:

One of the most common ways that cloves are smoked in Indonesia is in the shape of cigarettes, which are locally known as kreteks. Cigarettes are gaining popularity as a possible replacement for traditional tobacco cigarettes; nevertheless, studies have shown that clove cigarettes are even more hazardous to one’s health than regular cigarettes.

When compared to regular tobacco cigarettes, the quantity of nicotine, carbon monoxide, and tar that enters the lungs from clove cigarettes is much greater.

Key Takeaways

Cloves offer a multitude of possible health advantages, some of which include regulating blood sugar levels and assisting in the prevention of the development of germs.

They work best when consumed as part of a diet that is both nutritious and well-balanced, much like many other types of nutritious food. You can give it a try and include it in a few servings of cloves per week in the food that you eat.

Cloves, once ground, are an ingredient that may be readily incorporated into a variety of cuisines. Desserts, curries, and chutneys will all benefit from the rich, unique taste that they provide.

You may also brew a calming cup of clove tea by allowing whole cloves to steep in water that has been brought to a boil for five to ten minutes.

Cloves have a wonderful flavor and may offer a variety of significant health benefits.

FAQs

1. Can I chew clove?

Ans. Yes, one can chew a clove. Chewing clove will help in proper digestion and get rid of diarrhea or any stomach upset issues.

2. How many raw cloves can I eat daily?

Ans. You can eat 1-2 cloves per day.

3. How is clove water beneficial to a woman?

Ans. Drinking clove water will help the women get rid of menstruation cramps, help in digestion, and will build good immunity.

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  3. Madrigal-Santillán, Eduardo, et al. “Review of natural products with hepatoprotective effects.” World journal of gastroenterology: WJG 20.40 (2014): 14787. ↩︎
  4. Broom, Dorothy, and Andrea Whittaker. “Controlling diabetes, controlling diabetics: moral language in the management of diabetes type 2.” Social science & medicine 58.11 (2004): 2371-2382. ↩︎
  5. GLC, Gas-Liquid Chromatography. “and Their Release by Digestive Enzymes.” Cereal Chem 59.6 (1982): 538-542. ↩︎
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  7. Hiatt, William R., et al. “Benefit of exercise conditioning for patients with peripheral arterial disease.” Circulation 81.2 (1990): 602-609. ↩︎
  8. Sasieni, P. D., et al. “What is the lifetime risk of developing cancer?: the effect of adjusting for multiple primaries.” British journal of cancer 105.3 (2011): 460-465. ↩︎
  9. Vincent, Heather K., Kim E. Innes, and Kevin R. Vincent. “Oxidative stress and potential interventions to reduce oxidative stress in overweight and obesity.” Diabetes, obesity and metabolism 9.6 (2007): 813-839. ↩︎
  10. Danthu, Pascal, et al. “The clove tree and its products (clove bud, clove oil, eugenol): prosperous today but what of tomorrow’s restrictions?.” World 161.58,172 (2020): 52-915. ↩︎

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