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Cloves have numerous benefits. It can be used to get rid of toothaches and can be added to basmati rice for flavour. There are many other benefits of cloves which we might not know. Here, we have everything you need to know about cloves.
What are Cloves?
Cloves are one of the spices indigenous to Asian countries like Indonesia, India, Pakistan, and even areas of East Africa. It is native to the Maluku islands in Indonesia. They are a popular flavouring agent that are used in a variety of ways across the world, particularly in Asia.
Properties of Cloves
- Anti-Mutagenic
- Anti-Microbial
- Anti-Aphrodisiac
- Anti-Bacterial
- Anti-Inflammatory
Scientific Facts About Clove
Clove is the dried bud of the flower of the Syzygium aromaticum tree. It belongs to the plant family named Myrtaceae. The plant is an evergreen plant that grows in tropical and subtropical conditions.
Clove is an herb and people use various parts of the plant, including the dried bud, stems, and leaves to make medicine. Clove oil is also famous for its medicinal properties.
Benefits of Cloves
Better Digestion
Cloves improve digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive enzymes. Cloves are also good for reducing flatulence, gastric irritability, dyspepsia, and nausea. They can be roasted, powdered or taken with honey to relieve digestive disorders.
Liver Protection
Cloves contain high amounts of antioxidants, which are ideal for protecting your organs from free radicals, especially your liver. Metabolism, in the long run, increases free radical production and lipid profile, while decreasing the antioxidants in the liver. Cloves can counter that effect.
Diabetes Control
Cloves have been used in many traditional remedies for a number of diseases. One such disease is diabetes. Studies have revealed that extracts from cloves imitate insulin in certain ways and help in controlling blood sugar levels.
Bone Preservation
The hydro-alcoholic extracts of cloves include phenolic compounds such as eugenol and its derivatives like flavones, flavonoids etc. These extracts have been particularly helpful in preserving bone density and the mineral content of bone.
Boosts the Immune System
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.
Cure for Oral Diseases
Cloves are effective in fighting gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. Clove bud extracts significantly control the growth of oral pathogens, which are responsible for various oral diseases. Cloves can also be used for toothaches due to their pain-killing properties.
Cure for Headaches
Headaches can be reduced by using cloves. Make a paste of a few cloves and mix it with a dash of rock salt. Apply this mixture to your forehead, as it reduces headaches quickly and effectively.
You may also read: Arjunarishta Benefits | Ashokarishta Benefits
Uses of Clove
There are many ways in which Clove is used. Here are some well-known uses of it:
- Moisturizes Dry Skin and Helps Other Skin Problems (Clove Oil)
- Alleviates Toothache (Clove as an ingredient in toothpaste)
- Reduces Foul Cooking Odors (Clove Powder)
You may also read: Spirulina Uses
Dosage of Clove
- Clove Powder – 1-2 grams per day
- Clove Oil – 1-2 drops
Side Effects of Cloves
Lowers Sugar Level in The Blood
It has been found that the herb can decrease the amount of glucose in our bloodstream significantly, which might be extremely harmful for hypoglycaemia patients.
Causes Allergic Reactions
Excessive use of Cloves can cause allergic reactions like rashes, hives, swelling, chocking of throat, etc.
Causes Respiratory Problems
Clove cigarettes have become exceedingly popular these days. But if you smoke it frequently, you will become prone to a number of respiratory issues. By inhaling these cigarettes, you are actually allowing too much clove powder to pass through your airways as well as lungs. It can result in serious breathing problems like shortness of breath and lung infection.
Makes the Skin Sensitive
Cloves can take a toll on your skin by making it super sensitive. It is mostly true for the topical application of undiluted clove oil, which is nothing but the unprocessed or unrefined extract of the spice. It can cause irritation, rashes, burns, or contact dermatitis. Sometimes it can even damage the skin cells.
Causes Mouth Sensitivity
Several studies have revealed that over consumption of clove or excessive application of clove oil, can cause extensive damage to your gum, teeth, tooth pulp, dental tissues etc. It can also lead to sore lips and dental cavities over the time.
Clove Brands & Where to Buy?
Where to Buy Clove Powder?
Clove Powder Brands:
- McCormick
- Spice Platter
- Looms & Weaves
- Earth Expo
Where to Buy Clove Oil?
Clove Oil Brands:
- Dabur
- Lever Ayush
- Crysalis
