Cloves possess medicinal properties that are useful in managing pain, treating infections, and enhancing sexual desire.
Scientifically referred to as Syzygium aromaticum, cloves are a rich source of nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. They can be utilized in their natural state, incorporated into various dishes, or applied as a cream or oil for cosmetic uses.
Cloves are readily available in grocery stores or pharmacies, and as an essential oil in natural health shops.
The primary health benefits of cloves include:
1. Pain Reduction
Eugenol, a well-known component of cloves, has been extensively studied and employed in dentistry for many years to alleviate pain and inflammation from dental procedures. Research indicates that eugenol works by inhibiting prostaglandins and other inflammatory agents, thus reducing pain receptor sensitivity.
2. Insect Repellent
The natural scent of cloves is effective at repelling insects, as its distinct aroma is typically unappealing to them. For kitchen use, simply crush cloves and place them on a plate on the table, or insert individual cloves into a lemon or orange to deter bugs. Additionally, clove oil-infused products like candles are available for purchase to keep insects at bay.
3. Sexual Desire Enhancement
Clove extract is an excellent natural remedy for sexual impotence, boasting aphrodisiac properties that can boost libido.
4. Cancer Prevention
Cloves are rich in phenolic compounds, providing them with potent antioxidant properties. They safeguard the body against chronic diseases such as cancer by combating free radicals that damage bodily tissues.
5. Fighting Infections
Cloves' antimicrobial properties make them effective against bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Staphylococcus and E. coli, as well as fungal infections. This is attributed to the eugenol, methyl salicylate, kaempferol, gallic acid, and oleanolic acid found in cloves, which appear to denature the proteins interacting with bacterial cell membranes, altering their permeability and inhibiting their growth and reproduction.
6. Treating Bad Breath
The antiseptic qualities and natural fragrance of cloves offer a natural remedy for bad breath. Chewing a clove until it is completely ground in the mouth before spitting it out, or using clove tea as a gargle, can help address this issue.
7. Promoting Optimal Digestion
Cloves enhance digestion and manage diarrhea by activating enzymes that aid in the breakdown of food in the stomach and intestines. They are also beneficial for treating intestinal gas, particularly when consumed as tea after eating gas-producing foods like black beans, broccoli, or cauliflower.
8. Speeding Up Wound Healing
Applied directly to the skin, clove oil or a cream containing cloves can promote healing. It also reduces inflammation and irritation due to its antiseptic properties. Cloves are beneficial for healing minor anal fissures.
9. Muscle relaxation and fatigue treatment
Clove essential oil can relax muscles and may be used as massage oil or gel on tired or strained muscles. Its distinctive aroma also makes it an excellent choice for alleviating fatigue and melancholy, enhancing your mood for daily activities.
10. Blood pressure reduction
Studies have indicated that clove essential oil has hypotensive properties, aiding in the relaxation of blood vessels and lowering blood pressure. However, the use of cloves for managing blood pressure is not officially sanctioned.
How to use cloves
Cloves can be incorporated into cakes, bread, desserts, and soup broths. However, the most therapeutic benefits are obtained by consuming cloves in tea form, especially when combined with cinnamon, lemon, or ginger.
For tea made from fresh cloves:
Add 10g of cloves to a pot containing 1L of water and boil for 15 minutes. After cooling and straining, drink up to three times daily.
For tea made from powdered cloves:
Consume 300 to 500 mg of the powder dissolved in water, two to three times daily.
For essential oils:
Place 2 or 3 drops on a cotton ball and apply as needed.
Clove-based products like creams or gels are available at natural health stores or compounding pharmacies.
Special considerations:
Cloves should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, children under six years old, or individuals with a history of gastritis or ulcers due to the lack of safety studies.
Some individuals may experience skin or digestive tract irritation from cloves; thus, usage should be under the guidance of a doctor or a specialist in medicinal plants.
Cloves contain eugenol, a substance that can impede blood clotting. It is advised not to consume clove tea for up to two weeks prior to any scheduled surgery.
