Cloves are a popular spice used in a variety of ways across the world, particularly in Asia. They form a culinary base in a number of different Asian cuisines.
Clove is the dried bud of the flower from the tree Syzygium aromaticum. It belongs to the plant family named Myrtaceae. It is an evergreen plant growing in tropical and subtropical conditions. Clove is an herb of which people use various parts of the plant, including the dried buds, stems, and leaves to make medicine. Clove oil is famous for its ancient medicinal properties.
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.
It boosts 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.
It has 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.
It protects the liver
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 their hepatoprotective properties.
It serves 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.
It preserves the bone.
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.
It serves as an immunity booster
Ayurveda describes certain plants to be effective in developing and protecting the immune system. One such plant is the 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.
It has 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.
Health benefits of cloves infographic
Clove is an herb of which people use various parts of the plant, including the dried buds, stems, and leaves to make medicine.
It gives 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.
It has 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.
It is good for 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.
