Cloves are a spice made from the flower buds of an evergreen tree called the clove tree. They are a popular spice that people use in soups, stews, meats, sauces, and rice dishes. The clove tree is an evergreen that grows up to 8–12 metres tall, with large leaves and crimson flowers grouped in terminal clusters. The flower buds initially have a pale hue, gradually turn green, and then transition to a bright red when ready for harvest.
Whole cloves are shaped like a small, reddish-brown spike, usually around 1 centimetre in length, with a bulbous top. Cloves can be used whole or ground, and they have a very strong, pungent flavour and aroma. People have used cloves in cooking and traditional medicine for many years, but it is only recently that scientists have begun studying their potential health benefits.
May Improve Oral Health
The eugenol in clove is believed to provide relief from tooth pain. The substance is an anaesthetic and has antibacterial properties, and this may help you deal with the pain. Our says claims a simple way to get rid of a toothache is to place a few whole cloves in your mouth and moisten them with your saliva. You can crush the cloves with your teeth. The oil that is released fights the pain. You can use a whole clove for 30 minutes before discarding it and repeating the process with a new one. It could also help fight bad breath, thanks to its antimicrobial properties, which may help kill harmful bacteria.
Good for the Stomach
Cloves contain compounds that have been shown to protect against the formation of stomach ulcers, such as by increasing the production of gastric mucus that helps prevent erosion of the stomach lining. Chewing 1-2 cloves daily on an empty stomach could lower your blood sugar, prevent tooth decay and promote digestive health. Chewing them first thing in the morning enhances the production of saliva, which sets the right tone for digestion at the start of the day. Other than reducing constipation, cloves also help in reducing nausea and acidity. Clove can help in improving the secretion of digestive juices and reduce bloating issues. However, one should be cautious about the amount used. An excess intake of cloves can lead to slow blood clotting, diarrhoea, vomiting and other health issues.
Boosts Immune System
Cloves are full of minerals, vitamins and fibre. But the main ingredient that makes cloves very powerful for increasing immunity is the substance eugenol. Eugenol has been proven effective against many harmful bacteria and viruses and also is effective in fighting funguses. Research has proven that eugenol is very effective in fighting harmful organisms inside and outside the body. Clove also contains other compounds that have similar effects — for example, cloves can help prevent the proliferation of certain harmful microbes that may cause oral or gastrointestinal infections and diseases.
How to use:
For culinary purposes, cloves can be used either whole (such as in marinades) or ground in spice form. Pick out the clove bulbs before serving recipes. They usually have a woody texture and very strong taste that is usually off-putting when consumed whole.
Clove uses include adding a warm and distinctive flavour to baked goods and desserts like cookies, muffins and cakes, meat dishes, hot beverages and clove tea. All of these can be made at home by simmering about one tablespoon of whole cloves in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes.
Risks and Side Effects of Cloves
Low doses of clove oil appear to cause few side effects but can result in local irritation, rare allergic reactions, and contact dermatitis. However, consuming large amounts can cause severe side effects, such as liver and kidney damage, seizures, and coma. Clove oils can be toxic to children. Store products that contain clove oil away and out of reach of children in your household. Avoid taking clove oil if you have a bleeding disorder. Stop using cloves at least two weeks before planned surgery, as it could lead to increased bleeding. Cloves also come in cigarette form for inhalation. Smoking clove cigarettes is likely unsafe and can lead to poor health.
Please note that supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
