Welcome! All of you in Lifelong Health Blog. In this article, we talk about 14 Surprising Benefits of Cloves for Health. The scientific name for the evergreen clove tree is Syzygium aromaticum, and it is indigenous to the eastern Indonesian Maluku islands. Since the shape of a dried clove resembles a nail, their name is derived from the Latin word clavus, which means nail. Deep brown in color, cloves have a potent, aromatic scent that is warm, sweet, strong, and slightly astringent. Cloves are a popular spice in baking and cooking. For thousands of years, they have also been used as a natural remedy in Chinese and Ayurvedic traditional medicines.
There are several names for clove, including Laung, Lavang, and Laumg in Hindi. You’ll be shocked to hear this. What happens if we take a daily drink of clove water? Drinking clove water first thing in the morning helps boost your defenses against sickness and the flu. The abundance of vitamins and minerals in clove water may help to strengthen your immune system and general well-being. It is rich in calcium, magnesium, manganese, vitamin K, and vitamin C.
Important nutrients
Cloves contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals, so using whole or ground cloves to add flavor to your food can provide some important nutrients.
One teaspoon (2 grams) of ground cloves contains.
• Calories: 6
• Carbs: 1 gram
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Manganese: 55% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin K: 2% of the DV
The mineral manganese is vital for healthy brain function and strong bones.
Cloves are used sparingly and don’t offer much in the way of nutrients, other than being a rich source of manganese and much more of health Benefits of Cloves.
How to Use Clove (Laung)?
Clove is used as:
• A whole
• Powder
• Oil
These are used in several dental products like toothpaste, dental creams, throat sprays, and mouthwashes.
14 Surprising Benefits of Cloves
Cloves are indigenous to Pakistan and some parts of East Africa in addition to Indonesia and India. There is many Health Benefits of Cloves. They help with digestion, strengthen the immune system, and manage diabetes, among many other health benefits. They also possess antimicrobial and anti-mutagenic qualities. They combat headaches and oral diseases. So let’s take a closer look on the Benefits of Cloves :
1. Cloves Help with Digestion :
It takes proper digestion for food to be broken down into nutrients. These nutrients are used by our body for growth, energy, and cell repair. The blood cannot absorb nutrients from food if it does not break down into smaller molecules.
Frequent ingestion of one or two cloves in the morning stimulates the release of digestive enzymes, which helps to prevent conditions such as constipation and indigestion. They also contain a good amount of fiber, which is good for the health of the digestive system.
2. Cloves Strengthen Your Immune System :
Maintaining an effective immune system is beneficial for shielding your body from external threats. These forces include fungi, bacteria, viruses, and toxins—substances made by microorganisms.
A study found that cloves have gastro-protective, antibacterial, and antioxidant qualities. The immune system may be strengthened by this.
3. Effects of Cloves on Blood Sugar Control :
Cloves contain a compound called eugenol, which may lower blood sugar levels based on some preliminary evidence. It is too soon to prescribe precise dosages to assist in controlling blood sugar in humans, though, as the majority of the research has been conducted in animal models.5.
In a human study with healthy participants, using clove extract for 12 days reduced blood sugar levels more than using a placebo. However, there was only a 3 milligram per deciliter difference, which may not have any clinical significance.
4. Cloves Fight with Dental Pain : Clove Oil
The most well-known use of clove oil is probably as a toothache and dental pain reliever. For example, in a previous study involving 73 adults, researchers discovered that the pain relief properties of a clove-based gel were on par with those of benzocaine, a local anesthetic, when it came to injection-related discomfort.3.
According to additional research, the antibacterial qualities of cloves may aid in lowering oral bacteria that cause cavities, gingivitis, and plague.
5. Cloves Are Used to Treat Headaches :
Deep, ongoing pain in the forehead, nose bridge, or cheekbones is frequently the cause of headaches. Straining or abrupt head movements exacerbate them. Such searing headaches can be relieved by cloves. Their ability to reduce heat and relieve pain helps them achieve this. Crush a few cloves and place a handkerchief over them to relieve your headache. Breathe in the aroma to calm your mind. According to research, cloves are used to make medications for both humans and animals for the reasons mentioned above.
6. Enhance liver function :
According to studies, cloves’ advantageous compounds may support liver health. Eugenol is one of the compounds that may be particularly good for the liver. In one experiment, rats were given mixtures containing either clove oil or eugenol to treat fatty liver disease. Both combinations lessened oxidative stress, decreased inflammation, and enhanced liver function. Eugenol, which is present in cloves, has been shown in another animal study to help reverse liver cirrhosis signs, or liver scarring. Regrettably, not much is known about how cloves and eugenol protect the liver in humans.
A small study, however, discovered that taking eugenol supplements for a week led to a decrease in the levels of GSTs, a family of enzymes involved in detoxification and frequently used as a marker for liver disease. Due to their capacity to lessen oxidative stress, cloves’ high antioxidant content may also help prevent liver disease . However, large doses of eugenol are toxic. A 2-year-old boy’s case study revealed that 5–10 mL of clove oil seriously damaged his liver.
7. Clove for Skin Itches :
Clove oil applied topically may help reduce skin irritation. In one study, 25 individuals with chronic pruritus—or itchy skin—who used clove oil reported less itching than a group of the same individuals who used petroleum oil.10 Although these findings are encouraging, more investigation is required to fully comprehend the effects of clove oil on itchy skin.
8. Cloves Help in Weight Loss :
Losing weight to a healthy weight has many health benefits. For instance, it reduces blood sugar and cholesterol levels and eases the strain on your bones and joints. According to a study, cloves aid in boosting metabolism. They lower cholesterol because of their anti-cholesteremic qualities. Plus, when you mix them with cumin, cinnamon, and pepper, they speed up your metabolism. Consequently, these aid in weight loss.
9. Cloves Raise Levels of Testosterone :
The sex hormone testosterone controls a man’s bone mass, fat distribution, and libido. Furthermore, it increases sperm and red blood cell production in addition to improving muscle mass and strength.
Testicular function is enhanced by cloves, raising testosterone levels. They improve fertility as well. They boost energy and nerve function, reduce stress and anxiety, and raise body temperature and blood flow. It stops erectile dysfunction and rapid ejaculation. They facilitate a fulfilling intimate life. According to research, male sexual disorders can be treated with cloves as an indigenous medicine in Asian nations.
10. Cloves Guard Against Cancer :
Clove eugenol has potent chemopreventive or anti-carcinogenic qualities. Betulinic acid and other triterpenes found in cloves combat breast, lung, and ovarian cancer exclusively in its early stages. Therefore, eat more cloves to protect yourself from cancer. A study found that because cloves work in different cancer cells, they may be the treatment of choice for cancer in the future.
11. Clove for ailments of the brain :
Since clove oil is thought to stimulate circulation, it may be able to help treat anxiety, depression, fatigue, insomnia, memory loss, and mental exhaustion.four An animal model was used to test clove oil’s ability to treat depression. It was discovered to be beneficial because it had an antidepressant effect. Clove oil should not be used in place of medical treatment, though. Consult your physician or psychiatrist immediately if you are experiencing psychological distress.
12. Cure Natural Bad Breath with Cloves :
The medical term for foul breath is halitosis. Food particles break down, causing an increase in bacteria and an unpleasant odor. Thus, this naturally occurs in and around your teeth.
Cloves eliminate bacteria and decomposing material from the tongue, palate, and upper portion of the throat. Their potent aromatic properties mask offensive odors in the mouth. Studies have shown that a mixture of clove and cinnamon oils helps treat dental caries.
13. Cloves Reduce Tension :
We engage in a variety of daily activities, such as working out and taking supplements, to help us decompress and feel less stressed. Cloves have calming, anti-stress qualities that help you feel at ease. Their abundance in antioxidants shields your cells from harmful free radicals. Cloves contain eugenol, which is very beneficial in lowering oxidative stress.
14. Medicinal Cloves for Erectile Dysfunction :
Men’s sexual drive is increased by clove. It also lowers the chance of male sexual disorders. Among them is erectile dysfunction, which over time can lead to relationship problems, stress, and low self-esteem. Clove lengthens erections and enhances sexual performance, according to a study.
Healthy Recipes of Cloves
#1 Laung Kadha
Ingredients:
• Saunf or fennel seeds- 1 tsp
• Ajwain or carom seeds- 2 tsp
• Laung or clove- 4-6 pieces
• Sabut Kali Mirch or black pepper- 2-4 pieces
• Jeera or cumin- 1 tsp
• Water- 4 glasses
• Jaggery- 1 tbsp
Instructions:
1. Compile every component.
2. Fill a container with water and all the ingredients, excluding the jaggery.
3. Bring this water to a boil over high heat for five to ten minutes.
4. After that, add the jaggery and simmer or boil for 15 minutes on low heat.
5. Boil it until there are only 1.5 glasses left.
6. To improve the flavor, add ½ teaspoon of grated ginger.
It’s time for your Kadha to heal you!
#2 Clove Tea
Ingredients:
• Ground cloves- 1 tsp
• Water- 1 cup
Directions:
1. Take one tablespoon of whole cloves and grind it.
2. Add a cup of water to a pan.
3. Then add the cloves and bring it to a boil.
4. Steep it for approximately 3-4 minutes.
5. Let it cool, strain and serve warm.
Benefits:
• Helps in weight loss
• Boosts immunity
• Helps manage diabetes
Drink it early in the morning for maximum benefits.
SPECIAL ADVICE & CAUTIONS
There is lot’s of Benefits of Cloves but If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, get emergency medical attention: hives; trouble breathing; swelling in your lips, tongue, or throat. If after applying clove topically you experience extreme burning, redness, pain, or swelling, stop using clove and contact your doctor right away. Furthermore, contact your physician right away if you have taken oral clove and you have:
1. lactic acidosi : Which manifests as weakness or pain in the muscles, numbness or a cold feeling in the arms and legs, breathing difficulties, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, an irregular or fast heartbeat, dizziness, or extreme exhaustion;
2. liver problems: Such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine, clay-colored stools, nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, fatigue, and loss of appetite; or
3. Infection symptoms: such as fever, chills, mouth or throat sores, coughing, and breathing difficulties.
4. Children: It is most likely unsafe for children to consume clove oil orally. Serious adverse effects include fluid imbalances, liver damage, and seizures are possible.
5. Breastfeeding and pregnancy: Clove is Probably Safe when taken orally in food portions. The safety of taking medicinal dosages of clove while pregnant or nursing is not well-established enough. Remain cautious and refrain from using.
6. Bleeding disorders: Eugenol, an ingredient in clove oil, appears to slow blood clotting. People with bleeding disorders may experience bleeding when taking clove oil, according to concerns.
7. Surgery: Eugenol, a substance found in clove oil, appears to slow blood clotting. It could result in bleeding during or after surgery, which is a worry. Give up using clove at least two weeks prior to the planned procedure.
What Are Clove Supplements?
A common herbal supplement is clove, which has lot’s of Benefits of Cloves. Many herbal compounds lack regulated manufacturing standards, and it has been discovered that some supplements that are sold contain harmful metals or other medications. It is best to buy herbal/health supplements from a reputable supplier to reduce the possibility of contamination. Plant compounds found in abundance in cloves have been demonstrated to have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
There isn’t much research on humans, but some data indicates that high doses of cloves may have a number of health benefits. Clove supplements, however, might not be safe for everyone and might interfere with some medications. In quantities that are frequently present in food and utilized in baking and cooking, cloves are safe to consume. Additionally approved as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are clove oil, clove buds, and eugenol.
Supplements containing cloves are probably dangerous for young children. Five to ten millilitres (mL) of clove oil have been known to cause serious side effects, including liver damage, in children three years of age or younger. Clove supplements should not be taken by anyone who is pregnant or nursing, as there is insufficient data to support their safety in these situations.
You May Also Read: https://lifelonghealth.in/best-rosemary-oil-for-hair-growth/
In summary
We have examined all of the Benefits of Cloves as well as their long-term impacts. In addition to being a common spice for Asian cuisine, they have a wide range of therapeutic benefits. Clove tends to maintain body temperature. Therefore, having them in the winter is preferable. Eugenol, an antioxidant, is the source of cloves’ potency. They also possess antimicrobial qualities. They can take the place of artificial food preservatives. Therefore, to prevent any health issues, make the most of the Benefits of Cloves but use them sparingly. To ensure safety and appropriate use, it’s important to speak with your doctor if you’re interested in taking supplements containing cloves.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What advantages do cloves have for your health?
Cloves have a number of health advantages. They improve immune function, facilitate better digestion, and even help manage diabetes. In addition, they aid in weight loss, treat headaches, and combat oral diseases.
2. What adverse effects can cloves cause?
Regularly applying clove oil to your mouth can harm your mucous membranes, skin, gums, and tooth pulp. In addition, breathing in the smoke from clove cigarettes may cause respiratory issues.
3. Which illnesses can cloves treat?
Cloves can treat headaches, diabetes, oral illnesses, and digestive problems. They also handle cancer and erectile dysfunction. They also guard against respiratory illnesses. These consist of sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis, and colds.
4. Does clove oil benefit the lungs?
Cloves are indeed very beneficial to your lungs. They prevent the lung’s aberrant cell growth. Moreover. Cloves have been shown in several studies to help prevent lung cancer. Moreover, colds, bronchitis, coughs, asthma, and upper respiratory ailments can all be treated with clove oil as an expectorant.
5. Is clove tea okay to have every day?
Clove tea does possess antimicrobial, antiviral, and antiseptic qualities. To get the benefits, you can drink it every day. However, because it might upset your stomach, limit your consumption to once or twice a day.
6. Can cloves able to lose belly fat?
Cloves aid in boosting metabolism. A faster metabolism aids in weight loss. They also possess anti-lipid and anti-cholesteremic qualities. Nonetheless, there isn’t a specific link with abdominal fat.