We’ve been hearing the buzz about cloves lately, and its supposed benefits but let’s find out what cloves are. Cloves are the flower buds of the clove tree, an evergreen tree known as Syzygium aromaticum. Cloves are a versatile spice that adds flavour while also providing health benefits. They are high in antioxidants, may help regulate blood sugar, kill bacteria, and more.
Found in both whole and ground forms, this versatile spice can be used to season pot roasts, add flavour to hot beverages, and bring spicy warmth to cookies and cakes. Here are some benefits of cloves.
High in antioxidants
Cloves contain a compound called eugenol, which has been shown to act as a natural antioxidant. Therefore, including cloves in your diet, along with other antioxidant-rich foods, can help improve your overall health.
Cloves protect against infections
Eugenol is one of the main active ingredients in cloves, and it has antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal attributes, which protect you against infections from various organisms.
Research on the benefits of cloves is still in its early stages, and more studies are needed to see how findings apply to people. However, one study on mice found that clove essential oil can increase the white blood cell count, thus suggesting that clove intake may boost your immune system.
Cloves help with oral care
Cloves are great for oral care because of their antimicrobial properties. The use of eugenol for treating toothache, jaw pain, and sore gums dates to the 13th century. Despite the uncommon but possible occurrence of eugenol causing contact dermatitis, eugenol is used in modern dentistry because of its antibacterial, pain-relieving, and anaesthetic properties.
Cloves promote gut health
As cloves are rich in fibre and have antioxidant properties, it makes sense that they’re great promoters of gut health. Cloves have been shown to relieve indigestion and reduce gas.
Cloves relieve pain and stress
Cloves are known for their pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. Using clove oil in a lotion or brewing them in your tea may help you relieve muscle and joint pain associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Clove powder mixed with milk may be effective in treating headaches, too.
Cloves suppress cough
Clove oil acts as an expectorant and can be effective in treating upper-respiratory ailments like cough. You can crush cloves and brew them in your tea. Clove’s anti-inflammatory properties can soothe your throat and help get rid of cough.
This is the right time to explore the use of cloves as spices or for dental care.
