Cloves are the dried flower buds of the Syzygium Aromaticum tree. For years, cloves have widely been used not only as a spice but also as a medicine for many ailments. It was traditionally used for curing tooth decay, digestive issues, bad breath, and even as an aphrodisiac.

Nutrition Content Of Cloves:

Cloves, besides lending a fragrant aroma to foods like biryani, dal, curries, soups and tea, display a superb nutritional profile, comprising numerous essential vitamins, minerals, as well as dietary fibers. They are inherently low in calories, making them ideal for weight loss, besides supplying ample amounts of fibers, to facilitate smooth digestion. Cloves are a rich source of manganese, a key trace mineral for optimal brain functions and strengthening bones, along with calcium and phosphorous.

Blessed with generous quantities of vitamin K, cloves aid in prompt blood clotting processes in tissue injuries, while the vast reserves of potassium are valuable for maintaining normal blood pressure and preventing hypertension. Cloves also contain a plethora of compounds with potent antioxidant properties, namely vitamin C, vitamin E, eugenol, flavonoids and gallic acid, which eliminate harmful free radicals from the body. This averts the risk of cancer, bolsters immunity, ensures optimal metabolism and promotes healthy skin and hair.

Ways To Add Cloves to the Regular Diet:

Cloves have been an integral part of Indian kitchens since time immemorial, for their overpowering minty aroma and subtly spicy flavour, in addition to the myriad health benefits they confer. Cloves, also called “Laung” or “Lavanga” in India, are used in traditional desi recipes either as the whole bud or ground into a fine powder.

The powdered clove is often a part of customary Indian spice mixes, such as garam masala, Goda masala and Chettinad masala. Clove powder or dried buds are also added to teas, warm beverages and desserts, to complement the sweet taste of sugar, honey, and jaggery. Clove is used in small amounts to prepare pulao, and biryani, as well as dals, meat curries and soups, for their invigorating fragrance and mildly tangy taste.

Superb Health Benefits of Cloves:

Promotes Digestion

Cloves improve digestion by stimulating enzyme secretions and increases digestive motility. Cloves are best used for easing flatulence, gastric irritability, dyspepsia, and nausea.

Controls Diabetes

Cloves are best for people with high blood sugar levels. Research has found that cloves improve insulin sensitivity and aid in the efficient functioning of insulin.

Good For Bones And Joints

Cloves are packed with hydro-alcoholic compounds such as eugenol and flavonoids that help increase bone density and mineral content in bones. People with weak bones and osteoporosis benefit from taking cloves regularly.

Boosts Immune System

The amazing ingredient, eugenol in clove is very effective against many harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The anti-viral and blood purification potential of clove decreases the toxicity in blood and increases the resistance against diseases by stimulating white blood cells.

Reduces Body Pain And Inflammation

The eugenol in cloves possesses strong anti-inflammatory properties and helps ease pain by stimulating pain receptors in the body. Clove oil or extract provides relief from arthritis, inflammation and any pain in general.

Relieves Toothache

Clove oil is an effective remedy for dental pain, toothaches, sore gums, and mouth ulcers due to its germicidal properties. As per the American Dental Association clove oil has been approved as a dental anaesthetic.

Prevents Cancer

To stay protected from cancer eat more cloves, as the eugenol in clove possesses strong anticarcinogenic properties and helps control lung cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer at its early stages.

Eases Breathing

In these days and times of tough pandemic, always keep cloves handy for treating breathing difficulties. Patients suffering from bronchitis, and asthma are often advised to inhale the smell of cloves for instant relief. Put some cloves on a hot pain and inhale those fumes to open clogged airways and ease breathing difficulties. Add two drops of clove oil to your tea to cleanse the airways or chew on a piece of clove to soothe your sore throat. 

Stimulates Blood Circulation

Adding clove to your daily diet triggers metabolic activity and regulates body temperature. Loaded with antioxidants, cloves can purify blood and provide a glow to the skin from within. If you are feeling stressed out, rub some warm clove oil on your head, neck and back for instant relief and to calm the mood.

Ayurvedic Benefits of Cloves

In Ayurveda, cloves (known as Lavangam) are highly valued for their medicinal and therapeutic properties. They are considered a powerful remedy for balancing the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and are widely used in Ayurvedic treatments.

Balances Doshas

Vata: Cloves are warming and help pacify excess Vata, reducing issues like dry skin, constipation, and anxiety.

Kapha: Cloves stimulate metabolism and help manage excess Kapha, relieving lethargy and congestion.

Pitta: Cloves can balance Pitta when used in moderation, addressing inflammation and digestive discomfort.

Cloves are believed to purify the blood and remove toxins from the body. They are also used in Ayurvedic detox practices to promote liver function.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Cloves Have Side Effects?

Yes, cloves if consumed in excess amounts any result in certain side effects. Some common side effects include:

Consuming too many cloves may irritate the mouth or throat. Also, excess intake can also lead to nausea or stomach woes.

Rarely, cloves can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Cloves contain a compound called eugenol, which may thin the blood and increase bleeding risk, especially if taken in large amounts or alongside blood-thinning medications.

What Is The Best Time To Take Cloves?

The best time to consume cloves depends on the purpose:

Take cloves after meals to aid digestion and reduce bloating.

Consuming cloves in the morning on an empty stomach with warm water or honey can help boost immunity.

Use clove-infused water or chew a clove after meals to freshen your breath and support oral hygiene.

What Is the Recommended Intake Of Cloves Per Day?

Moderation is key when consuming cloves. Generally:

Adults: 1–3 cloves per day is considered safe for most people.

What Is The Best Way To Consume Cloves?

Cloves can be consumed in various ways depending on your needs:

Chew one clove to freshen your breath and support oral health.

Boil a few cloves in water and drink it as tea to ease digestion or soothe a sore throat.

Mix a pinch of clove powder with honey or add it to herbal teas for immune support.

Use cloves as a spice in savoury and sweet dishes to add flavour and health benefits.

(This article is reviewed by Preeti Sharma, Wellness Expert)

Author Profile:

M Sowmya Binu:

With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.

References:

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum): a precious spice

Diego Francisco Cortés-Rojas 1,2,*, Claudia Regina Fernandes de Souza 1,2, Wanderley Pereira Oliveira 1,2

Reviewed by: Marcos José Salvador1,2

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3819475/

Clove: A champion spice

International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy 2(1)

Milind Parl

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267402397_Clove_A_champion_spice