Mother Nature has bestowed us with a diverse array of herbs and spices, each conferring exceptional health-benefiting properties. Right from enhancing flavour to any bland foods, a pinch of spice can enrich the taste while nurturing the body. Among these, clove stands out as an incredible spice, heaped with potent antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory traits. Laden with vital nutrients, it not only supports overall health but also serves as a remedy for common health woes.
Clove or Laung, a commonly used spice, has been highly valued for its medicinal qualities for ages. It is a staple spice in our kitchen cabinet, which is valued for its warm and aromatic flavour. Whether consumed whole, chewed, or infused into water, clove offers a broad range of health benefits.
Is drinking clove water good or bad for health? Read this article to know more about its benefits, ways to incorporate it into your diet, and potential side effects.
Also Read: 7 Amazing Benefits Of Cloves
Health Benefits
Rich in Antioxidants
Cloves are endowed with a storehouse of antioxidant compounds including flavonoids, phenols and eugenol. These potent antioxidants shield healthy cells from damage caused by free radicals and ease inflammation. Thus, drinking clove water is beneficial in averting the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease and neurological conditions and augments overall physical and mental health.
Digestive Health
Chewing clover soon after a heavy meal can support the digestion process by triggering the production of digestive enzymes in the mouth and intestine. This is due to the presence of eugenol compound containing carminative traits, which assists in relieving gas, bloating and indigestion. Besides these, it is also beneficial in healing gastric issues and improving gut health.
Strengthens Immune System
The key bioactive component in cloves is eugenol, which is abundant in clove oil. This potent essential oil contains antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal qualities, which safeguard the body from harmful pathogens and keep infections at bay. A study found that clove essential oil can increase the white blood cell count. Thus, having cloves or clove infusion may bolster the immune system and can eliminate bacteria causing food poisoning.
Detoxifies Liver
The primary bioactive eugenol and thymol in clove is believed to safeguard liver cells. Drinking clove infusion improves liver health by supporting the formation of new cells and detoxifying the waste from the system
Manages Blood Sugar Levels
The active ingredient eugenol in clove functions similarly to the hormone insulin. Consuming about 1 to 3 grams of clove daily for a month can help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar spikes and reduce cholesterol levels. In addition, rich in manganese including cloves in the diet is known to reduce the risk of diabetes.
Also Read: Cardamom Water Benefits for Glowing Skin: Recipe, Uses, and Precautions
Relieves Pain/ Inflammation
Eugenol, a key compound in cloves, has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, making cloves effective in alleviating headaches, toothaches, and joint pain.
Respiratory Health
Cloves help clear mucus and soothe sore throats, making them a natural remedy for colds, coughs, and respiratory infections.
What Is the Best Time To Have Clove?
Digestion: Chew a clove or consume clove tea after meals to support the digestion process and avert indigestion and bloating.
Detoxification: Drink warm clove water on an empty stomach in the morning to detoxify the system and trigger immunity.
Respiratory Health: Have warm milk with clove powder or chew a clove before sleep to ease a cough, clear congestion and get sound sleep.
Control Diabetes: Take 1-2 cloves before food to keep the blood sugar under control.
Ways to Add Clove to Your Diet
Chewing on a clove daily on an empty stomach can offer numerous health incentives.
Soak about 2–3 cloves in a glass of water overnight and drink it in the morning to reap its benefits and stabilise the blood sugar levels.
Clove can be added to herbal teas, ginger tea, or turmeric milk for enhanced health and boost immunity.
Cloves can be added to curries, soups, and stews to enrich taste and aroma while providing health benefits.
Powder cloves mixed with honey can be taken as a natural remedy for sore throats and coughs.
Potential Side Effects
Cloves are safe and well tolerated by most people, however, excessive consumption can lead to:
Overconsumption can cause stomach irritation, heartburn, or diarrhea.
Cloves may lower blood sugar levels, so diabetic patients should monitor their intake.
Excessive consumption of eugenol (found in cloves) may lead to liver toxicity.
A few people may experience allergies like skin irritation or respiratory issues.
Cloves have blood-thinning properties, which may increase the risk of excessive bleeding during or after surgery. Thus, clove consumption should be stopped two weeks before any surgical procedure.
Conclusion
Chewing cloves or drinking clove infusion can be highly valuable for optimising overall health and well-being. However, moderation is key, as excessive consumption may lead to side effects. Always consult a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your dietary regimen, especially if you have comorbid medical conditions.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
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:
Bioactive properties of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) essential oil nanoemulsion: A comprehensive review
Vinay Kumar Pandey a, Shivangi Srivastava b, Ashish a, Kshirod Kumar Dash c,∗, Rahul Singh a,∗∗, Aamir Hussain Dar d, Tripti Singh f, Alvina Farooqui a, Ayaz Mukkaram Shaikh e, Bela Kovacs e,
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10755278/
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum): a precious spice
Diego Francisco Cortés-Rojas 1,2,*, Claudia Regina Fernandes de Souza 1,2, Wanderley Pereira Oliveira 1,2
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3819475/
